2023 Best ADN Programs in Michigan
With 65 ADN programs on offer in Michigan, 28 of which hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the decision-making process for prospective students can be a complex task. How can one discern the best programs among these options? The solution is multilayered, encompassing comprehensive research, mindful comparison, and deliberate contemplation of critical elements.
A vital measure to weigh is the NCLEX passing rate, a benchmark of program quality and student preparedness. In Michigan, the passing rate for ADN students falls between 76.30% and 97.80%. The NCLEX exam, pivotal for every nursing student, assesses whether graduates can practice nursing safely and efficiently. High NCLEX pass rates often suggest quality education and competent instruction.
The program duration also deserves close consideration. Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. Balancing this time commitment against personal obligations and financial resources forms a key part of the decision-making process.
While ACEN accreditation adds credibility to ADN Programs in Michigan, other aspects should also be weighed. The school’s reputation, the faculty’s credentials, tuition costs, and geographical convenience can all factor into the decision.
Every nursing aspirant has distinct needs and aspirations. Therefore, the “best” program for one might not be the best for another. A thorough exploration of options will help students identify the ADN program that aligns best with their career ambitions and personal circumstances.
Search for Online Programs
Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Michigan

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Michigan?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Michigan and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Grand Rapids Community College
Pass Rate

- 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI - 49503-3295
- (616) 234-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.66%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 211
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,969
Book and Supplies: $11,589
Percent Received Aid: 69%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,469
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 17%
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
North Central Michigan College
Pass Rate

- 1515 Howard St, Petoskey, MI - 49770
- (231) 348-6600

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.13%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 30
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,480
Book and Supplies: $8,736
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,180
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
St Clair County Community College
Pass Rate

- 323 Erie Street, Port Huron, MI - 48061-5015
- (810) 984-3881
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.47%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 60
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,320
Book and Supplies: $12,490
Percent Received Aid: 84%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,628
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 23%
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Muskegon Community College
Pass Rate

- 221 S Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI - 49442-1432
- (231) 773-9131
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.29%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 77
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,530
Book and Supplies: $14,390
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,687
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Delta College
Pass Rate

- 1961 Delta Road, University Center, MI - 48710
- (989) 686-9000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 176
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,370
Book and Supplies: $7,100
Percent Received Aid: 80%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,037
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Macomb Community College
Pass Rate

- 14500 E Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI - 48088-3896
- (586) 445-7999
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.95%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 196
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,390
Book and Supplies: $7,680
Percent Received Aid: 65%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,438
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 12%
Search for Online Programs
Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Michigan Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 56
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 9
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 9
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 4
- CNL: 3
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
Michigan Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Wayne State University: 8
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: 6
- University of Michigan-Flint: 5
- Oakland University: 4
- Spring Arbor University: 3
- Madonna University: 3
- Saginaw Valley State University: 3
- Grand Valley State University: 3
- Michigan State University: 3
- University of Detroit Mercy: 3
Additional Michigan ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Michigan Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.74 | Glen Oaks Community College | 10 | ADN |
86.31 | Lake Michigan College | 11 | ADN |
86.05 | West Shore Community College | 12 | ADN |
85.57 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College | 13 | ADN |
85.13 | Jackson College | 14 | ADN |
85.07 | Schoolcraft College | 15 | ADN |
84.82 | Southwestern Michigan College | 16 | ADN |
83.80 | Kellogg Community College | 17 | ADN |
82.92 | Montcalm Community College | 18 | ADN |
81.94 | Alpena Community College | 19 | ADN |
81.62 | Lansing Community College | 20 | ADN |
80.79 | Gogebic Community College | 21 | ADN |
79.11 | Kirtland Community College | 22 | ADN |
78.65 | Wayne County Community College District | 23 | ADN |
78.38 | Henry Ford College | 24 | ADN |
78.00 | Washtenaw Community College | 25 | ADN |
76.62 | Bay College | 26 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Michigan
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Michigan Nurses
Students enrolled in ADN programs in Michigan have access to a variety of financial aid resources. These aids span across Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. The key to accessing these resources is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Loans often serve as the main financial aid resource for students. Federal Direct Loans, with their low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans, are available to students in ADN Programs in Michigan. Keep in mind that loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. More information is available on the Federal Student Aid website.
Grants are a form of aid that doesn’t require repayment. The Federal Pell Grant, based on financial need, is frequently used by undergraduate students. More about Pell Grants can be found on the Federal Pell Grant Program page.
Scholarships are another form of aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. Numerous scholarships exist for Michigan ADN students, each with its unique eligibility criteria and award amounts. Check the Michigan Competitive Scholarship website to explore state-specific scholarships.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the cornerstone of all these financial aid resources. By collecting information on a student’s financial situation, the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal loans, grants, and many scholarships. Ensure you submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid opportunities.
H2: ADN Scholarships for Michigan Nurses
- Michigan Nurses Foundation Scholarship
- Available to Michigan residents in ADN programs. Award Amount: Up to $1,000. Application Deadline Month: March.
- Michigan Legion of White Cross Nurses Scholarship
- Offered to ADN students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership abilities. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: February.
- Michigan League for Nursing Scholarship
- Aimed at students who show promise of becoming future leaders in nursing. Award Amount: $500. Application Deadline Month: April.
- Detroit Medical Center Scholarship
- Assists Detroit residents pursuing an ADN. Award Amount: Up to $2,500. Application Deadline Month: May.
- University of Michigan Flint Nursing Scholarship
- Exclusively for nursing students at the University of Michigan Flint. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: March.
Each scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for Michigan ADN students to reduce the financial burden of their education.
Find ADN Programs in Your State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming

Search Programs
Michigan Resources for ADNs
Individuals pursuing ADN programs in Michigan have access to numerous state and organizational resources that can help guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources offer valuable information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job prospects within the state. Here are some key resources for those seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Michigan:
- The Michigan Board of Nursing: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring adherence to high standards of care and professionalism.
- Michigan Nurses Association (MNA): The MNA is a professional organization that supports nurses by offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the nursing profession in Michigan.
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Michigan: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Michigan based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Michigan: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
- Michigan Center for Nursing: This resource aims to promote excellence in nursing by providing information on nursing education programs, workforce data, and research opportunities in Michigan.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts

After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.