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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

287 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
55,295 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$67,682 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 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
261 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$87,770 Median Starting Salary

Case Western Reserve University is a wonderful choice for students interested in a degree in nursing. 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 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 earn $20,088 more than the typical nursing student.

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
389 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 389 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Rush University earn $20,232 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rush University

3
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 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 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 331 nursing students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor receive an earnings boost of approximately $13,099 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Wisconsin - Madison is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were roughly 287 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 about $13,538 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
501 Nursing Degrees Awarded
19.2% 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 colleges nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were about 501 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Marquette University earn $2,572 above the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Marquette University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
530 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 530 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Loyola University Chicago make $23,230 more than the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loyola University Chicago

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,959 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$69,562 Median Starting Salary

OHIO Athens is a very large public university located in the distant town of Athens. This university ranks 9th out of 96 schools 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 receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $69,562 for their early career.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
226 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$74,890 Median Starting Salary

Purdue is a fairly large public university located in the small 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 approximately 226 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Purdue University - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of around $7,208 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,182 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$80,347 Median Starting Salary

UC is a very large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #166 out of 2,217 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 data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus get $12,665 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
657 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$86,009 Median Starting Salary

Ohio State is a very 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 approximately 657 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Ohio State University - Main Campus make $18,327 above the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

11
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 fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 790 nursing students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis make $9,542 more than the standard nursing grad.

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

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
275 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 275 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oak Point in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Oak Point University earn a boost of approximately $6,036 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oak Point University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11,742 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$83,241 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 11742 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Chamberlain - Illinois in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Chamberlain University - Illinois earn $15,558 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
35 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$196,836 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 35 nursing students who graduated with this degree at RFUMS in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science receive an earnings boost of around $129,154 over the typical earnings of nursing majors.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
533 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.6% Growth in Graduates

UIC is a fairly 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 about 533 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Illinois at Chicago earn a boost of approximately $14,702 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
410 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$76,560 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 410 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 $8,878 more than the typical nursing student.

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

17
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 14th out of 96 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. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $66,460 for their early career.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
234 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$62,749 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 234 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Bradley in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $62,749 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in nursing from Bradley University

19
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
417 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$65,508 Median Starting Salary

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 417 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, nursing degree recipients usually earn around $65,508 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Xavier University

20
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 medium-sized city of Rockford. This university ranks 12th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 721 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Illinois in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make around $62,297 for their early career.

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

21
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 fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 257 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Michigan State University make $9,639 more than the average nursing student.

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
600 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 600 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Oakland in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Oakland University get an earnings boost of around $14,812 above the average income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oakland University

23
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 7th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 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 degree program at Wayne State University get $19,608 more than the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Wayne State University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
313 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$78,424 Median Starting Salary

Detroit Mercy is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Detroit. This university ranks 18th out of 57 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. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Detroit Mercy earn $10,742 more than the standard nursing student.

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

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
398 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$61,527 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 19th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 398 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 report 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
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
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.

RankCollegeLocation
44Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison, WI
45Gateway Technical CollegeKenosha, WI
46University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI
47University of Wisconsin - Eau ClaireEau Claire, WI
48Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse, WI
49University of Saint Francis - Fort WayneFort Wayne, IN
50Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee, WI
51Saint Xavier UniversityChicago, IL
52Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN
53Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati, OH
54Methodist CollegePeoria, IL
55Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI
56North Park UniversityChicago, IL
57Chamberlain University - MichiganTroy, MI

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Michigan3227,303
Ohio31413,576
Illinois30421,720
Indiana2947,745
Wisconsin2735,235

View All Rankings >

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

Nursing Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing43,973
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

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants21,744
Health & Medical Administrative Services14,056
Allied Health Professions12,795
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services11,630
Medicine4,919
Public Health4,898
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions4,826
Mental & Social Health Services4,341
Communication Sciences3,559
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science3,414

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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