Compare NCLEX pass rates, costs, and outcomes for every accredited Michigan nursing program.
Forty-four percent of Michigan’s registered nurses were 55 or older in 2020, according to the Michigan Center for Nursing. That wave of retirements creates a strong pipeline for new graduates, and the state’s 29 ranked nursing schools, offering 38 program listings across BSN and ADN pathways, supply a wide range of starting points.
But programs are not all equal. NCLEX pass rates swing from above 95% to below 70%, and net price after aid can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. Comparing schools on paper matters, but real-world career outcomes depend on clinical hours, faculty support, and regional employer pipelines.
For a nursing student in Michigan, the real decision is finding a program that balances upfront affordability with a track record of licensure success, in a market where jobs are abundant but the cost of a wrong choice can be high.
The following ranking compares Michigan’s top nursing schools using a composite of cost, outcomes, and program features. Each entry highlights what sets the school apart for aspiring nurses, from clinical hours to alumni earnings.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $18,000 – $61,000/yr | High-achieving students seeking research-driven nursing | |
UMich’s School of Nursing combines a rigorous BSN curriculum with over 1,000 clinical hours and a low student-to-faculty ratio. The program is housed at a top-tier research university with strong global health opportunities. Federal data show alumni earn a median of $83,648 ten years after starting, with median debt of $19,500.
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| #2 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $16,000 – $44,000/yr | Transfer students using Michigan Transfer Agreement | |
MSU’s College of Nursing prepares students through a full-time, six-semester BSN with a 90% NCLEX first-time pass rate. The program emphasizes caring for diverse populations, and the university’s size offers research and leadership opportunities. Ten-year median earnings are $67,253, with median debt of $23,250. The RN-BSN pathway is now 30 credits, fully online, and accepts Michigan Transfer Agreement credits.
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| #3 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Hands-on learners seeking high-tech simulation training | |
Michigan Tech’s BSN leverages its technological focus with over 1,000 clinical hours, simulation training, and a 100% job placement rate. Students benefit from small advanced course sizes and no waitlist. Alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry, with median debt of $24,990.
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| #4 | University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | $15,000/yr | ||
Detroit Mercy’s BSN integrates liberal arts with clinical experience starting sophomore year, boasting a 96% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment post-graduation. Rooted in Jesuit and Mercy traditions, the program emphasizes ethical decision-making and whole-person care. The university also offers a Master’s Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN) pathway for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s. Median alumni earnings are $71,030, and median debt is $23,250.
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| #5 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | $19,000/yr | ||
Spring Arbor’s BSN blends a holistic, Christ-centered approach with comprehensive health assessments and a liberal arts foundation. The program requires 87 nursing credits and fosters communication and leadership skills. Federal data indicate a median debt of $26,375 and median earnings of $51,732 ten years after enrollment.
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| #6 | Alpena Community College | Alpena, MI | ~$3,000/yr (est.) | ||
Alpena’s ADN is an affordable, four-semester campus program with hands-on training using advanced simulation. Accredited by ACEN, it prepares students for RN licensure with a focus on critical thinking. The net price is just $3,320, and median debt is $9,024, with median earnings of $36,442.
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| #7 | Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Andrews’ pre-licensure BSN integrates Christian values, cultural sensitivity, and a 3.0 GPA admission requirement. The four-year program includes a senior internship and prepares students for the NCLEX. Median earnings are $53,187, with a net price of $12,547 and median debt of $26,000.
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| #8 | Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | $23,000/yr (net price) | ||
Calvin’s BSN emphasizes service, justice, and a Christian perspective, with clinical rotations at top Grand Rapids hospitals. The program’s high NCLEX pass rate and study abroad options prepare graduates for diverse healthcare roles. Median earnings are $58,375, with median debt of $23,250.
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| #9 | Hope College | Holland, MI | $27,000/yr (net price) | ||
Hope’s BSN offers a liberal arts foundation with over 500 clinical hours and a 3.2 GPA admission standard. The program admits about 45 students yearly, ensuring a tight-knit cohort. Alumni report median earnings of $58,427 and debt of $26,800.
