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Michigan State University vs University of Michigan

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
Michigan State University
$21,148 vs $68,000
Faster to complete
Michigan State University
24 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Michigan State University
83.9% vs 10% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Michigan State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Michigan
Master's in Nursing
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationEast Lansing, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Length24 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate97%
Acceptance rate83.9%BEST10%
Avg accepted GPA3.8
Min GPA
Entrance examNot required
Total tuition$21,148 in / $41,224 outBEST$68,000
In-state tuition$21,148
Out-of-state tuition$41,224
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or University of Michigan?

Michigan State University is the more affordable option at roughly $21,148, compared to $68,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Michigan State University and University of Michigan 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 Michigan State University and University of Michigan?

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.