The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN

N. Susan Emeagwali
By
Updated on June 26, 2025
Edited by
Thinking about advancing your nursing career? Review our ranking of the best nursing programs in Michigan for an MSN, coursework, and application requirements.
Detroit, Michigan at duskCredit: Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Moment / Getty Images

Michigan’s nursing shortage creates an array of opportunities for registered nurses (RN) to advance their careers. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license, you may want to consider pursuing an MSN in Michigan.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree — including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse-midwives — can expect 40% job growth between 2023-2033. That’s dramatically higher than the 6% job growth for all RNs. MSN-educated nurses also enjoy higher pay.

Explore the best nursing programs in Michigan and their requirements.

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Explore the Best Michigan MSN Degree Programs and Schools

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

South University-Novi

  • Novi, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus

At South University, it is clearly understood that there is an increased need for highly skilled professionals in the health care industry. Thus, MSN Nurse Practitioner graduates become highly knowledgeable specialists. The focus is on critical nursing in particular, with a concentration in Adult Health and Family. It is one of the only schools in the state that offers this particular specialization.

  • Campus: Novi, MI
  • Type: Private, for profit
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $458 per credit hour
  • Minimum time commitment: 2 years
  • Online availability: Yes
  • Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, GPA 3.0 minimum, transcripts, nursing research course, three letters of reference, goal statement, resume
  • Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Adult Health and Family)

10%

Online Enrollment

$16,620

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$16,620

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
60
Institution Type
Private
#2

Andrews University

  • Berrien Springs, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

At Andrews University, MSN students are instructed on how to become highly skilled nurse educators. This program was developed as a direct response to the increased national need for nurse educators. The school follows the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which are incorporated into their curriculum.

  • Campus: Berrien Springs, MI
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $993 per credit
  • Minimum time commitment: 38 credits
  • Online availability: No
  • Degree requirements: BSN, English Proficiency, RN license, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, GRE, transcripts
  • Programs: MSN Nursing Education

35%

Online Enrollment

$28,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$28,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
2,867
Institution Type
Private
#3

Eastern Michigan University

  • Ypsilanti, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

At Eastern Michigan University, MSN students are educated in the skills required to respond to community needs. The focus is on adult-gerontology nursing and graduates will be educators and leaders in their field. They can seek employment in a variety of settings, including primary care, hospitals, clinics, community agencies and home health agencies. The school also encourages graduates to continue on to their doctoral degree program.

  • Campus: Ypsilanti, MI
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $480.75 per credit hour for residents and $947.70 for non residents
  • Minimum time commitment: 40 to 49
  • Online availability: No
  • Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, TOEFL if applicable, two letters of reference, essay, personal statement, statistics course, health assessment
  • Programs: MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner

80%

Online Enrollment

$ 937

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$1,627

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
14,048
Institution Type
Public
#4

Ferris State University

  • Big Rapids, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Ferris State University offers three separate concentrations in its MSN programs. Each of these looks at the complex requirements of the national health care system. It is known that, in Michigan in particular, there is a significant shortage of nurse educators. Hence, the program is designed to create true leaders in this field, in particular with a focus on administration and informatics.

  • Campus: Big Rapids, MI
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $522 per online credit hour and $512 per classroom credit hour
  • Minimum time commitment: 37 credits
  • Online availability: Some
  • Degree requirements: Transcripts, resume, three letters of recommendation, essay
  • Programs: MSN Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics

46%

Online Enrollment

$8,532

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$8,532

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
10,072
Institution Type
Public
#5

Grand Valley State University

  • Allendale, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The Grand Valley State University’s MSN program creates leaders who are able to run health are micro-systems, such as patient care settings and units, while incorporating the reforms within the health care system as a whole. The curriculum will create graduates that have all the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate evidence based practice within care settings. They will learn how to coordinate all the different elements of this system, while always focusing on positive patient outcomes. The focus is also strongly on how to deliver improved systems while at the same time bringing down expenditure.

