If you're aiming for a career in nursing and looking to study in Michigan, you're in luck. The state is home to several outstanding nursing schools that offer a wide range of programs, competitive tuition rates and excellent job placement opportunities! Whether you're starting college, switching careers or advancing your nursing practice, Michigan has a program for everyone. Here’s our take on the top 10 nursing schools in Michigan, their rankings, programs, tuition fees and more!
They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou, American memoirist and poet
1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Undergraduate Ranking: Tied for 7th nationally for BSN programs
- Graduate Ranking: 7th nationally for Master’s in Nursing programs
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: ~$36,531/year (in-state undergraduate); ~$78,329 (out-of-state)
- Graduate Tuition: $1,590/credit (in-state); $3,248/credit (out-of-state)
U-M's School of Nursing combines demanding coursework, innovative research and incredible clinical opportunities. The school offers one of the most comprehensive nursing programs in the country. Students benefit from being connected to Michigan Medicine, one of the top hospitals in the U.S., where they gain invaluable experience. Research opportunities are numerous, especially in areas like health disparities, chronic illness management and health promotion. Here is a virtual tour of Michigan University on YouTube!
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2. Michigan State University
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Undergraduate Ranking: 39th nationally for BSN programs
- Graduate Ranking: 68th nationally for MSN programs
- Programs Offered: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: ~$43,372/year (undergraduate); $893/credit (in-state grad), $1,729 (out-of-state)
MSU’s College of Nursing is known for its hands-on approach and emphasis on community involvement. The school provides excellent pathways for both entry-level students and working professionals. Their equipped learning labs, along with international study opportunities, make MSU an attractive option. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research, especially those interested in public health and aging populations.
3. Wayne State University
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Graduate Ranking: 64th nationally for MSN programs
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: ~$32,855/year (in-state undergraduate); ~$49,544 (out-of-state)
- Graduate Tuition: $1,087/credit
Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State offers diverse clinical experiences, especially in urban healthcare. It has strong community partnerships and research opportunities. The nursing school is committed to addressing health equity and disparities. Students here often work in local clinics and hospitals serving Detroit’s underserved communities.
As of Fall 2024, Wayne State University has 23,964 students enrolled, including 16,173 undergraduates, 5,503 graduate, and 2,288 professional students. The university also welcomed over 6,900 new students, with a 2% increase in first-year enrollment.
4. Western Michigan University
- Location: Kalamazoo, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$13,952/year
WMU provides a balance between academic discipline and concrete experience. The university places a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning. Their innovative curriculum is designed to ensure students are ready to meet the evolving needs of healthcare, including rural health and telemedicine. Clinical placements span a variety of settings, from hospitals to community outreach centers. Here is a virtual tour to help your visualize Western Michigan University!
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5. Oakland University
- Location: Rochester Hills, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$13,952/year
With its student-centered approach and modern labs, Oakland University is a great choice for those who want a nurturing learning environment with lots of clinical exposure. Oakland University collaborates with local health systems, including Beaumont Health. This ensures that students are well exposed to various clinical scenarios. Oakland also offers leadership training for nurses looking to move into administrative roles. What is your goal for your nursing career?
6. Grand Valley State University
- Location: Allendale, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$13,952/year
GVSU’s Kirkhof College of Nursing is known for promoting holistic care and public health. The university offers great clinical experiences and a solid support network for students. Their students gain exposure to both urban and rural health care systems, preparing them for many different career paths. The school also emphasizes the development of strong communication skills.
Grand Valley State University's nursing students can study abroad in Ghana to fulfill clinical requirements while gaining global healthcare experience. The program is part of GVSU's practical approach. The facilities are located in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile. Cool, right?
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7. Madonna University
- Location: Livonia, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$26,100/year
Rooted in Catholic and Franciscan values, Madonna University combines ethical training with strong academics. The school is ideal for students looking for a private and faithful establishment. Madonna’s curriculum integrates service learning and community engagement. Its smaller classes create a collaborative and supportive learning environment for their students. Are you considering Madonna University?
8. Central Michigan University
- Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$13,950/year
CMU offers high-quality nursing programs with a strong focus on rural and community health. With its modern labs and dedicated faculty, it’s a great option. Students at CMU are encouraged to pursue community health initiatives and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. The school is also expanding its online courses, making it a good choice for working professionals.
