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Baker College stands out among Michigan's nursing programs with the highest graduate earnings at $73,164 despite a net price of just $15,171. This earning potential reflects strong demand for nursing professionals in Michigan's expanding healthcare sector, where major health systems like Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health System actively recruit graduates trained in registered nursing, nursing administration, and clinical research. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with Ferris State University offering the lowest net cost at $12,202 while still producing graduates earning $61,176 annually. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor commands attention with its 93.20% graduation rate and highly selective 17.69% acceptance rate, positioning graduates for leadership roles in nursing administration and research. Michigan's nursing programs benefit from the state's varied healthcare market, spanning urban medical centers in Detroit and Grand Rapids to rural facilities in the Upper Peninsula, creating opportunities across all nursing specialties.
28
Programs
$12,202 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$61,811
Avg. Program Earnings
58.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,280 $65,937 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
2 $12,202 $61,176 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $15,171 $73,164 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
4 $13,584 $61,481 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $14,832 $63,652 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
6 $14,582 $61,688 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $14,773 $62,426 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
8 $14,368 $58,601 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
9 $17,185 $64,990 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
10 $16,179 $60,897 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
11 $17,084 $62,409 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
12 $20,899 $72,790 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
13 $17,096 $57,535 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
14 $18,701 $62,626 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
15 $17,815 $59,066 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
16 $17,485 $56,776 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
17 $19,245 $57,619 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
18 $20,751 $61,634 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
19 $19,988 $57,549 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
20 $18,597 $52,107 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
21 $26,870 $71,315 $19,686 40.0%
22 $26,409 $62,154 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
23 $24,783 $57,770 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
24 $25,749 $58,108 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
25 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
26 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
27 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
28 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Baker College's high nursing graduate earnings of $73,164?

Baker College's nursing graduates earn the highest salaries among Michigan programs at $73,164, likely due to their focus on practical skills and strong clinical partnerships. The college's 31.30% graduation rate suggests a rigorous program that prepares students for high-demand nursing administration and specialized clinical roles. Private nonprofit institutions often maintain closer industry connections, helping graduates secure positions in management and research that command premium salaries.

How do public university nursing programs compare in terms of value?

Public universities offer strong value, with net prices ranging from $12,202 at Ferris State to $17,096 at Grand Valley State. Ferris State graduates earn $61,176 with manageable debt of $21,411, while Oakland University achieves a strong 56.90% graduation rate with earnings of $61,481. These public options provide solid returns on investment for students entering registered nursing and clinical practice roles.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the higher cost for nursing?

Despite a higher net price of $14,832, U-M Ann Arbor offers unmatched outcomes with a 93.20% graduation rate and the lowest debt burden at $17,500. The program's 17.69% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity and research focus, preparing graduates for leadership in nursing administration and clinical research. Graduates earn $63,652 while benefiting from the university's extensive alumni network and research opportunities.

Does location affect nursing job prospects in Michigan?

Michigan's geography creates varied opportunities for nursing graduates, from Detroit's major medical centers to rural facilities serving agricultural communities. Universities like Wayne State in Detroit and Lake Superior State in Sault Ste Marie reflect this diversity, with graduates earning $62,426 and $58,601 respectively. The state's aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure support strong job growth across all regions and nursing specialties.

Where can nursing students find the best graduation rates?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with a 93.20% graduation rate, followed by University of Detroit Mercy at 68.10% and Grand Valley State at 68.60%. These higher completion rates correlate with stronger academic support systems and more selective admissions processes. Graduation rates below 50% at some institutions may indicate challenging programs or limited student support services that prospective nursing students should consider.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.