Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats for BSN programs within commuting distance of Troy.
Troy sits in Oakland County, a dense hub of healthcare employment that includes Magnet-designated hospitals and major systems like Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont) and Henry Ford Health. This concentration of clinical sites makes the area a practical place to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
However, the local programs vary sharply in price, admission difficulty, and delivery format. A BSN in Troy can cost under $15,000 net price at a public university or exceed $40,000 at a private college, while NCLEX pass rates span from the mid-80s to above 95%. Hybrid and evening tracks add flexibility, though they may require a longer commute to campus hubs in Detroit or Ann Arbor.
What remains consistent is the market’s preference for BSN-prepared nurses. Nearly all magnet hospitals in the region expect or require a bachelor’s degree for new hires, making program choice a career-defining move.
Troy-area nursing students have access to a mix of large public universities, private colleges, and a local hybrid campus. The programs below are sorted to highlight schools that are either close to Troy or offer formats that fit working students, while still showing the full range of in-state options. Each entry lists what makes the school distinctive, including clinical hours, admission requirements, and program length.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chamberlain University-Michigan | Troy, MI | ~$28,000/yr (est.) | Working adults seeking flexible hybrid BSN | |
Chamberlain's Troy campus offers a hybrid BSN that can be completed in as few as three years with multiple start dates each year. The program requires a HESI A2 entrance exam and includes 10 clinical courses, along with access to Chamberlain's network of clinical partner sites. Students can also apply for grants like the Launch Into Nursing Grant, which may reduce cost.
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| #2 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Metro Detroit commuters wanting multiple pathways | |
Wayne State's Detroit location is one of the closest major BSN providers to Troy, with a strong focus on urban health. The College of Nursing offers multiple pathways, including traditional BSN, direct admit, second-degree, and veteran-specific tracks, all on the same campus. Graduates consistently perform well on the NCLEX and can complete clinical rotations in Detroit's diverse health systems. CCNE accredited
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| #3 | University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | ~$23,000/yr (est.) | Career changers wanting direct entry MSN | |
Detroit Mercy offers a traditional BSN with direct admission from high school and clinical rotations beginning sophomore year. Its Master's Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN) program is Michigan's first accelerated master's entry and is available at a Novi site close to Troy. Small class sizes and a focus on Jesuit values support a 96% employment rate for licensed graduates. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #4 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $18,000 – $61,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Michigan's BSN combines a top public university education with over 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Students can choose a four-year path for first-year applicants or a three-year path for sophomore transfers, with clinical rotations starting in the sophomore year. Global study abroad options, an honors program, and a large alumni network add value. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $16,000 – $44,000/yr (est.) | ||
Michigan State's Traditional BSN is a full-time upper-division program with six semesters and two start dates per year. The East Lansing campus reports a strong first-time NCLEX pass rate, and the College of Nursing also maintains a Detroit site for clinical and instructional activity. Students complete 28 prerequisite credits before entering the upper-division program. CCNE accredited
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| #6 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Michigan Tech's BSN uses simulation technology, including HAL Simulations and an Anatomage Table, plus over 1,000 clinical hours. Small cohorts of 32 or fewer allow for individualized attention, though the Houghton campus is located in the Upper Peninsula and may require relocation for Troy-area students.
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| #7 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
Spring Arbor's BSN is a campus-based program integrating holistic and Christian-informed care. It requires 87 credit hours and includes state-of-the-art nursing labs. A quarter of nursing students participate in Cougar athletics, reflecting a close-knit community. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | $23,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Calvin's BSN blends early clinical placements at major Grand Rapids hospitals with study abroad opportunities. The program emphasizes justice-driven care and offers early admission options. A tuition assistance partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services can reduce costs for qualified students. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Hope College | Holland, MI | $27,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Hope College's BSN admits only 45 students per year, allowing for personalized attention. The program requires a 3.2 GPA and at least 500 clinical hours, with nursing courses starting sophomore year. Students can add minors or double majors in fields like psychology, sociology, or languages. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Andrews University's pre-licensure BSN integrates Christian values with clinical experiences in varied settings. The program can be completed in four years for freshmen or three years for sophomores and includes a senior nursing internship. Students must meet entrance exam and GPA requirements.
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While several of the most affordable nursing programs in Michigan are associate degree tracks, they provide a cost-effective first step toward a BSN. The net prices below reflect the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, and are not a guaranteed individual price. Median debt figures show the typical federal student loan burden for graduates. The range from $1,527 at West Shore Community College to $6,680 at Lake Michigan College highlights the difference even among public two-year schools, while median debt spans from $9,000 to $12,500.
A nursing program’s NCLEX pass rate isn’t just a statistic, it’s a window into whether graduates are truly ready for licensure. While some schools near Troy, MI, maintain pass rates well above state and national benchmarks, others may struggle to meet the threshold that keeps their accreditation secure.
