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Nursing schools in Michigan include community colleges and larger public and private institutions. This guide helps you find the right nursing program in Michigan for your goals.
Credit: Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Moment / Getty Images
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Moment / Getty Images
With more than 75 nursing programs in Michigan for associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs, finding the right school can be difficult. This guide can help you choose the right program for your needs and career goals. We include the top nursing schools in Michigan, describe how to earn a Michigan nursing license, and outline salary and employment outlooks for nurses.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Michigan.
The Best Nursing Schools in Michigan
Finding the right program for you depends on your personal preferences and needs, background, and goals. Because accreditation is so important, this guide only lists accredited programs.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Michigan, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
#1 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
MSU runs one of the best nursing schools in Michigan. Learners can pursue several undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Students can also pursue an accelerated second-degree BSN or an RN-to-BSN degree.
Students must enroll full time. Like some other nursing programs in Michigan, this program encourages enrollees not to work while earning their degree. Degree-seekers complete about 765 clinical hours during the four-semester program.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $14,414 per year for Michigan residents; $20,164 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 2.75 GPA; completion of 28 credits and prerequisite coursework; two reference letters; resume; evidence of community service or work experience
Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,630 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,555
Out-of-state
$40,384
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
49,809
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Students complete GVSU's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in person. The program requires 136 credits. Learners begin the program on the Allendale campus and finish their upper-division studies at the health campus in the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
Degree-seekers complete clinical rotations in areas like pediatric nursing and mental health nursing. Academic advisors provide individual program plans and relevant clinical practicums.
Program: BSN
Campus: Allendale
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $13,560 per year for Michigan residents; $19,296 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA; completion of all prerequisites; personal statement; interview
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,530 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$13,180
Out-of-state
$18,610
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
24,033
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Established in 1899, NMU offers over 170 academic programs, including 30 online and campus-based graduate degrees. The 45-credit master of science in nursing (MSN) curriculum uses a low-residency model. Learners complete most courses online and visit campus occasionally. Students can complete their clinical hours locally with an approved preceptor.
Program: MSN
Campus: Marquette
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $612 per credit for in-state learners; $828 per credit for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; resume; three recommendation letters; statement of goals
Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,758
Out-of-state
$16,380
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
7,732
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Andrews offers several nursing programs, including an RN-to-BSN program. The program attracts nurses who want to advance in their career or prepare for graduate training. The school features rolling admissions. Like many of the top nursing schools in Michigan, Andrews lets learners complete the degree fully online.
Program: RN-to-BSN program
Campus: Berrien Springs
Type: Private
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $425 per credit
Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.5 GPA; RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,110 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$28,992
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
3,390
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
SVSU's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) prepares learners for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students begin their studies with general education and pre-nursing requirements. They then apply for admission to the upper-division nursing program. SVSU also offers a master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice.
Program: BSN
Campus: University Center
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $346 per credit for Michigan residents; $832 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,690 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,376
Out-of-state
$24,963
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
8,251
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
UM-Flint is one of three campuses that make up the University of Michigan. The school offers several nursing degrees and post-master's certificates. Working nurses seeking to expand their training can pursue a post-master's certificate. Enrollees choose from a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialty or an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner specialty.
Program: Post-master's certificate program
Campus: Flint
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $833 per credit for Michigan residents; $1,038 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing; minimum 3.2 GPA; current APRN license; one year of acute-care experience
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $144,240 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,406
Out-of-state
$22,701
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
7,297
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Concordia University-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia offers several nursing programs in Michigan that build on a foundation of Christian principles. The 121-credit bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) blends liberal arts curriculum with nursing core requirements. Learners complete extensive simulations beginning in the first semester.
Program: BSN
Campus: Ann Arbor
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $31,660 per year
Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; ACT or SAT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,550 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$30,060
Out-of-state
$30,060
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
1,172
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI
2 years
Online + Campus
One of the most affordable nursing schools in Michigan, MCC offers a 67-credit associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing. The degree prepares enrollees for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program provides the credits and prerequisites learners need to transfer into a bachelor of science in nursing program.
Students learn in a state-of-the-art human patient simulator lab. They also participate in directed clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities.
