Best Online Nursing Programs in Waco, TX (2026)
Waco, Texas has a population of about 141,925. The city’s median household income is $51,468 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 28.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Waco, with tuition ranging from $3,660 to $13,382 per year. In Texas, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $227,580 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Waco
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Waco city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan Community College | Waco, TX | 2.4 mi | $3,660 - $13,382 | – |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco, TX | 7.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Hill College | Hillsboro, TX | 31.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Temple College | Temple, TX | 35.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Texas College | Killeen, TX | 47.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Texas schools on the Texas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Waco
Waco is part of the Waco, TX metro area (BLS area code 47380). 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 | $87,330 | Waco, TX | $94,411 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,820 | Waco, TX | $64,670 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,580 | TX statewide | $246,032 |
| Nurse Midwife | $111,190 | TX statewide | $120,205 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $123,970 | Waco, TX | $134,022 |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,640 | Waco, TX | $37,449 |
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.
Waco at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,468 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 28.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in McLennan County | 6,220 workers, 52 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Waco-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Temple, TX – 33.4 mi away (100,641 pop)
- Belton, TX – 38.8 mi away (20,873 pop)
- Harker Heights, TX – 43.9 mi away (29,757 pop)
- Killeen, TX – 46.2 mi away (243,947 pop)
- Copperas Cove, TX – 52.6 mi away (32,808 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Waco, TX?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Waco. The closest is McLennan Community College in Waco, TX (2.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Central Texas College (47.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Waco?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Waco are: Nurse Anesthetist ($227,580), Nurse Practitioner ($123,970), 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 Temple instead of Waco?
Temple, TX is 33.4 miles from Waco 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 Waco an affordable place to study nursing?
Waco’s median household income of $51,468 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Waco 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.