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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Western Michigan University

MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Western Michigan University
$19,277 vs $27,524
Easier to get into
Western Michigan University
84.7% vs 17.9% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Western Michigan University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationAnn Arbor, MIKalamazoo, MI
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate97.4%
Acceptance rate17.9%84.7%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$27,524 in / $55,052 out$19,277 in / $28,454 outBEST
In-state tuition$27,524$19,277BEST
Out-of-state tuition$55,052$28,454BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University is the more affordable option at roughly $19,277, compared to $27,524. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Western Michigan University the same type of program?

Both are MSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Western Michigan University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.