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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

287 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
57,106 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$67,647 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 looked at 287 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 57,106 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
264 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Case Western Reserve University is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Case Western is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the 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 264 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Case Western Reserve University make $20,123 more than the average nursing grad.

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

2
Rush University crest
Rush University
Chicago, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
388 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$87,915 Median Starting Salary

Rush University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of Chicago, Rush University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 388 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Rush University receive $20,268 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rush University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.9% Growth in Graduates

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in 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 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 291 nursing students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor make $13,134 more than the typical nursing grad.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
257 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$81,220 Median Starting Salary

University of Wisconsin - Madison is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in 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 257 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Wisconsin - Madison earn a boost of around $13,573 above the average earnings of nursing majors.

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

5
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
405 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large 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 about 405 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Marquette University get $2,608 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Marquette University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
588 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$90,912 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #137 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 588 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Loyola University Chicago receive $23,265 more than the typical nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loyola University Chicago

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2,209 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$69,562 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 2209 nursing students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make around $69,562 in their early career salary.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Nursing Degrees Awarded
11.9% Growth in Graduates

Purdue is a very 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 227 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Purdue University - Main Campus make $7,243 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,222 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$80,347 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 1222 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 $12,701 more than the typical nursing grad.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
669 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 669 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 $18,362 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
738 Nursing Degrees Awarded
16.7% 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 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 738 nursing students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis earn a boost of approximately $9,578 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

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

12
Oak Point crest
Oak Point University
Oak Brook, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
458 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$73,719 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 458 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oak Point in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Oak Point University receive $6,072 more than the standard nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oak Point University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12,645 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.8% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 12645 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Chamberlain - Illinois in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Chamberlain University - Illinois make $15,594 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 Nursing Degrees Awarded
19.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 36 nursing students who graduated with this degree at RFUMS in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science earn $129,189 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
519 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 519 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Chicago make $14,737 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
452 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.1% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 452 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mount Carmel College of Nursing in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing earn $8,913 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
692 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.0% Growth in Graduates

Kent State is a very 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 about 692 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make about $66,460 in their early career salary.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
283 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 283 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make an average of $62,749 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from Bradley University

19
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
460 Nursing Degrees Awarded
18.7% Growth in Graduates

Xavier is a moderately-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 roughly 460 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients generally make about $65,508 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Xavier University

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
450 Nursing Degrees Awarded
28.7% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 450 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Illinois in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make an average of $62,297 for their early career.

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

21
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$77,322 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a fairly 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 about 227 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Michigan State University get an earnings boost of approximately $9,675 above the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Michigan State University

22
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
509 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$82,494 Median Starting Salary

Oakland is a 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 roughly 508.99999999999994 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oakland in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Oakland University receive an earnings boost of approximately $14,847 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oakland University

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
279 Nursing Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 279 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Wayne State University get an earnings boost of approximately $19,644 over the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Wayne State University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
327 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.5% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 327 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Detroit Mercy in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Detroit Mercy receive $10,777 more than the standard nursing grad.

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

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
431 Nursing Degrees Awarded
21.1% Growth in Graduates

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 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 431.00000000000006 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Toledo in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $61,527.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Toledo

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

26
Bellin College crest
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI
27
Otterbein crest
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH
28
29
Madonna crest
Madonna University
Livonia, MI
30
31
32

33
Cedarville crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

34
St. Mary's College crest
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN
35
36
37
38
Lewis crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
39
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
40
Alverno crest
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI
41

42
Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

43

 

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
44 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI
45 Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WI
46 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
47 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
48 Viterbo University La Crosse, WI
49 University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN
50 Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI
51 Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL
52 Ball State University Muncie, IN
53 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH
54 Methodist College Peoria, IL
55 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
56 North Park University Chicago, IL
57 Chamberlain University - Michigan Troy, MI

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools 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 45,847
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 5,037
Nursing Practice 1,712
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 1,306
Nursing Administration 925
Nursing Science 622
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 364
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 320
Nurse Anesthetist 226
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing 213

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 20,420
Health & Medical Administrative Services 13,622
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 11,943
Allied Health Professions 11,824
Public Health 5,221
Medicine 4,784
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 4,543
Mental & Social Health Services 4,209
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science 3,389
Communication Sciences 3,362

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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