RN to BSN Programs in Michigan | 2025

7 Min Read Published March 16, 2025
nurse studying in hospital

RN to BSN programs are a fast and cost-effective way for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) nurses to further their education and careers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees often earn more money and have better job opportunities.

This guide explores every RN to BSN school in Michigan, including their location, tuition costs, and lengths. We'll also discuss the average nurse salary in Michigan and job outlook.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Go From RN to BSN in Michigan

To earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, students must be Registered Nurses who have graduated from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and successfully passed the NCLEX-RN examination

There is no RN experience needed to earn your BSN. You can enroll immediately in an RN-BSN course upon graduation with your associate degree. Students can begin working right away while in the BSN program, or take some time to focus on work before enrolling. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs aim to further nurses' education and careers. For instance, BSN-prepared nurses can continue on to earn advanced degrees or pursue leadership positions. Although their title as an RN will not change, they may be able to earn more money and become eligible for better jobs.

RN to BSN Programs in Michigan

As a compact nursing state, any nurse licensed in Michigan is also eligible to work in states participating in compact licensure. These four RN-BSN programs in Michigan are a mix of private and public, with some programs offering a bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months. 

Location
Berrien Springs, MI
Tuition
$470 per credit hour
Program Length
1-2 years
Online Options Available?
Yes

This 32-credit fully online degree program is Christian faith-based and offers admission at three different times: August, April, and May. Students can transfer up to 92 credits from their ADN program, leaving the remaining 32 credits of the BSN to be earned through Andrews. Most students complete their degrees within 1-2 years. One of the program's outcomes promises to "Apply Christian values and health principles to restore humans to the image of God."

  • Degrees/Programs Offered: RN to BSN
  • School Type: Private

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Location
Big Rapids, MI
Tuition
$500 per credit hour
Program Length
Varies
Online Options Available?
Yes

Ferris State is a flexible program because it notes that once enrolled, students are not "locked in" to taking a specific amount of courses per semester. That being said, however, they add that most students take 1-2 courses per semester and continue working full-time while pursuing their BSN. Students complete a practicum and service learning requirement, which can be done at their current place of employment, although educational components must be completed outside of work hours. 

  • Degrees/Programs Offered: RN to BSN
  • School Type: Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
Tuition
$707.25 per credit hour
Program Length
4 semesters
Online Options Available?
Yes

MSU's RN to BSN program is unique because it requires in-person practice hours for students to pass, and students are encouraged not to work while enrolled. The program is considered full-time for four semesters with no part-time option. Two of the classes, NUR 461 – Community and Population Health and NUR 465 – Leadership Immersion, require 45 practice hours throughout the semester, although they can be completed at the nurse's location of choice. MSU admits only 60 students to their RN to BSN program every May, so students are notified of their admission status by February. 

  • Degrees/Programs Offered: RN to BSN
  • School Type: Public
Location
Adrian, MI
Tuition
$365 per credit hour
Program Length
16 months
Online Options Available?
Yes

This private school option encompasses 30 credit hours and 8 total online classes. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months or extended to two years if needed. Students who have lower GPAs may benefit the most from this RN to BSN program, as a minimum of an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is all that is required. 

  • Degrees/Programs Offered: RN to BSN
  • School Type: Private
Location
Detroit, MI
Tuition
  • Resident: $580 per credit hour
  • Non-Resident: $1,280 per credit hour
Program Length
2 years
Online Options Available?
Yes

Students who prefer in-person learning will want to consider Wayne State University's RN to BSN program, as it offers on-campus lectures, hands-on laboratory research, and clinical experience in Detroit-area facilities. Even with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities, the program is still hybrid, so much of the coursework can be completed online. 

  • Degrees/Programs Offered: RN to BSN
  • School Type: Private

About RN to BSN Programs in Michigan

RN to BSN programs in Michigan are undergraduate educational degree programs that grant registered nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Most RN to BSN programs—including those in Michigan—can be completed 100% online. Because RN to BSN programs focus heavily on academia and nursing theory, hybrid programs aren't usually necessary, although in-person options are available. 

Michigan does offer accelerated RN to BSN programs, which allow a nurse to earn a Bachelor's in as little as one year. Other programs in the state are part-time programs, so students can choose the pace that works best for them. 

To be eligible for an RN to BSN program in Michigan, students must already possess an active RN license in their home state. They do not need an active license in the state of Michigan, as the degree program does not affect their licensure. The program awards a degree, not a license. 

Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in Michigan

The cost of an RN to BSN program in Michigan will vary by school and length of program. Public school programs will cost less, while private school options have higher costs. In general, the RN to BSN programs we found in Michigan range from under $10,000 to $30,000+. 

Admission Requirements for Michigan RN to BSN Programs

Admission requirements for Michigan RN to BSN programs differ depending on the school. To understand the specific standards of your chosen school, you should speak with an academic advisor.

However, most RN to BSN programs in Michigan will have these general prerequisites:

  • Active RN license
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Prerequisite courses (per program)
  • Graduation from an accredited ADN program
  • All transcripts

Are RN to BSN Programs in Michigan Difficult?

RN to BSN programs may be more academically rigorous on courses that require a high emphasis on research and writing, but because they are specifically designed for working nurses, many nurses find the overall program less challenging than the practicum-based ADN program. 

Taking a full-time RN to BSN program can be more challenging than a part-time course load, but with many RN-BSN programs in Michigan available, students can choose the pace that works best for their lives. Some students may prefer a full-time load to finish their BSN quickly, while others will want a part-time program that allows them to keep working and slowly work through their program. 

Working as an RN in Michigan

RN Salary in Michigan

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for RNs is $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour. In Michigan, the average wage for RNs is $86,210 annually or $41.45 per hour, which is right in line with the national average. California is currently the highest-paying state for RNs, earning an average yearly salary of $137,690 or $66.20 an hour. 

Career Outlook

The BLS projects that the RN career field will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all other occupations. Additionally, it estimates 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year. Currently, Michigan is home to 102,240 working RNs.

Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in Michigan

Depending on your interests and skills, you can work in several locations as a nurse. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:

  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Government agencies
  • Academia
  • Medical and aesthetic spas
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Private practice
  • Surgery centers
  • Urgent care centers

Next Steps

The top RN to BSN programs in Michigan are perfect for working nurses. These flexible programs allow you to finish your BSN while maintaining a job and personal life. 

For more information on earning an RN to BSN, check out these resources:

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

FAQs

  • How many RN to BSN programs are in Michigan?

    • Michigan has five RN to BSN programs: Andrews University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University, Siena Heights University, and Wayne State University.
  • How much do RN to BSN programs in Michigan cost?

    • RN to BSN programs in Michigan range in price from under $10,000 to $30,000+, depending on the program. 
  • How long are RN to BSN programs in Michigan? 

    • RN to BSN programs in Michigan last one to two years. 
  • How many registered nurses are in Michigan?

    • Currently, there are 102,240 RNs employed in Michigan.
  • How much do registered nurses in Michigan make?

    • The average Michigan RN salary of $86,210 is pretty even with the national average of $86,070/year.
RN-BSN
Chaunie Brusie
BSN, RN
Chaunie Brusie
Nurse.org Contributor

Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN is a nurse-turned-writer with experience in critical care, long-term care, and labor and delivery. Her work has appeared everywhere from Glamor to The New York Times to The Washington Post. Chaunie lives with her husband and five kids in the middle of a hay field in Michigan and you can find more of her work here

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Saginaw Valley State University

Expertise:
Nursing, Women's Health, Wellness

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