Best Online Nursing Programs in Athens, OH (2026)
Athens, Ohio has a population of about 23,211. The city’s median household income is $37,059 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 67.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Athens, with tuition ranging from $5,300 to $17,575 per year. In Ohio, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $216,350 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Athens
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Athens city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hocking College | Nelsonville, OH | 10.3 mi | $5,300 - $17,575 | – |
| Wood County Technical Center-Practical Nursing | Parkersburg, WV | 30.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| West Virginia University at Parkersburg | Parkersburg, WV | 32.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washington County Career Center-Adult Technical Training | Marietta, OH | 33.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Rio Grande | Rio Grande, OH | 34.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Ohio schools on the Ohio nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Athens
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Ohio, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,250 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,990 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $216,350 |
| Nurse Midwife | $121,720 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,740 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,570 |
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.
Athens at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,211 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $37,059 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 67.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Athens-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Parkersburg, WV – 30.1 mi away (65,331 pop)
- Marietta, OH – 35.5 mi away (21,735 pop)
- Lancaster, OH – 38.5 mi away (43,726 pop)
- Zanesville, OH – 43.8 mi away (42,097 pop)
- Chillicothe, OH – 47.8 mi away (32,004 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Athens, OH?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Athens. The closest is Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH (10.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Rio Grande (34.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Ohio?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Ohio are: Nurse Anesthetist ($216,350), Nurse Practitioner ($126,740), Nurse Midwife ($121,720). Wages for Athens workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Parkersburg instead of Athens?
Parkersburg, WV is 30.1 miles from Athens 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 Athens an affordable place to study nursing?
Athens’s median household income of $37,059 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Athens while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Ohio 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.