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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Michigan

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

17 Min Read Published May 18, 2024

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Michigan
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
Next Steps
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
Getting a License in Michigan
Conclusion

View of Detroit from the lake at sunrise

Nurses entering the workforce are finding that some hospitals now require nurses to have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Not only is earning a BSN important for finding a position, but BSN graduates typically earn more than nurses without a college degree.

But where you earn a BSN from can also have a tremendous impact on your future. Picking the right school can set you up for your first job, connect you with professionals, and secure your place as a nurse for years to come.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in Michigan

Methodology

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Nurse Panel

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 45 years of combined nursing experience and 6 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Michigan nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. Grand Valley State University

In-State Tuition

$13,952 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,856 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

With nearly 20,000 students, Grand Valley State University does a good job of keeping an average class size of 27 students and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. GVSU also keeps things affordable, as 89% of students earn some type of financial aid. A low in-state tuition rate with a high chance of financial aid is more than enough to draw nurses to the BSN program.

In addition to affordability, nearly 100% of BSN grads find a job after graduation. Nursing students can also study in the Grand Rapids Medical Mile, an area dedicated solely to medical-related activities.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Percent Enrolled Online: 5%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $601
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $848

Contact Information:

Address: 1 Campus Dr, Allendale, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 79%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,535

2. Madonna University

In-State Tuition

$26,100 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$26,100 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Founded in 1937, Madonna University is a small, private school with just under 2,100 students. Madonna currently has four campus locations: Livonia (the main campus), Gaylord, and Macomb in Michigan, along with a campus abroad in China. Also available is an Accelerated BSN, a brand new, 16-month program that lets students with a non-nursing degree earn their BSN and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Courses through this program are offered online, but clinicals still need to be completed in person.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Percent Enrolled Online: 21%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $870
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $870

Contact Information:

Address: 36600 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 76%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $59,066

3. Western Michigan University

In-State Tuition

$14,523 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,154 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Located in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University has two unique qualities that set it apart. First, Western Michigan is one of the most diverse universities in the nation, and each student is paired with a mentor. Mentorship is huge for nursing students, both for education and networking.

The BSN degree, the top nursing degree at Western Michigan, offers direct admission for incoming freshmen. So, you’ll know for sure if you got into the nursing school before deciding to attend Western Michigan.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Percent Enrolled Online: 11%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $605
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $756

Contact Information:

Address: 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 77%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,626

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

In-State Tuition

$16,404 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$55,002 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – often referred to as Michigan – is one of the most recognizable universities in the nation. For an institution with such a rich history of academic excellence, it’s no surprise that the BSN makes it on the best nursing schools list.

From minor options for the BSN to the chance to study abroad, nursing students will get the education they want at Michigan. While the price is great, Michigan’s nursing program is incredibly competitive, and Michigan offers advice on how students can set themselves apart when applying to the nursing program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Percent Enrolled Online: 3%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $695
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $2,340

Contact Information:

Address: 503 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 97%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $63,652

5. Northern Michigan University

In-State Tuition

$11,796 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,292 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Northern Michigan University has a 360-acre campus in Marquette that hugs the shore of Lake Superior. Marquette is a total college town, with 6,600 undergraduate students compared to 20,000 Marquette locals.

Incoming BSN students will study at a state-of-the-art technology center, although Marquette’s northern location may make nursing students feel separated from large hospitals and facilities. However, the study abroad program in Belize designed specifically for nurses gives students the chance to get out of Michigan and see the world.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Percent Enrolled Online: 8%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $504
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $738

Contact Information:

Address: 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 73%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $56,776

6. Calvin University

In-State Tuition

$38,370 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$38,370 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Established in 1876, Calvin University was known as Calvin College for years – that is, until the name officially changed on July 10, 2019. The name change reflects the growing academic quality of Calvin, which instills Christian beliefs into all of their degrees. Faith plays a role in the BSN, too, although students will still spend most of their time learning about nursing and gaining real-world experience. Students can choose an interim abroad in Mexico, Nepal, or China.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Percent Enrolled Online: 6%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $924
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $924

Contact Information:

Address: 3201 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 86%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,770

7. Hope College

In-State Tuition

$37,990 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$37,990 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Located in downtown Holland, Hope College has over 150 years of teaching experience. While it is a small college with just 3,100 students, Hope is a nationally ranked school based on value and quality.

