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2025 Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

278 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
55,295 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$84,107 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in nursing, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #3 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 278 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of nursing. Combined, these schools handed out 55,295 degrees in nursing to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region Your choice of nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Nursing School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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

Pick Your Nursing Degree Level

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

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Nursing in the Great Lakes Region

The schools below may not offer all types of 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 Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
331 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. U-M is a very large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 331 nursing students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $82,545 in the first couple years of working.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
261 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$103,132 Median Starting Salary

Case Western Reserve University is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Case Western is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cleveland. A Best Colleges rank of #116 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Case Western is a great university overall.

There were roughly 261 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Case Western Reserve University receive $19,025 more than the average nursing student.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN Program Name

With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
530 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$87,164 Median Starting Salary

Loyola University Chicago is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #100 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 530 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago earn a boost of about $3,057 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loyola University Chicago

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,182 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$95,352 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat University of Cincinnati - Main Campus if you want to pursue a degree in nursing. UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1182 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus earn $11,245 more than the standard nursing student.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,959 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$77,076 Median Starting Salary

OHIO Athens is a fairly large public university located in the town of Athens. This university ranks 7th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 1959 nursing students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career wages of $77,076.

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

6
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
501 Nursing Degrees Awarded
19.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #114 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were roughly 501 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients typically earn around $76,886 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Marquette University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 287 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. After graduating, nursing degree recipients usually make an average of $81,547 in the first five years of their career.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN Program Name

At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
790 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Indianapolis, IUPUI is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 790 nursing students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $74,853.

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

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
400 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Madison, Herzing University - Madison is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #102 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Herzing University - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 400 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Herzing University - Madison in the most recent data year. After graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn about $80,970 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Herzing University - Madison

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
657 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$88,109 Median Starting Salary

Ohio State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 657 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Ohio State University - Main Campus get an earnings boost of about $4,003 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
715 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.2% Growth in Graduates

Kent State is a very large public university located in the suburb of Kent. This university ranks 9th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 715 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients generally earn about $71,228 in their early careers.

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

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership Program Name

Get on track to lead with your online MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
721 Nursing Degrees Awarded
37.6% Growth in Graduates

Rasmussen University - Illinois is a small private for-profit university located in the city of Rockford. A Best Colleges rank of #111 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Rasmussen University - Illinois is a great university overall.

There were roughly 721 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Illinois in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients typically make an average of $69,825 in their early careers.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
226 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$79,802 Median Starting Salary

Purdue is a very large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were about 226 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career income of $79,802.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
35 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$223,679 Median Starting Salary

RFUMS is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of North Chicago.

There were roughly 35 nursing students who graduated with this degree at RFUMS in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science receive $139,572 more than the average nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

14
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
257 Nursing Degrees Awarded
11.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 257 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career income of $82,984.

More information about a degree in nursing from Michigan State University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program Name

Break into one of the most high-demand occupations in the nation with your online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

15
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
417 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$76,607 Median Starting Salary

Xavier is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 10th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 417 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn about $76,607 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Xavier University

16
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
600 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

Oakland is a large public university located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. This university ranks 10th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 600 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oakland in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career wages of $79,852.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oakland University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
285 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.1% Growth in Graduates

Wayne State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Detroit. This university ranks 9th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 285 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Wayne State University earn $9,193 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Wayne State University

18
Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
983 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$91,145 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 983 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Global in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Global get an earnings boost of around $7,038 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Purdue University Global

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nursing Education Program Name

Position the next generation of nurses for success with your online MSN in Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

19
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
168 Nursing Degrees Awarded
32.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #160 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Gateway Technical College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 168 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients generally make around $68,134 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Gateway Technical College

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
398 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$74,069 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Toledo, University of Toledo is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 15th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 398 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Toledo in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make about $74,069 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Toledo

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
313 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$83,816 Median Starting Salary

Detroit Mercy is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Detroit. This university ranks 7th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 313 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Detroit Mercy in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make about $83,816 for their early career.

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

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
533 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.6% Growth in Graduates

UIC is a very large public university located in the city of Chicago. This university ranks 10th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 533 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients typically earn an average of $78,335 in their early careers.

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

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety Program Name

Ensure a safer future for healthcare with your online MSN in Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
165 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$66,446 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Madison, Madison College is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 5th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 165 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, nursing degree recipients usually make around $66,446 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Madison Area Technical College

24
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,293 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$65,738 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 1293 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $65,738.

More information about a degree in nursing from Ivy Tech Community College

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

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29
30
31
Otterbein crest
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH
32
Madonna crest
Madonna University
Livonia, MI

33

34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Edgewood crest
Edgewood College
Madison, WI

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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

Rank College Location
42 Rasmussen University - Wisconsin Green Bay, WI
43 Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN
44 Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL
45 Herzing University - Akron Akron, OH
46 Viterbo University La Crosse, WI
47 Purdue University Northwest Hammond, IN
48 Cedarville University Cedarville, OH
49 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
50 University of Michigan - Flint Flint, MI
51 Indiana Wesleyan University Marion, IN
52 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI
53 Bryant & Stratton College - Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, WI
54 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
55 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 7,303
Ohio 314 13,576
Illinois 304 21,720
Indiana 294 7,745
Wisconsin 273 5,235

View All Rankings >

Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.

Nursing Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 43,973
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 4,888
Nursing Practice 1,868
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 1,267
Nursing Administration 888
Nursing Science 592
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 400
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 387
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing 250
Nurse Anesthetist 203

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 21,744
Health & Medical Administrative Services 14,056
Allied Health Professions 12,795
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 11,630
Medicine 4,919
Public Health 4,898
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 4,826
Mental & Social Health Services 4,341
Communication Sciences 3,559
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science 3,414

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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