2023 Best Value Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing
Finding the Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree School for You
With 322,592 degrees and certificates handed out in 2020-2021, nursing is the #3 most popular major in the United States.
Today's students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This report analyzed 167 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones offered the best value bachelor's degree programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.
When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.
Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.
Top 25 Best Great Lakes Region Schools for Affordable Quality for a Bachelor's in Nursing
Our 2023 rankings named University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex the best value school in the Great Lakes Region for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. UWM Flexible Option is a small public school located in the city of Milwaukee.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UWM Flexible Option are $6,750 a year. While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UWM Flexible Option accumulate an average of around $29,922 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $182, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex Report
Request Information
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Ottawa University - Milwaukee helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in the Great Lakes Region . Ottawa University - Milwaukee is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Brookfield.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ottawa University - Milwaukee are $12,616 per year. On average, nursing graduates from Ottawa University - Milwaukee take out $29,652 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.
Read full report on Nursing at Ottawa University - Milwaukee
Request Information
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Franklin University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.
Franklin University undergraduate students pay an average of $9,577 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at Franklin University accumulate an average of around $38,028 in student debt.
Read full report on Nursing at Franklin University
Request Information
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. IWU is a large private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Marion.
IWU undergraduate students pay an average of $9,239 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at IWU accumulate an average of around $33,086 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $344, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global
Request Information
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Purdue University Northwest is a great value for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Purdue Northwest is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Hammond.
Purdue Northwest undergraduate students pay an average of $14,349 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Purdue Northwest carry an average student debtload of $27,233. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $152.
Read full report on Nursing at Purdue University Northwest
Request Information
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, SIUE is a public school with a fairly large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SIUE are $11,496 per year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from SIUE carry an average student debtload of $23,837. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $215, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Request Information
With a ranking of #6, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Oshkosh, UW Oshkosh is a public school with a fairly large student population.
UW Oshkosh undergraduate students pay an average of $15,306 in tuition and fees each year. The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at UW Oshkosh take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $26,175. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $177.
Full Nursing at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Report
Request Information
Herzing University - Brookfield came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Herzing University - Brookfield is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Brookfield.
Herzing University - Brookfield undergraduate students pay an average of $14,200 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Herzing University - Brookfield carry an average student debtload of $42,677. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $204, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
Central Michigan University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the distant town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan is a public college with a large student population.
Central Michigan undergraduate students pay an average of $13,094 in tuition and fees each year.
Read full report on Nursing at Central Michigan University
Request Information
With a ranking of #10, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. UW - Eau Claire is a fairly large public school located in the city of Eau Claire.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UW - Eau Claire are $17,149 per year. Nursing majors at UW - Eau Claire take out an average of $24,728 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.
UW - Eau Claire also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.
Full Nursing at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Report
Request Information
With a ranking of #11, Kettering College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Kettering, Kettering College is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Kettering College are $14,232 per year. On average, nursing graduates from Kettering College take out $38,183 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.
Read full report on Nursing at Kettering College
Request Information
Herzing University - Kenosha landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Kenosha, Herzing University - Kenosha is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Herzing University - Kenosha are $14,200 per year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Herzing University - Kenosha carry an average student debtload of $42,677. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $204, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at Herzing University - Kenosha Report
Request Information
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in the midsize city of Green Bay, UW - Green Bay is a public school with a moderately-sized student population.
UW - Green Bay undergraduate students pay an average of $16,091 in tuition and fees each year. The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at UW - Green Bay take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $29,014.
Read full report on Nursing at University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Request Information
Youngstown State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the small city of Youngstown.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Youngstown State University are $9,732 a year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Youngstown State University carry an average student debtload of $31,608. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $150, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Request Information
With a ranking of #15, Chamberlain University - Ohio did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Columbus, Chamberlain - Ohio is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Chamberlain - Ohio are $19,820 a year. Nursing majors at Chamberlain - Ohio take out an average of $37,103 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $256.
Read full report on Nursing at Chamberlain University - Ohio
Request Information
Chamberlain University - Indiana came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Chamberlain - Indiana is a small private for-profit school located in the large city of Indianapolis.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Chamberlain - Indiana are $19,820 a year. While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at Chamberlain - Indiana accumulate an average of around $37,103 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $256.
Request Information
Chamberlain University - Michigan came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in the city of Troy, Chamberlain - Michigan is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Chamberlain - Michigan are $20,492 a year. Nursing majors at Chamberlain - Michigan take out an average of $37,103 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $256.
Read full report on Nursing at Chamberlain University - Michigan
Request Information
Ferris State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in the distant town of Big Rapids, Ferris is a public school with a large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ferris are $13,188 per year. Nursing majors at Ferris take out an average of $30,958 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $132, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Nursing at Ferris State University
Request Information
With a ranking of #19, Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science are $15,470 per year. After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science carry an average student debtload of $32,928.
Request Information
Rasmussen University - Wisconsin did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in the midsize city of Green Bay, Rasmussen University - Wisconsin is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
Rasmussen University - Wisconsin undergraduate students pay an average of $12,860 in tuition and fees each year. On average, nursing graduates from Rasmussen University - Wisconsin take out $39,885 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $146.
Request Information
Herzing University - Akron came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Herzing Akron is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Akron.
Herzing Akron undergraduate students pay an average of $14,200 in tuition and fees each year. The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Herzing Akron take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $42,677. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $204, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at Herzing University - Akron Report
Request Information
University of Akron Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. University of Akron Main Campus is a fairly large public school located in the midsize city of Akron.
University of Akron Main Campus undergraduate students pay an average of $11,880 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at University of Akron Main Campus accumulate an average of around $26,640 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $209, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Nursing at University of Akron Main Campus Report
Request Information
Chamberlain University - Illinois came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in the suburb of Addison, Chamberlain - Illinois is a private for-profit school with a fairly large student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Chamberlain - Illinois are $20,250 a year. Nursing majors at Chamberlain - Illinois take out an average of $37,103 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $256.
Full Nursing at Chamberlain University - Illinois Report
Request Information
Western Illinois University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. WIU is a medium-sized public school located in the town of Macomb.
WIU undergraduate students pay an average of $13,297 in tuition and fees each year. The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at WIU take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $26,071.
Request Information
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the distant town of Stevens Point, UW - Stevens Point is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UW - Stevens Point are $17,035 a year. On average, nursing graduates from UW - Stevens Point take out $24,130 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.
Request InformationHonorable Mentions
These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Value Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Herzing University - Madison | Madison, WI |
| 27 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL |
| 28 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL |
| 29 | Purdue University Global | Indianapolis, IN |
| 29 | The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Cincinnati, OH |
| 31 | Ohio Christian University | Circleville, OH |
| 32 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI |
| 33 | Chicago State University | Chicago, IL |
Best Nursing Colleges by State
Explore the best nursing colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 7,345 |
| Ohio | 13,973 |
| Illinois | 21,938 |
| Indiana | 7,922 |
| Wisconsin | 5,410 |
More Nursing Rankings in the Great Lakes Region
Nursing Related Majors for Nursing
One of 30 majors within the area of study, nursing has other similar majors worth exploring.
Majors Similar to Nursing
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
| Public Health | 40,596 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.