  • Campus: Grand Rapids, MI
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $614 per credit hour for residents and $804 per credit hour for non residents
  • Minimum time commitment: 41 credits
  • Online availability: Yes – hybrid
  • Degree requirements: Transcripts, resume, GRE, personal statement, essay, interview, TOEFL if applicable, RN license, criminal background check, health assessment
  • Programs: MSN

46%

Online Enrollment

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
21,648
Institution Type
Public
#6

Saginaw Valley State University

  • University Center, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Saginaw Valley State University has developed an MSN program that feeds directly into the knowledge that students have already acquired at undergraduate leaders. They offer a number of different concentrations, including a dual educator/administrator concentration. Graduates will be ready to support and promote true quality health care, working in both clinical and academic settings. Nurses will learn how to work as part of a team and how to improve existing systems and develop new ones in order to improve outcomes for the communities they serve.

  • Campus: University Center, MI
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $497.60 per credit hour for residents and $948.95 for non residents
  • Minimum time commitment: 2 years
  • Online availability: Yes – hybrid
  • Programs: MSN Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Dual Degree – Nurse Educator/Administrator

48%

Online Enrollment

$15,748

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$29,622

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
7,523
Institution Type
Public
#7

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

At Michigan State’s College of Nursing, MSN students can become advanced practice nurses in a range of different concentrations. Graduates will be able to become true primary care leaders in their chosen specialization. They will understand the complexities of a health care environment, while at the same time ensure that care remains centered on the patient. Their role will be to focus on patient wellness, incorporating the needs of their families and carers. Graduates will be able to create, implement and evaluate systems to ensure true continuity of care. The focus is strongly on safety and effectiveness, which is what is required of nurse leaders. The faculty is incredibly supportive of its students and wants to ensure all graduates feel that they have been instructed by some of the best clinical preceptors in the field.

  • Campus: East Lansing, MI
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $646 per credit hour for residents, $1,269 per credit hour for non residents
  • Minimum time commitment: 2 years
  • Online availability: No
  • Degree requirements: Resume, BSN, RN license, GPA of 3.0 minimum, one year’s work experience, statistics course, essay, three letters of recommendation, interview, TOEFL if applicable
  • Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Adult/Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner), MSN – CNS Educator, MSN Nurse Anesthesia

76%

Online Enrollment

$20,202

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$39,696

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
50,023
Institution Type
Public

badge-check How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MSN degree programs 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. This ranking is from 2021.

How Do MSN Degree Programs Work?

MSN programs are designed to prepare RNs for roles and responsibilities beyond the scope of an RN. Nurses complete training in clinical and non-clinical specialties. The curriculum typically required 36-60 credits consisting of a nursing core, concentration or specialty, and clinical experience.

Depending on the institution, students can pursue a generalist track or clinical specializations such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse-midwife. Non-clinical tracks include nursing administration and nursing informatics.

MSN programs accommodate working RNs who need flexibility. RNs can choose from full-time or part-time enrollment options, and on-campus, hybrid, or fully online modes of delivery. The degree completion time is typically 20-24 months for full-time students. A lengthier commitment is required for nurses enrolled on a part-time basis.

Applying to Nursing Programs in Michigan

Applying to graduate school may seem daunting, but knowing the requirements and having a plan can help. Review each nursing program’s application requirements to ensure you qualify for admission.

Nursing programs in Michigan typically require an undergraduate degree in nursing. However, some programs may enroll RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another major. Nurses with ADNs can pursue RN-to-MSN bridge programs that provide a fast track to earn an MSN.

Applicants are often required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some schools set no minimum GPA except for applicants who want to waive the GRE or MAT requirement.

  • Admission Materials: Official school transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores (often optional), current and unrestricted RN license, a personal statement or essay, CV/resume, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
  • GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.7-3.0 GPA
  • Other Requirement: Nursing programs in Michigan may require 1-2 years of clinical experience. Applicants may also need to complete prerequisite science and math coursework.

Why Is MSN Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation requires nursing schools to undergo a rigorous peer review conducted by an established authority. The accreditation process ensures the school you attend meets national standards established to prepare a professional nursing workforce.

All of the programs on this ranking are accredited. Nursing programs in the United States hold accreditation from one of three national accrediting agencies:

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

Accreditation is required to meet a state board of nursing’s licensure requirements. Many employers also require accreditation as a condition of employment. Furthermore, you’ll need accreditation to apply for financial aid and transfer credits to accredited nursing programs.

Advanced nursing specialties such as nurse anesthesiology have additional accreditation from a specialized accrediting body like the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Michigan

Yes! An MSN can be worth the investment for many RNs seeking career advancement. An MSN provides the educational and clinical experience you need for specialization, leadership roles, and high-paying job opportunities. Plus, specialized nurses enjoy high job growth.