2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Michigan
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Michigan? This list ranks 160 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 54 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Michigan
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Wayne County Community College District, our #1 best-value Nursing school in Michigan. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,820. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,079 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
You'll get strong value at Schoolcraft College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Livonia, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,799, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Schoolcraft College Nursing students take on a median of $15,677 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,722 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Schoolcraft College
Henry Ford Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Michigan. This public school is set in Dearborn, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, while out-of-state students pay about $7,816. Graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. Henry Ford Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Henry Ford Community College
You'll get strong value at Washtenaw Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,736 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. The median Nursing program debt is $17,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,449. Set against $17,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Washtenaw Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oakland Community College earned it the #5 place in Michigan. Oakland Community College is a public school based in Auburn Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,865. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oakland Community College report
West Shore Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Michigan this year. This public school is set in Scottville, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,470, while out-of-state students pay about $8,820. The median Nursing program debt is $17,399. West Shore Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,115 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Shore Community College profile
Kellogg Community College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Based in Battle Creek, MI, Kellogg Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,118, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. The median Nursing program debt is $20,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,329. That is a strong return on a $20,432 median debt. Read the full report on Kellogg Community College
Mott Community College landed the #8 spot for value in Michigan this year. Based in Flint, MI, Mott Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,845, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. Mott Community College Nursing students take on a median of $20,645 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mott Community College
Macomb Community College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Located in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,862. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,596 ten years after entry. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Macomb Community College
Delta College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Students borrow a median of $14,075 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $37,781 ten years out. Set against $14,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Delta College
Lansing Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Lansing Community College is a public school based in Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,206. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lansing Community College
Glen Oaks Community College placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Glen Oaks Community College is a public school based in Centreville, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,176, compared with $6,624 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,764 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,540. Set against $13,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Glen Oaks Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,144, with out-of-state students paying around $9,094. Graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,618. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kirtland Community College landed the #14 spot for value in Michigan this year. Based in Grayling, MI, Kirtland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,190, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Students borrow a median of $17,333 to complete their Nursing program here. Kirtland Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,831 a decade after entry. Set against $17,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Kirtland Community College
Jackson Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Jackson, MI, Jackson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,200 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,960. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Jackson Community College profile
North Central Michigan College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Based in Petoskey, MI, North Central Michigan College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,430, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. North Central Michigan College Nursing students take on a median of $12,398 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,594 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,398 median debt. More on North Central Michigan College
Grand Rapids Community College placed #17 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. This public school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,179, with out-of-state students paying around $12,219. Students borrow a median of $11,780 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $38,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grand Rapids Community College profile
Spring Arbor University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
St Clair County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Port Huron, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,212, with out-of-state students paying around $12,150. The median Nursing program debt is $16,379. Median earnings reach $40,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Clair County Community College profile
Gogebic Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Ironwood, MI, Gogebic Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $7,530. Gogebic Community College Nursing students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,950. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gogebic Community College
Lake Michigan College landed the #21 spot for value in Michigan this year. Lake Michigan College is a public school based in Benton Harbor, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,445, compared with $7,755 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,473 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,473 median debt. Read more about Lake Michigan College
Monroe County Community College landed the #22 spot for value in Michigan this year. Monroe County Community College is a public school based in Monroe, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,759, with out-of-state students paying around $8,267. Students borrow a median of $16,031 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,646. That is a strong return on a $16,031 median debt. Read more about Monroe County Community College
Montcalm Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Sidney, MI, Montcalm Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,936, while out-of-state students pay about $10,104. Graduates carry a median of $15,767 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Montcalm Community College
Southwestern Michigan College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Southwestern Michigan College is a public school based in Dowagiac, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,417, compared with $8,394 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,575. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,303 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,575 median debt. Get the full Southwestern Michigan College report
Mid Michigan Community College placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Mid Michigan Community College is a public school based in Harrison, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,132, with out-of-state students paying around $10,864. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,878. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,319 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mid Michigan Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Michigan
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Alpena Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Alpena, MI. Students from in state pay about $6,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Alpena Community College Nursing students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Alpena Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,442 a decade after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alpena Community College
University Of Michigan Flint ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Flint, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,236 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,790. Graduates carry a median of $31,016 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,230. That is a strong return on a $31,016 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Michigan Flint
Northwestern Michigan College landed the #28 spot for value in Michigan this year. Based in Traverse City, MI, Northwestern Michigan College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,860, compared with $13,476 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,694 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,167. Set against $17,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwestern Michigan College profile
Central Michigan University landed the #29 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,857. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Saginaw Valley State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in University Center, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,930, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,091 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,955 ten years out. Set against $28,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Saginaw Valley State University
Bay De Noc Community College landed the #31 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Escanaba, MI, Bay De Noc Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,453. Bay De Noc Community College Nursing students take on a median of $17,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,090. That is a strong return on a $17,625 median debt. Read more about Bay De Noc Community College
Muskegon Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Muskegon, MI, Muskegon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,250, compared with $16,010 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,928 to complete their Nursing program here. Muskegon Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,549 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,928 median debt. More on Muskegon Community College
Ferris State University landed the #33 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Northern Michigan University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,322, compared with $19,944 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,608 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,107 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Northern Michigan University report
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Michigan State University landed the #36 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Nursing program debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile
Western Michigan University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Oakland University landed the #38 spot for value in Michigan this year. Based in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Oakland University Nursing students take on a median of $25,972 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,612 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oakland University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Nursing program debt is $19,137. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
Baker College Of Flint placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Set in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,000. Students borrow a median of $30,688 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,833. Set against $30,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Baker College Of Flint report
Lake Superior State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,890. Graduates carry a median of $22,429 in student loans. Lake Superior State University alumni report median earnings of $49,045 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,429 median debt. See the full Lake Superior State University profile
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,689. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Wayne State University
Siena Heights University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Siena Heights University is a private not-for-profit school based in Adrian, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,778. Siena Heights University Nursing students take on a median of $25,790 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,529 ten years after entry. Set against $25,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Siena Heights University admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Siena Heights University
Madonna University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Livonia, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,440. Madonna University Nursing students take on a median of $26,896 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,058 ten years after entry. Set against $26,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Madonna University has an acceptance rate of 63%. See the full Madonna University profile
Davenport University placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $24,466. Graduates carry a median of $30,603 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,099. Set against $30,603 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Davenport University profile
University Of Detroit Mercy came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Detroit, MI, University Of Detroit Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,946. The median Nursing program debt is $29,053. Median earnings reach $71,030 ten years out. Set against $29,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Detroit Mercy admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Detroit Mercy report
Andrews University landed the #48 spot for value in Michigan this year. Set in Berrien Springs, MI, Andrews University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,056. The median Nursing program debt is $26,314. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,187 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Andrews University profile
Hope College placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in Michigan. Set in Holland, MI, Hope College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,484. Hope College Nursing students take on a median of $26,334 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,427 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hope College admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Hope College
Calvin College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. Students borrow a median of $22,707 to complete their Nursing program here. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Set against $22,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Calvin College admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Calvin College
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 54 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 160 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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