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| #10 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | $13,000/yr | ||
Wayne State’s BSN prepares students to address urban health challenges at a research university in Detroit. With multiple pathways including Direct Admit, Second Career, and Veterans, the program boasts high licensure exam pass rates. Median earnings are $53,493, and net price is $12,766.
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What makes one nursing school better than another in Michigan? Our rankings are built on concrete, student-centered outcomes rather than reputation or selectivity. We analyze publicly available, verifiable data to help you compare programs on the factors that matter most after graduation.
We evaluate each school using five primary metrics: net price, graduation rate, program-level earnings, median debt, and a return-on-investment ratio. Net price reflects what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. Graduation rate signals how well a school supports its students through to completion. Median earnings of program graduates show the real-world payoff, while median debt captures the typical borrowing burden. The ROI ratio combines earnings and debt to gauge how quickly a degree pays for itself.
The majority of our data comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These federal datasets provide institution-level accountability data, allowing us to base comparisons on standardized, objective measures. While many nursing school rankings rely on surveys or institutional marketing claims, our methodology is anchored in the same performance indicators used by researchers and policymakers. This gives you a transparent, data-driven starting point.
No ranking can capture every dimension of a school’s quality. Our metrics do not evaluate clinical placement rates, quality of simulation labs, faculty-to-student ratios, or campus culture. Student satisfaction and personal fit are also absent. These elements are vital to your experience and should be researched through campus visits, conversations with current students, and direct inquiries to programs. For a complete breakdown of all weights and calculations, explore the full methodology page: it details exactly how we turn raw data into these rankings.
The table below sorts Michigan nursing programs by net price after financial aid, highlighting the most affordable pathways. West Shore Community College tops the list with an average net price of just $1,527, though this figure is an institution-wide average, not a per-student guarantee. Monthly loan payment estimates were not available in the latest data, but median graduate debt provides a useful comparison.
| School Name | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Shore Community College | $6,420 | $8,820 | $1,527 | $9,089 |
| Alpena Community College | $8,220 | $8,220 | $3,320 | $9,024 |
| Monroe County Community College | $7,511 | $8,267 | $4,586 | $12,296 |
| Gogebic Community College | $6,630 | $7,530 | $5,397 | $10,925 |
| Northwestern Michigan College | $10,722 | $13,476 | $6,231 | $12,500 |
| Lake Michigan College | $7,755 | $7,755 | $6,680 | $9,000 |
| University of Michigan-Flint | $14,236 | $27,790 | $7,007 | $25,000 |
| Ferris State University | $14,778 | $14,778 | $8,624 | $21,000 |
| Oakland University | $17,167 | $24,735 | $9,120 | $22,750 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $12,930 | $30,450 | $10,775 | $25,000 |
| Andrews University | $35,056 | $35,056 | $12,547 | $26,000 |
| Wayne State University | $16,159 | $34,650 | $12,766 | $21,250 |
| Lake Superior State University | $14,890 | $14,890 | $12,822 | $23,250 |
| University of Michigan | $18,848 | $63,081 | $13,138 | $19,500 |
| Northern Michigan University | $14,322 | $19,944 | $14,085 | $21,474 |
Not all nursing programs prepare students equally for the NCLEX-RN. Some consistently post pass rates above 95%, while others hover around 70% or less. That gap can mean the difference between starting your career immediately and facing months of delay, and that's why first-time NCLEX pass rates are among the most telling metrics you can review before enrolling.
The NCLEX-RN isn't just a test; it's the gateway to your nursing license. First-time pass rates reveal how well a program's curriculum aligns with the standards set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). A high, steady pass rate over several years suggests a program that keeps its instruction current and its clinical experiences rigorous. Employers and state licensing boards track these numbers, and a program with a pattern of low scores may even face accreditation scrutiny.
For students, the stakes are personal. Failing the exam means waiting weeks or months to retake it, delaying job offers and income. Pass rates are a direct signal of whether a school will leave you scrambling to fill gaps on your own.
