Nursing Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Grand Rapids

Rankings help prospective students identify quality nursing programs. To create the Best Nursing Schools in Grand Rapids, Registerednursing.org analyzed state board data, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. This ensures an objective, data-driven view of program effectiveness. Our methodology is available at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Grand Rapids nursing programs consistently achieved average pass rates above 90% in both 2023 and 2024, reflecting strong educational outcomes.

• 2024: Average pass rate 94.44% (305 students)
• 2023: Average pass rate 92.65% (272 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in Grand Rapids increased by more than 12% from 2023 to 2024, signaling program growth and expanding workforce entry.

• 2024: 305 nursing graduates
• 2023: 272 nursing graduates

Top Performing Schools

Among ranked schools, Hope College leads the pack with the highest average pass rate, while Grand Valley State University contributes the largest volume of graduates.

• Hope College: 95.4% average pass rate (87 students, 2 years of data)
• Grand Valley State University: 93.27% average pass rate (490 students, 2 years of data)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Smaller nursing programs in Grand Rapids demonstrated higher average pass rates than their larger counterparts.

• Small programs (fewer than 50 students/year): 97.78% average pass rate (45 students)
• Large programs (more than 100 students/year): 93.86% average pass rate (260 students)

Biggest Improvements

Two Grand Rapids schools showed measurable pass-rate gains over the period analyzed, with Hope College improving the most.

• Hope College: +4.92 percentage points (from 92.86% to 97.78%)
• Grand Valley State University: +1.25 percentage points (from 92.61% to 93.86%)

#1

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, MI - Public 2-Year - grcc.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.D.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Rapids Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) combines classroom theory, simulation-based lab practice, and off-site clinical experiences at facilities within 15 miles of campus. About 40% of instruction occurs at clinical sites, where students build patient-care skills and local employer connections. The curriculum covers foundational nursing, patient assessment, and healthcare essentials, preparing graduates for the NCLEX—with 100% pass rates for 2023 and 2024 cohorts (85 and 92 students, respectively). Accredited by ACEN and the Michigan Board of Nursing, the program includes prerequisites, financial aid, and scholarships. Articulation agreements with Davenport, Ferris State, and Grand Valley State provide a clear pathway to a BSN.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Michigan Board of Nursing accredited
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Simulation lab for hospital practice
• Clinical partnerships with local employers
• BSN pathway with local colleges
• 40% off-site clinical instruction
• Off-site clinicals within 15 miles

#2

Hope College

Holland, MI - Private 4-year - hope.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Hope College's four-year BSN in Holland, Michigan, emphasizes critical thinking, caring, communication, and leadership. The program includes hands-on research and at least 500 clinical hours in diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a minimum 3.2 GPA and prerequisite science courses; ACT/SAT scores are not explicitly required. With only 45 students per year, the program provides personalized attention and faculty mentorship. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN, with recent pass rates of 92.86% in 2023 and 97.78% in 2024. Students may pursue minors or double majors in psychology, sociology, or languages, with careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health.

• 4-Year program
• Complete in four years
• 3.2 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 500 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Double major available
• Minor in psychology, sociology, languages
• Application deadlines: Feb 1 and Oct 1
• Limited to 45 students per year

#3

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI - Public 4-Year - gvsu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Valley State University's BSN program is accredited by the CCNE and delivered on Grand Rapids' Medical Mile in state-of-the-art facilities. This cohort-based, 136-credit program admits twice yearly (fall/winter) and requires a 3.0 GPA plus prerequisite courses. Clinical rotations begin early and span five semesters across med/surg, mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, and community health. The curriculum is built on AACN Essentials. Graduates experience near-100% employment. NCLEX first-attempt pass rates reached 92.61% in 2023 (n=230) and 93.86% in 2024 (n=260). Scholarships, advising, and a pre-nursing organization support students. No SAT/ACT scores are listed among admission requirements.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 136 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/winter
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical rotations in five semesters

#4

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Calvin University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a campus-based program emphasizing hands-on training through clinical placements at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and Trinity Health, paired with early clinical experiences and global study-abroad opportunities. The curriculum integrates justice-driven care, focusing on underserved populations domestically and internationally. Students benefit from a supportive, faith-infused environment aligned with the Christian Reformed Church, featuring accessible faculty, early admission options, and tuition-assistance partnerships with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX, evidenced by pass rates rising from 86.76% in 2023 to 92.86% in 2024. Military-friendly status adds to its appeal. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement is mentioned in program materials.