Future students interested in the nursing program have the chance to become pre-accepted for a BSN but need to have an ACT score of 28 or higher or an SAT score of 1300 or higher. After entering the program, nursing students study at a state-of-the-art simulation lab and complete their clinicals at various facilities in the area.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Percent Enrolled Online: 0%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $995
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $995

Contact Information:

Address: President's Office, 141 East 12th Street, Holland, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 89%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,108

8. Michigan State University

In-State Tuition

$15,192 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,778 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Perhaps best known for its athletics, Michigan State University is one of the nation’s premier universities for academics. Located in East Lansing, MSU is home to over 50,000 students from all around the world. Of course, a world-renowned university has a competitive nursing program. The traditional BSN receives triple the number of applications than there are spots in the program, so entry is far from guaranteed.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Percent Enrolled Online: 5%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $548
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,414

Contact Information:

Address: East Lansing, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 89%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $61,634

9. University of Detroit Mercy

In-State Tuition

$31,058 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$31,058 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

The University of Detroit Mercy is the largest Catholic school in Michigan. Home to 5,227 students, 92% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, so nursing students are unlikely to pay the full annual tuition rate.

Nursing students also get to take advantage of small class sizes, with some classes having as few as five students. Detroit Mercy nursing grads have also enjoyed a 100% placement rate after finishing their degree, so a nursing position after graduation is practically guaranteed.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Percent Enrolled Online: 2%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,163
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,163

Contact Information:

Address: 4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 85%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,897

10. Wayne State University

In-State Tuition

$12,933 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

One of Wayne State University's biggest draws is its downtown Detroit location. All 25,000 on-campus students live in the city, enjoying the perfect blend of city life and college atmosphere. The city location is part of the reason Wayne State’s nursing program is one of the top programs in Michigan.

Wayne State offers five undergraduate options: a traditional BSN, a direct-entry BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, an RN-BSN, and a program specifically for veterans. Once accepted to any of these programs, students can take advantage of the prime location and its proximity to hospitals.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Percent Enrolled Online: 14%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $471
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,082

Contact Information:

Address: 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 84%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $62,426

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

Michigan employs 102,480 nurses, making it one of the highest employers of nurses in the nation.
Michigan’s location quotient for nurses is 1.17, meaning they employ more nurses per capita than the national average.

Michigan offers a blend of outdoor beauty and bustling cities, ideal for nursing students that want a little bit of both.

While the annual mean salary for nurses in Michigan ($75,930) is slightly lower than the national mean salary ($77,600), Michigan has a lower cost of living than the national average. Housing is particularly affordable, making Michigan a good place to buy your first home.

If you can tolerate the cold winters, there’s plenty that Michigan has to offer for nurses!

Next Steps

Michigan has a blend of quality private and public schools, and nursing students should be open to applying to both – even if they aren’t Michigan residents. However, before sending any applications, students will want to make sure the schools they’ve chosen are the right fit.

Once you’ve selected some schools, the next steps are to:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. Admissions offices will be your primary point of communication with schools. They can tell you everything you need to know, from the necessary materials to submit, the minimum requirements, and the acceptance rate of the nursing program.
Make sure you meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing programs often have stricter admissions requirements than schools, so you’ll need to meet both standards. Typically, you’ll need a higher GPA, stronger test scores, and letters of recommendation. Volunteer hours and extracurriculars may also be required.
Submit your application(s). Once you’ve determined you’ve spoken to each school and determined your eligibility, all you need to do is submit your application(s). Some schools may use the Common App which could save you tons of time! During your application, you’ll need to submit:
High school transcript (GPA)

ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Each school has its own set of standards, so you may need to submit additional information. Keep in touch with admissions counselors during this process to make sure you’ve fully completed your college application.

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

A school may not seem like an ideal fit at first glance, but the better you get to know a college, the more you might like it. Don’t write off a school just because you’ve never heard of it or because it doesn’t have a football team – take the time to get to know each school.

The best way to find the right school is to weigh the pros and cons, which can include:

Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
Cost of living in the area
Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
Application process (direct entry vs. traditional entry)
Scholarships, grants, and federal aid offered
Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
Distance from hospitals
Additional opportunities (such as study abroad)
School’s accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

Accrediting agencies are in charge of setting minimum standards for education programs and ensuring specific programs meet their rigorous standards. An accredited school doesn’t just mean the program is great – unaccredited schools may make you ineligible for federal funding, and many employers will only accept nurses with a BSN from an accredited school.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then its nursing program adheres to strict national standards. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Getting a License in Michigan

Applying to become a nurse in Michigan is relatively simple. Everything can be done online through the Michigan Board of Nursing, and any questions you might have about the process can be answered there. Unfortunately, Michigan is not part of the Compact Nursing License so all Michigan nurses will have to apply for a state-specific license.

To get a license in Michigan, you’ll need to:

Earn a degree from an approved school
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check and submit your fingerprints
Send your information and apply through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

While nurses aren’t required by Michigan to complete a BSN, doing so increases your chances of finding a good job right out of school. Also, BSN programs satisfy the prerequisites to sit for the NCLEX-RN, so you’ll be on track if you choose to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Conclusion

As a high-employment state, Michigan could be a long-term home for nurses. Some of the top schools in the world are in Michigan, along with plenty of high-quality nursing programs. Regardless of which accredited program students choose, they’ll be setting themselves up for a high-paying job in an affordable state.