Best Online Nursing Programs in Centralia, WA (2026)
Centralia, Washington has a population of about 18,457. The city’s median household income is $52,387 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Centralia. In Washington, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $145,000 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Centralia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Centralia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centralia College | Centralia, WA | 0.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma, WA | 38.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | 38.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lower Columbia College | Longview, WA | 40.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | 41.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Washington schools on the Washington nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Centralia
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Washington, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $112,180 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $79,700 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A |
| Nurse Midwife | $145,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $140,220 |
| Nursing Assistant | $48,260 |
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.
Centralia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,457 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,387 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Centralia-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Tumwater, WA – 18.8 mi away (22,538 pop)
- Olympia, WA – 22.3 mi away (194,532 pop)
- Lacey, WA – 23.7 mi away (47,688 pop)
- Lakewood, WA – 36.8 mi away (60,665 pop)
- University Place, WA – 39.4 mi away (33,288 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Centralia, WA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Centralia. The closest is Centralia College in Centralia, WA (0.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Tacoma Community College (41.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Washington?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Washington are: Nurse Midwife ($145,000), Nurse Practitioner ($140,220), Registered Nurse ($112,180). Wages for Centralia workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Tumwater instead of Centralia?
Tumwater, WA is 18.8 miles from Centralia 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 Centralia an affordable place to study nursing?
Centralia’s median household income of $52,387 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Centralia while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Washington 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.