• Prepares for NCLEX
• Clinical experience at top hospitals
• Excellent NCLEX pass rate
• Study abroad opportunities
• Early admission available
• Tuition assistance at Pine Rest

#5

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - cornerstone.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Cornerstone University's campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a CCNE-accredited, Christ-centered program with an annual tuition around $22,000. Students gain clinical experience through simulation technology and partnerships with leading health systems, while multiple admission pathways—including guaranteed entry—create flexible entry options. The interdenominational university is military friendly. According to 2024 NCLEX data, the program posted an 88.89% pass rate for 9 first-time test-takers. While the program overview does not mention ACT/SAT entrance requirements, prospective students should check with admissions for standardized testing policies.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• 100% NCLEX Pass Rate
• $22,000 Annual Tuition
• Clinical Partners Available
• Multiple Admission Pathways
• Christ-Centered Nursing Education
• Comprehensive Clinical Training

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2025 release.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are ready to take the leap into a career in nursing an entry-level LPN to RN, ADN or BSN program makes it easy to get started. These programs will all prepare you for the state licensing exam and for your first job as a registered nurse, and many have few entrance requirements beyond a high school diploma or GED.

LPN to RN Programs

On the front lines of patient care, Licensed Practical Nurses are experienced at providing patients in nursing homes and long-term care facilities with the support and basic care they need. For many LPNs, an LPN to RN program provides a cost-effective pathway to an associate’s degree. In many cases, credit is given for prior nursing coursework, saving students time and money on their journey to an RN license. Grand Rapids Community College offers an Advanced Standing in the Associate’s Degree in Nursing program for LPNs with professional experience. This program allows LPNs to earn their ADN and become prepared for the NCLEX exam in two and a half semesters instead of four for the traditional ADN program.

ADN Programs

For recent high school graduates and those new to the nursing field, an ADN program will prepare you for a career as a nurse in a variety of healthcare settings. These programs are available at a number of community colleges and vocational schools, including Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Upon graduation from an ADN program, students must pass the NCLEX exam in order to qualify for an RN license and to be hired as a professional nurse. Kalamazoo Valley Community’s ADN program includes two semesters of prerequisite course work and four semesters of nursing courses.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Increasingly, top hospitals and healthcare employers prefer hiring nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Studies have shown that bachelor’s prepared nurses improve patient outcomes and make fewer errors, in part due to the additional training hours these nurses receive inpatient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice. The CCNE-accredited BSN program at Davenport University offers an Employment Guarantee to its graduates - if graduates of its nursing program do not find employment within 6 months they may be eligible for additional education benefits from the school including free tuition on additional courses.

Find out more about Michigan Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

A BSN or MSN degree can give you a competitive edge when applying for top nursing jobs in the Grand Rapids area and beyond. The investment in completing a higher degree will pay dividends in higher wages and the freedom of additional job opportunities. Some schools provide RN to BSN or MSN programs that are specially designed to help nurses with their associate’s degree or diploma earn a higher degree quickly and easily.

RN to BSN Programs

For nurses who are nervous about juggling work responsibilities with coursework, many schools offer distance learning and hybrid formats that make it possible to earn a degree while continuing to work. The RN to BSN program at Grand Valley State University offers courses in a hybrid format – a combination of online and onsite classes taught approximately once per month at the downtown Grand Rapids Pew Campus.

Find out more about Michigan RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those nurses looking to go beyond the BSN to earn an advanced practice nursing degree, some schools offer RN to MSN programs in which students earn their BSN and then MSN degrees on an accelerated basis. Taking into account prior nursing experience and courses, these bridge programs provide a streamlined path to an APRN degree. The RN to MSN program at Ferris State University combines their RN to BSN program and their traditional MSN program to provide students with all the necessary coursework to complete both the BSN and MSN degrees.

Find out more about Michigan RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Grand Rapids, MI

Nurses with advanced degrees can go beyond routine nursing duties to diagnose illnesses, prepare care plans and serve as primary healthcare providers for a number of patient groups. The leadership responsibilities required of these positions come with high salaries too. Nurse practitioners in the Grand Rapids area earn an average annual salary of $105,000 according to Salary.com, making this a rewarding career personally and financially. APRN programs in Grand Rapids are designed for nurses with their BSN degrees and several years of professional nursing experience.

MSN Programs

Beyond typical RN duties, APRN nurses with their master’s degrees take on nursing leadership positions, educator roles, and make substantial improvements in patient care standards and practices within their organizations. The MSN program at Grand Valley State University prepares nurses as advanced generalists. The curriculum consists of 44 credits and can be completed in 6 semesters.

Find out more about Michigan Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for nurses with their master’s degrees to learn a new advanced practice specialty and move into a new career path. For instance, Davenport University offers post-master’s certificate programs in the nurse educator and family nurse practitioner roles, preparing students for specialized APRN careers after completion of 28-36 credits.

Find out more about Michigan Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Grand Valley State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for students seeking a terminal degree in nursing. With coursework in applied statistics, informatics, innovation and technologies, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and working with vulnerable populations, the DNP program prepares nurses for careers in advanced nursing practice and health systems leadership.

Find out more about Michigan DNP Programs.