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2024 Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

280 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
43,973 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
If you pursue a degree in registered nursing, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #3 most popular program in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 280 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 43,973 degrees in registered nursing to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Registered Nursing School

Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of registered nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for registered nursing schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Registered Nursing Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Registered Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Registered Nursing
Master's Degrees in Registered Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Registered Nursing

The registered nursing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Registered Nursing in the Great Lakes Region

The schools below may not offer all types of registered nursing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Registered Nursing

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
23rd Most Popular In OH
132 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Every student pursuing a degree in registered nursing has to check out Case Western Reserve University. Case Western is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cleveland. A Best Colleges rank of #63 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were roughly 132 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Case Western Reserve University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
15th Most Popular In MI
187 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in registered nursing. U-M is a fairly large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 187 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In IL
418 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Loyola University Chicago is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in registered nursing. Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 418 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Loyola University Chicago

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WI
249 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat University of Wisconsin - Madison if you wish to pursue a degree in registered nursing. Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 249 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Wisconsin - Madison

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WI
454 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #130 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were roughly 454 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Marquette University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OH
1,741 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

OHIO Athens is a fairly large public university located in the town of Athens. This university ranks 9th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 1741 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Ohio University - Athens Campus

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IN
220 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Purdue is a fairly large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were roughly 220 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Purdue University - Main Campus

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In OH
612 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Ohio State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were about 612 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Ohio State University - Main Campus

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In OH
429 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

UC is a very large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #166 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 429 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In IN
564 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Indianapolis, IUPUI is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 564 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In IL
253 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Oak Point is a fairly small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Oak Brook.

There were about 253 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oak Point in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Oak Point University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
8,789 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Chamberlain - Illinois is a very large private for-profit university located in the suburb of Addison.

There were about 8789 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Chamberlain - Illinois in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Chamberlain University - Illinois

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In OH
312 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Columbus, Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were roughly 312 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mount Carmel College of Nursing in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing

14
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In OH
374 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Xavier is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 12th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 374 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Xavier University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In OH
704 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Kent State is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Kent. This university ranks 14th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 704 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Kent State University at Kent

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IL
296 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

UIC is a very large public university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #192 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 296 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Illinois at Chicago

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In IL
721 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Rasmussen University - Illinois is a small private for-profit university located in the city of Rockford. This university ranks 12th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 721 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Illinois in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Rasmussen University - Illinois

18
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In MI
520 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Oakland is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. This university ranks 11th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 520 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oakland in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Oakland University

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In OH
285 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Toledo, University of Toledo is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 19th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 285 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Toledo in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Toledo

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In MI
196 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 196 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Michigan State University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
19th Most Popular In IL
79 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 14th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 79 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Bradley University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In MI
234 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Detroit Mercy is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Detroit. This university ranks 18th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 234 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Detroit Mercy in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Detroit Mercy

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In MI
178 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Wayne State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Detroit. This university ranks 7th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 178 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Wayne State University

24
Bellin College crest
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
13th Most Popular In WI
103 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the rural area of Green Bay, Bellin College is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

There were about 103 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Bellin College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Bellin College

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MI
256 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Livonia, Madonna is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 14th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 256 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Madonna in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in registered nursing from Madonna University

Rest of the Top Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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27
27
29
Cedarville crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH
30
31
Otterbein crest
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH
32

33
St. Mary's College crest
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN

34
35
36
Alverno crest
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI
37
38
39
40
Lewis crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
41

42

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Registered Nursing students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
43Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee, WI
44University of Wisconsin - Eau ClaireEau Claire, WI
45Saint Xavier UniversityChicago, IL
46Purdue University NorthwestHammond, IN
47Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN
48Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse, WI
49Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati, OH
50Ursuline CollegePepper Pike, OH
51Methodist CollegePeoria, IL
52Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI
53Herzing University - MadisonMadison, WI
54North Park UniversityChicago, IL
55Chamberlain University - MichiganTroy, MI
56University of Akron Main CampusAkron, OH

Best Registered Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best registered nursing schools for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Ohio93911,765
Michigan9156,357
Illinois87017,153
Indiana7375,381
Wisconsin6724,688

View All Rankings >

Registered Nursing is one of 23 different types of Nursing programs to choose from.

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing4,888
Nursing Practice1,868
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing1,267
Nursing Administration888
Nursing Science592
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing400
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing387
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing250
Nurse Anesthetist203
School Nursing87

View All Registered Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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