9. Saginaw Valley State University
- Location: University Center, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: ~$11,130/year (in-state)
SVSU combines affordability with excellence. The school’s nursing program features small classes and plenty of clinical hours, making it a smart pick for students who value personalized learning. SVSU is particularly well-known for its NCLEX success rate and student satisfaction. The university fosters leadership development and offers a solid alumni network. Discover more thanks to this YouTube video!
10. University of Detroit Mercy
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates
- Tuition: ~$31,000/year
Detroit Mercy is a private institution that offers a values driven nursing education. The school maintains strong partnerships with major hospitals in Metro Detroit, giving students access to concrete clinical experiences. The program focuses on holistic care and ethical practice, with an emphasis on serving vulnerable populations. Detroit Mercy’s blend of academic strength and compassionate care training really sets it apart.
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Boost Your Nursing School Prep with Superprof
Getting into a top nursing school in Michigan takes preparation, especially when it comes to excelling in key subjects like biology, chemistry and anatomy. Well, Superprof is here to help! How? By connecting nursing students with qualified, experienced tutors in both academic and test-prep subjects. Whether you need help with coursework, are preparing for the NCLEX or simply want to sharpen your skills before starting school, Superprof makes it easy to find the right tutor for your needs. Classes can be held online or in person!
Superprof’s platform allows you to choose tutors based on their expertise, hourly rate and student reviews. This flexibility means you can learn at your own pace. For those juggling work, family or/and school prep, having a reliable tutor is a game changer. Scheduling your classes are easy, as it is done directly with your tutor. Investing in your education early can make a big difference when application deadlines and exams come around. Are you ready to succeed?
Start Your Nursing Career in Michigan
Michigan offers excellent nursing programs that cater to different academic and professional goals. Whether you want to work in urban healthcare, specialize in advanced practice or make a difference in rural communities, there’s a program for you! When choosing your university, remember to consider not just rankings and cost, but also program focus, clinical opportunities and your own learning style. With the right school and academic support from platforms like Superprof, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding nursing career!
When choosing a program, take the time to visit campuses, talk to current students and meet faculty members. Many schools also offer virtual tours and information sessions. A lot of virtual tours are available on YouTube! Ask about job placement rates, support services and what kinds of clinical rotations are available. A nursing degree is a big investment, so it’s important to pick a school that aligns with your career goals and personal values.
Pursuing nursing is a demanding, but fulfilling. As healthcare continues to evolve, nurses will play an even greater role in patient care, policy-making and community health in the U.S. That's a whole lot of responsibility! Michigan’s nursing schools are not just preparing students for today, but they’re also shaping the future of the profession. Make sure you take the time to choose your school wisely and step into your studies with confidence!
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References
- University of Michigan School of Nursing. (2024, September). UMSN's BSN Program Ranks in Top 10 Once Again in Latest U.S. News & World Report Rankings. Retrieved from https://nursing.umich.edu/
- Michigan State University College of Nursing. (2024, April). Master's program up 15 spots in latest U.S. News rankings. Retrieved from https://msu.edu/
- Wayne State University College of Nursing. (2022, September). Wayne State's BSN program maintains its place among the nation's best in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. Retrieved from https://wayne.edu/
- Western Michigan University. (n.d.). Fast Facts | About WMU. Retrieved from https://wmich.edu/
- Oakland University. (n.d.). Nurse Anesthesia - DNP-NA - School of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.oakland.edu/
- Grand Valley State University. (n.d.). Top Rankings - GVNext. Retrieved from https://www.gvsu.edu/
- Madonna University. (2023, May 2). Madonna University's RN to BSN Program Ranked #2 In Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.madonna.edu/
- Central Michigan University. (n.d.). Rankings and Recognition. Retrieved from https://www.cmich.edu/
- Saginaw Valley State University. (n.d.). Department of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.svsu.edu/
- University of Detroit Mercy. (2024, April 8). UDM graduate programs rank among best in U.S. Retrieved from https://www.udmercy.edu/about/news/articles/2025/04-08-graduate-programs-rank-among-best-in-nation.php
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