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.
The schools below are ordered by a combination of affordability, student outcomes, and institutional quality metrics to help you identify strong nursing programs within commuting distance of Troy. Each profile highlights key facts like net price, graduation rate, and program formats. Wayne State and Detroit Mercy stand out for their Detroit-area campuses and convenient access for Troy residents.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | $13,000/yr | Commuter-friendly BSN pathways in Detroit | |
Located just 25-30 minutes from Troy in Detroit's Midtown, Wayne State's College of Nursing offers one of the nation's top-ranked BSN programs (U.S. News, 2026). The school provides multiple commuter-friendly pathways including a traditional BSN, direct admit for freshmen, and a second career option, all focused on urban health challenges. Graduates consistently post high NCLEX pass rates and benefit from strong clinical partnerships throughout Metro Detroit.
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| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | $15,000/yr | Direct-entry MSN option near Troy | |
Detroit Mercy delivers its BSN and direct-entry MEAGN programs from two Metro Detroit locations, including a Novi site that's exceptionally close to Troy. Rooted in Jesuit and Mercy traditions, the school reports a 96% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment post-graduation. The MEAGN is a 20-month pathway for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, offering accelerated entry to nursing practice.
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| #3 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $16,000 – $44,000/yr | Future nurses seeking Detroit clinicals | |
Michigan State's College of Nursing operates an approved Detroit instructional site, giving Troy students access to East Lansing's rigorous BSN curriculum in their own metro area. The traditional BSN is a full-time, six-semester program with a strong 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings through comprehensive clinical training.
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| #4 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $18,000 – $61,000/yr | ||
The University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus is within a 45-60 minute drive from Troy, making it a feasible commuter school for motivated students. Its BSN program offers over 1,000 clinical hours, internationally recognized faculty, and a low student-to-faculty ratio. With a 93% graduation rate and strong earnings outcomes, UMich is a premier in-state option.
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| #5 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Michigan Tech, located in the Upper Peninsula, is farther from Troy but offers a high-value BSN program with a technological emphasis. Students complete over 1,000 clinical hours and benefit from a 100% job placement rate. Small class sizes and advanced simulation training are hallmarks of the program.
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| #6 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | $19,000/yr | ||
Spring Arbor's main campus is in south-central Michigan, but its BSN program's holistic, Christ-centered approach may appeal to students willing to relocate. The curriculum emphasizes whole-person care and communication skills, with a strong liberal arts foundation.
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| #7 | Alpena Community College | Alpena, MI | ~$3,000/yr (est.) | ||
Alpena Community College offers an affordable ADN pathway in northern Michigan, with a net price of just $3,320 and median graduate debt under $10,000. While not within commuting distance of Troy, its strong ROI and ACEN accreditation make it a viable choice for students open to relocation, especially given the program's focus on hands-on simulation training.
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| #8 | Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Andrews University in Berrien Springs provides a BSN pre-licensure program that integrates Christian values with rigorous clinical training. The four-year campus-based curriculum requires a 3.0 GPA and ATI TEAS for admission, and includes a senior nursing internship.
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| #9 | Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | $23,000/yr (net price) | ||
Calvin University's BSN program in Grand Rapids combines real-world clinicals at top regional hospitals with a Christian liberal arts perspective. Students benefit from a high NCLEX pass rate and optional study abroad experiences.
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| #10 | Hope College | Holland, MI | $27,000/yr (net price) | ||
Hope College in Holland, MI, admits 45 nursing students yearly into a four-year BSN that includes over 500 clinical hours and a strong research component. The program's low 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention across a liberal arts foundation.
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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 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.
