Best Online Nursing Programs in Bismarck, ND (2026)
Bismarck, North Dakota has a population of about 74,146. The city’s median household income is $77,608 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 38.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Bismarck, with tuition ranging from $5,195 to $15,274 per year. In the Bismarck, ND metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $234,940 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Bismarck
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Bismarck city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 2.3 mi | $5,195 - $15,274 | – |
| Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND | 50.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Dakota schools on the North Dakota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Bismarck
Bismarck is part of the Bismarck, ND metro area (BLS area code 13900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to North Dakota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,040 | Bismarck, ND | $85,758 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,560 | Bismarck, ND | $67,648 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $234,940 | Bismarck, ND | $258,176 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | ND statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,810 | Bismarck, ND | $137,154 |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,890 | Bismarck, ND | $49,330 |
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.
Bismarck at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,146 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $77,608 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 38.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Bismarck-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Mandan, ND – 5.5 mi away (21,769 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Bismarck, ND?
Our directory lists 2 nursing programs within 100 miles of Bismarck. The closest is Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND (2.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Sitting Bull College (50.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Bismarck?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Bismarck are: Nurse Anesthetist ($234,940), Nurse Practitioner ($124,810), Registered Nurse ($78,040). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with North Dakota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Mandan instead of Bismarck?
Mandan, ND is 5.5 miles from Bismarck 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 Bismarck an affordable place to study nursing?
Bismarck’s median household income of $77,608 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bismarck while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Dakota 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.
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