Best Online Nursing Programs in Abilene, TX (2026)
Abilene, Texas has a population of about 127,130. The city’s median household income is $62,720 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 27.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Abilene. In Texas, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $227,580 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Abilene
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Abilene city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco College | Cisco, TX | 44.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ranger College | Ranger, TX | 61.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Texas schools on the Texas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Abilene
Abilene is part of the Abilene, TX metro area (BLS area code 10180). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Texas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $77,860 | Abilene, TX | $86,128 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $56,430 | Abilene, TX | $62,423 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,580 | TX statewide | $251,748 |
| Nurse Midwife | $111,190 | TX statewide | $122,998 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,420 | Abilene, TX | $138,739 |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,010 | Abilene, TX | $38,728 |
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.
Abilene at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,720 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 27.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 90.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Taylor County | 5,966 workers, 66 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Abilene-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Brownwood, TX – 67.9 mi away (22,551 pop)
- San Angelo, TX – 81.4 mi away (100,472 pop)
- Stephenville, TX – 90.1 mi away (20,213 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Abilene, TX?
Our directory lists 2 nursing programs within 100 miles of Abilene. The closest is Cisco College in Cisco, TX (44.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Ranger College (61.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Abilene?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Abilene are: Nurse Anesthetist ($227,580), Nurse Practitioner ($125,420), Nurse Midwife ($111,190). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Texas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Brownwood instead of Abilene?
Brownwood, TX is 67.9 miles from Abilene 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 Abilene an affordable place to study nursing?
Abilene’s median household income of $62,720 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Abilene while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Texas 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.