Program: AAS in nursing
Campus: Warren
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $171 per credit for Michigan residents; $317 per credit for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,990 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,890
Out-of-state
$7,502
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
19,628
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Established in 1957, OU offers over 270 degrees and certificates.The post-master's certificate with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares master's graduates for advanced nursing roles. Graduates may work as primary care providers for patients throughout the lifespan.
The curriculum emphasizes culturally sensitive patient care, health promotion, and management of acute and chronic health problems.
Program: Post-master's certificate
Campus: Rochester Hills
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $802 per credit for Michigan residents; $1,027 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing; current RN license; goal statement; two recommendation letters; one year of RN experience
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.6% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $104,510 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,520
Out-of-state
$24,735
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
19,013
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs
Oakland Community College
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2 years
Online + Campus
OCC offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in Michigan. The associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing prepares learners for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program provides the necessary training for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of settings. Enrollees complete clinical experiences at Detroit-area healthcare facilities.
Program: AAS in nursing
Campus: Bloomfield Hills
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $99 per credit for Michigan residents; $192 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,810 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,392
Out-of-state
$4,392
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
15,211
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Featured Online MSN Programs
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Michigan
When comparing top Michigan nursing programs, consider factors like tuition and costs; whether you want to attend online, on-campus, or a hybrid program; the curriculum; the NCLEX-RN pass rate (a strong indicator of program quality); and the location. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Michigan, find out if you can get clinical placement in your community.
Why Become a Nurse in Michigan
Michigan hosts more than 100,000 nurses in its many hospitals, health systems, and other medical settings. Still, the number of nursing jobs is expected to grow 9.8% between 2018 and 2028.
Michigan offers communities of all sizes, including bustling college cities like Ann Arbor. If you prefer smaller towns, Michigan includes rural areas with superb access to nature and outdoor recreation.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Michigan
The median salary for registered nurses (RNs), according to the BLS, is $73,040, below the national median of $75,330. Similarly, the BLS reports a median salary of $107,170 for nurse practitioners (NPs), below the national median of $111,680. However, the cost of living is lower in Michigan, which offsets the lower salaries.
Michigan nurses also enjoy strong employment prospects. According to the 2020 Survey of Michigan Nurses, 68% report that it was easy for them to find a nursing position. Of those currently employed, another 39% had little trouble getting a nursing position in their preferred practice area.
Ann Arbor is only the fifth largest city in Michigan, but hosts the most nurses and the highest median salary. In fact, it has the fifth highest concentration of nursing jobs among all U.S. metro areas. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, which features one of the largest campuses in the nation and a prestigious academic medical center.
Other cities also offer high median salaries for nurses, including Flint, Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
Like other states, Michigan requires that nurses earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, pass a background check, and apply for a license from the state board of nursing. Michigan also requires that you answer questions about your moral character and pass training to identify and act upon the signs of human trafficking.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Michigan, you must graduate from an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX exam. You also submit official transcripts to the Michigan State Board of Nursing, pass a background check, answer questions about your moral character, complete training on how to recognize signs of potential human trafficking and what to do, and pay a $208.10 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Michigan
How long is nursing school in Michigan?
An ADN program in Michigan typically takes two years to complete with full-time coursework. A BSN program generally takes four years of full-time study. If you have a degree in another field, you may be able to apply those credits to enter an accelerated program.
What is the salary for new nurses in Michigan?
According to the BLS, registered nurse salaries in Michigan range from $55,280-$90,080. New nurses may expect to earn closer to this lower range. However, salaries vary based on location, specialty, and certifications. Many hospitals currently offer signing bonuses of $10,000 or more.
Are nurses in demand in Michigan?
Michigan is home to several large hospitals and health systems, and the total number of nursing jobs in Michigan is projected to grow by 9.8% between 2018 and 2028. While 35% of nurses have 20 or more years of experience, 61.6% plan to continue working for at least 10 more years, according to a state survey.
What are the steps to become a nurse in Michigan?
To become a nurse in Michigan, you must earn a nursing degree, either a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. You also need to pass a background check, pass a course on human trafficking, answer questions on your moral character, and submit an application to the state board of nursing.
Find Nursing Programs in Other States
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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