The NCLEX-RN is the final hurdle before becoming a registered nurse, and first-time pass rates reflect how well a BSN program’s curriculum and clinical training align with the exam. Programs with persistently low rates face increased scrutiny from state boards and could jeopardize their accreditation. For students, a school’s track record directly influences their own confidence and career prospects: choose a program with a strong pass rate and you’re more likely to earn your license on the first attempt.
Among BSN programs near Troy, Chamberlain University Troy campus reported an overall NCLEX first-time pass rate of 91% from 2023 to 2025. This exceeds both the 2025 average for Michigan nursing programs (84.22%)1 and the national BSN average (87.5%)2. Nearby universities such as Oakland University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan’s Flint and Dearborn campuses also graduate BSN-prepared nurses, but their campus-specific pass rates weren’t available for this review. Prospective students should consult the Michigan Board of Nursing’s annual NCLEX program summaries1 for the latest data on all area schools.
A single year’s rate can fluctuate, so dig into multi-year trends whenever possible. Look for consistency above 80% as a baseline; anything below that for two or more consecutive years may signal curriculum gaps. Pair NCLEX data with other quality indicators: clinical placement rates, faculty credentials, and student support services, to get the full picture before enrolling.
BSN programs near Troy offer a range of delivery formats to accommodate different schedules. Chamberlain University’s hybrid model combines online coursework with evening and weekend in-person sessions, while Wayne State and Madonna provide accelerated pathways for those with a prior bachelor’s degree. Clinical rotations for all programs are completed in person at area healthcare facilities.
| Chamberlain University (Troy) | Wayne State University | Madonna University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | Hybrid (online + in-person) | Primarily campus-based | Hybrid |
| Evening/Weekend Options | Yes (evening and weekend cohorts) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Accelerated BSN Option | No (traditional BSN only) | Yes (for second-degree students) | Yes (for second-degree students) |
| Typical Duration (full-time) | 36 months | 20 months (accelerated track) | 16 months (accelerated track) |
A nursing degree is a significant investment, but the earning potential in the Troy area’s healthcare market makes the math compelling. While program-level earnings data for recent graduates is not yet available, regional wage data for Registered Nurses in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area offers a reliable benchmark for expected salaries.
The latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (O*NET Local Wage Table, 2024) show strong earning potential for nurses in the region1:
These numbers indicate that even conservative starting wages comfortably exceed the typical cost of living in the Troy area, making nursing a financially sound career choice.
To put earnings in perspective, consider the median debt at graduation for several top programs near Troy. At the University of Michigan, BSN graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500. Oakland University graduates carry about $22,750, and Grand Valley State University grads owe around $24,500. Compared to the metro’s median annual RN salary, total educational debt is often less than one year’s pay.
Using the 10th percentile wage of $72,470 as a cautious estimate for a new graduate’s salary1, the debt-to-income ratio for these programs ranges from 0.27 (UMich) to 0.34 (GVSU). This means a new nurse’s first-year earnings can cover their student loans many times over, reinforcing the strong return on investment a local BSN provides.
Selecting a BSN program near Troy often involves a trade-off: you can prioritize the most affordable and convenient option close to home, or you can aim for a program with the deepest clinical network and strongest reputation, even if that means a longer commute. The right choice balances practical constraints with long-term career goals.
Every BSN program you consider should hold institutional and programmatic accreditation. Look for either regional Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) approval; both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, any nursing program in Michigan, including the best LPN programs in Michigan, must be approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Without this state authorization, graduates cannot sit for the NCLEX-RN. Checking accreditation status is a non-negotiable first step.
Clinical placement quality often hinges on a school's hospital partnerships. In the Troy area, several institutions regularly rotate students through major systems like Corewell Health Troy (formerly Beaumont), Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, and Ascension Providence Rochester. Corewell Health even maintains a dedicated nursing education page describing student training at its Troy campus. Oakland University, Wayne State University, and Chamberlain University's Troy campus are among those with established relationships at these sites. If you plan to work locally after graduation, choosing a program with rotations at your target employer can double as an extended interview. Also factor in drive time: Chamberlain's campus sits right in Troy, while schools in Detroit or Ann Arbor may add significantly to your commute.
If you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN), bridge programs can accelerate your path to a BSN. Direct LPN-to-BSN options are sparse, but many LPNs first complete an ADN and then transition via an RN-to-BSN track. The metro Detroit region offers multiple RN-to-BSN programs, including those at Oakland University, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan-Flint, and an online option through Chamberlain University. These programs are designed for working nurses and often feature flexible scheduling.
Still have questions about earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing near Troy, Michigan? Below, we answer the most common queries from prospective students, drawing on the data, rankings, and analysis covered earlier in this guide.
Choosing a BSN program near Troy typically means weighing cost and flexibility against clinical depth and long-term earnings. The programs profiled above span that range: from low-net-price public universities to private schools with accelerated formats and near-perfect NCLEX pass rates. Rather than trying to memorize all the numbers, use the school-by-school comparisons and earnings breakdowns already in this guide to line up the programs that fit your budget, timeline, and career goals.
Explore each program’s full page for admission details and financial aid specifics, then place your top options side by side to see which one best matches your priorities.
