Best Online Nursing Programs in Forest City, NC (2026)
Forest City, North Carolina has a population of about 7,368. The city’s median household income is $35,897 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Forest City, with tuition ranging from $2,602 to $13,097 per year. In North Carolina, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $226,460 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Forest City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Forest City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isothermal Community College | Spindale, NC | 2.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | 13.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby, NC | 21.7 mi | $2,602 - $8,746 | – |
| McDowell Technical Community College | Marion, NC | 22.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Flat Rock, NC | 31.2 mi | $2,660 - $13,097 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Forest City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (North Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,860 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,380 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $226,460 |
| Nurse Midwife | $121,490 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,020 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,670 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Forest City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,368 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $35,897 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Rutherford County | 685 workers, 30 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Forest City-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Shelby, NC – 18.8 mi away (27,288 pop)
- Gaffney, SC – 21.6 mi away (21,692 pop)
- Spartanburg, SC – 27.1 mi away (185,031 pop)
- Greer, SC – 34.4 mi away (29,000 pop)
- Lincolnton, NC – 36.9 mi away (23,264 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Forest City, NC?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Forest City. The closest is Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC (2.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Blue Ridge Community College (31.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in North Carolina?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in North Carolina are: Nurse Anesthetist ($226,460), Nurse Practitioner ($125,020), Nurse Midwife ($121,490). Wages for Forest City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Shelby instead of Forest City?
Shelby, NC is 18.8 miles from Forest City and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Forest City an affordable place to study nursing?
Forest City’s median household income of $35,897 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Forest City while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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