In 2025, the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated baccalaureate graduates sat at 86.7%, according to NCSBN data.2 Michigan's BSN programs have historically tracked slightly above that mark, though a state-level aggregate for 2025 has not yet been published. Many Michigan schools routinely deliver pass rates in the high 80s to mid-90s, with a few standout programs hitting 100% in recent years.
Comparing an individual school's rate to both the national figure and to other programs in the state gives you crucial context. A rate of 85% might look acceptable in isolation but falls short when neighbors are consistently reaching 95%.
Comprehensive pass-rate data for Michigan nursing programs is collected by the Michigan Board of Nursing, but results for recent exam cycles are still being reported. One program that has already drawn attention is Cornerstone University:
| School | Most Recent 1st-Time Pass Rate | Test-Takers | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone University (BSN) | 100% (2024) | Not available | Second consecutive year at 100%, per the university (class of 2025)1 |
While this snapshot is limited to one school, topnursing.org continuously updates a broader comparison to help you evaluate programs side by side. For the fullest picture, always cross-check rates directly with the Michigan Board of Nursing and the NCSBN.
A single stellar year is encouraging, but look for multi-year consistency. A program with 95%+ rates over three or more years is less of a gamble than one that spikes and dips. Also consider the number of test-takers: a 100% rate from a cohort of 15 students isn't the same assurance as a 97% rate from a program graduating 120. Volume adds statistical weight.
When you compare schools, don't stop at the pass rate. Pair it with graduation rates, clinical placement opportunities, and the salary data discussed in other sections of this guide. Together, those indicators will show you not just who gets to the exam, but who truly prepares for a career.
What do BSN graduates from Michigan nursing schools actually earn? While program-specific early-career earnings aren’t yet published in the College Scorecard, you can still gain insight from institution-wide data and statewide nursing wage figures. The numbers below show median earnings of former students 10 years after they first enrolled, along with an ROI ratio that compares those earnings to typical debt levels.
The institution-wide data points to a few standout performers:
These figures represent all former students who received federal aid, not just nursing majors. Still, schools with strong healthcare programs often show higher overall earnings, and these institutions consistently rank among the best in Michigan for nursing.
ROI ratio tells you how many times a graduate pays off the median debt. For example, University of Michigan’s 4.29 means former students typically earn more than four times what they borrowed. In contrast, ratios at other schools, such as Hope College’s 2.18 and Grand Valley State’s 2.29, still indicate positive returns, but the gap is worth considering when weighing cost against future earnings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in Michigan is $77,080 (2024)1. The 10th percentile earns about $61,260, while the 75th percentile reaches $98,410. So the institutional median earnings for several schools land right around or above the state median , a good sign that nursing graduates are on a competitive track.
Michigan’s RN job growth is projected at 5.6% from 2024 to 20341, adding thousands of positions. That steady demand keeps starting wages solid and creates advancement opportunities. Even early in their nursing careers, Michigan BSN holders typically outpace many other bachelor’s degree earners.
College Scorecard earnings data reflects all completers (including those who never took the NCLEX or entered nursing), so actual RN earnings may be different. Once program-level data becomes available, you’ll get a clearer picture. For now, use these institution-wide figures alongside NCLEX pass rates and clinical placement records to gauge a program’s return on investment.
In 2020, 44% of Michigan's registered nurses were 55 or older, according to the Michigan Center for Nursing. This high share of nurses nearing retirement age highlights the urgent need for new graduates to fill upcoming vacancies.
Getting into nursing school in Michigan means mapping out the prerequisites, entrance exams, application timelines, and, once admitted, understanding how to become licensed as a registered nurse. Each school sets its own requirements, but the steps below reflect the typical path for traditional BSN and ADN programs across the state.
Most Michigan nursing programs require a set of college-level courses completed with a grade of C or better before you can apply to the clinical portion of the major. These almost always include anatomy and physiology (I and II), microbiology, statistics, and chemistry. Some programs also want growth and development or nutrition. Check each school's catalog carefully, missing a single prerequisite can delay your application.
