Best Online Nursing Programs in Richmond, VA (2026)
Richmond, Virginia has a population of about 227,595. The city’s median household income is $62,671 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 44.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Richmond. In Virginia, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $139,770 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Richmond
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Richmond city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | 1.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Henrico County-Saint Marys Hospital School of Practical Nursing | Richmond, VA | 2.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond, VA | 2.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Fortis College-Richmond | Richmond, VA | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Chester Career College | CHESTER, VA | 12.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Virginia schools on the Virginia nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Richmond
Richmond is part of the Richmond, VA metro area (BLS area code 40060). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Virginia statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $89,730 | Richmond, VA | $91,655 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,590 | Richmond, VA | $63,933 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $124,450 | Richmond, VA | $127,120 |
| Nurse Midwife | $139,770 | VA statewide | $142,768 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,990 | Richmond, VA | $127,671 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,890 | Richmond, VA | $39,724 |
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.
Richmond at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,671 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 44.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 97.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Richmond (city) County | 14,057 workers, 85 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Richmond-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Hopewell, VA – 19.1 mi away (22,735 pop)
- Petersburg, VA – 22.9 mi away (31,882 pop)
- Williamsburg, VA – 45.8 mi away (81,840 pop)
- Fredericksburg, VA – 53.2 mi away (164,610 pop)
- Newport News, VA – 60.2 mi away (181,825 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Richmond, VA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Richmond. The closest is Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA (1.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Chester Career College (12.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Richmond?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Richmond are: Nurse Midwife ($139,770), Nurse Practitioner ($124,990), Nurse Anesthetist ($124,450). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Virginia statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Hopewell instead of Richmond?
Hopewell, VA is 19.1 miles from Richmond 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 Richmond an affordable place to study nursing?
Richmond’s median household income of $62,671 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Richmond while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Virginia 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.