Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

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Updated December 14, 2022

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.
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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?

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.  

  • Program: BSN; accelerated second-degree BSN; RN-to-BSN degree
  • Campus: East Lansing
  • Type: Public
  • 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.

The median salary for nurses is $73,040, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the national median nurse salary is $75,330. However, the cost of living is also lower at 91.4, compared to the national index of 100.

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.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Michigan
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas Median Salary for RNs
Ann Arbor $79,240
Flint $76,090
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn $75,390
Lansing-East Lansing $75,110
Kalamazoo-Portage $73,950
Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Michigan

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.

APRN Requirements

To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you need a valid Michigan RN license and a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. You also must pass the national board certifications. If you plan to prescribe controlled substances, you should obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration number.

The state board of nursing lists all requirements on their website.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Michigan

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

State

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.

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