GPA minimums vary. Many programs require an overall GPA between 2.8 and 3.2 for the required science courses and cumulatively. For example, Hope College lists a 3.2 GPA expectation for its BSN, while Andrews University sets a 3.0 threshold. Even at schools with lower published minimums, admitted students often have stronger profiles. The institution-wide admission rate can give a rough sense of selectivity: at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, about 16% of all applicants are admitted, while Michigan State University admits around 85%. Keep in mind these figures reflect the entire institution, not the nursing program alone, which may be significantly more competitive. Many students also take the ATI TEAS or HESI exam; scores above the 60th, 70th percentile are commonly considered competitive.
For four-year BSN programs, applications generally open in the fall of the year before you plan to start. Deadlines often fall between December and February for a fall semester start. Some universities admit freshmen directly into nursing (e.g., Wayne State’s Direct Admit option), while others require you to complete prerequisites and then apply to the upper-division major during your sophomore year. At Michigan State, for instance, students complete 28 credits of prerequisites and then submit a separate College of Nursing application. Always confirm whether you apply to the university, the nursing program, or both, and track the specific nursing application window.
After earning an ADN or BSN from a program approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and complete a criminal background check. The license application fee is $212.90, and the NCLEX registration costs $200.1 Background checks typically run $50, $75.1 The board’s processing time ranges from two to six weeks, so plan on six to twelve weeks from graduation to having your license in hand.1 Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state2, meaning your RN license is valid only within Michigan unless you apply for endorsement elsewhere. Once licensed, you’ll renew every two years by completing 25 hours of continuing education, including specific content in pain management, implicit bias, and human trafficking (the last is a one-time requirement).3
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) can fast-track you into nursing. These programs run 12 to 18 months and pack the same curriculum into an intensive schedule. Wayne State’s Second Career/Degree pathway and several private colleges in Michigan offer ABSN options. Admission requirements mirror traditional programs but often expect a higher GPA and may require specific healthcare experience or volunteer hours.
Your current education level determines your starting point. If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, Michigan’s accelerated BSN tracks can get you to RN in as few as 15 months. From ADN to DNP, each credential opens new roles and higher earning potential.
Where can I find nursing scholarships and loan repayment programs in Michigan?
State and federal resources, along with school-specific aid, can significantly reduce the cost of your nursing education. Begin with programs administered directly by Michigan agencies, then explore national loan repayment options and local institutional scholarships.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Center for Nursing maintain current lists of state-funded scholarships and loan repayment programs. Two key programs:
Deadlines for state programs usually align with the academic calendar, with most applications opening in early spring. Visit the MDHHS and Michigan Center for Nursing sites directly for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program provides federal support for nurses working in designated HPSAs across Michigan. This program can offer up to $50,000 in loan repayment for a two-year full-time service commitment, with options to extend. Eligibility hinges on working at an NHSC-approved site, which includes many community health centers, rural clinics, and critical access hospitals throughout the state. Search the NHSC job portal to find qualifying positions and start your application during the annual cycle, which typically opens in early spring.
Many Michigan nursing schools and large health systems administer their own scholarships with varying award amounts and deadlines. Contact the financial aid office at institutions like the University of Michigan School of Nursing or Michigan State University College of Nursing to ask about donor-funded scholarships, which can range from $1,000 to full tuition. Additionally, foundations tied to major health systems, such as Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health, often offer scholarships for nursing students who agree to work for the system after graduation. These awards frequently come with service commitments but can cover up to $5,000 per year or more, depending on the program.
Consolidate your scholarship search using free online tools. Fastweb and the American Nurses Association Michigan page aggregate state-specific nursing scholarships and allow you to filter by degree level and specialty. Set monthly reminders to check application deadlines, as many programs, especially state and institutional ones, close by late winter or early spring for the following academic year. Missing a deadline often means waiting another full cycle, so proactive searching pays off.
Choosing a nursing school in Michigan means sorting through costs, accreditation, and program styles. This FAQ addresses common questions to help you compare your options with confidence.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Michigan has many other strong nursing schools across the state. This directory covers additional accredited options, from BSN programs to ADN pathways, organized by region for easy comparison.
