Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

NurseJournal Staff
By
Updated on May 10, 2023
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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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

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Location-markerAnn Arbor, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,520
  • Out-of-state$53,669
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,344
  • Out-of-state$49,120
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate26%
  • Students Enrolled47,907
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment91%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Alma College

  • Location-markerAlma, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$42,352
  • Out-of-state$42,352
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled1,435
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Michigan State University

  • Location-markerEast Lansing, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,555
  • Out-of-state$40,384
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,858
  • Out-of-state$37,056
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled49,695
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Andrews University

  • Location-markerBerrien Springs, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,808
  • Out-of-state$29,808
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$27,936
  • Out-of-state$27,936
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled3,162
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Grand Valley State University

  • Location-markerAllendale, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,576
  • Out-of-state$19,168
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,448
  • Out-of-state$17,448
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled23,350
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Spring Arbor University

  • Location-markerSpring Arbor, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,872
  • Out-of-state$29,872
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,942
  • Out-of-state$7,942
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled3,118
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment69%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Northern Michigan University

  • Location-markerMarquette, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,882
  • Out-of-state$17,504
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,408
  • Out-of-state$12,864
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled7,368
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment73%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Macomb Community College

  • Location-markerWarren, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,700
  • Out-of-state$7,260
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled16,736
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment63%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Oakland Community College

  • Location-markerBloomfield Hills, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,512
  • Out-of-state$4,512
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled14,511
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Michigan Nursing Schools and Programs

Olivet College

  • Location-markerOlivet, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,126
  • Out-of-state$30,126
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled1,023
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes

Featured Online MSN Programs

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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 AreasMedian 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

Choose Your State Below

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.