Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) blends practical experiences and individualized guidance to prepare students for thriving healthcare careers. Established in 1963, SVSU has continuously evolved its nursing offerings, gaining recognition for its commitment to excellence in nursing education. Whether you're pursuing a BSN, MSN, or DNP, SVSU offers a unique pathway catered to your needs and aspirations.

Saginaw Valley State University | School Profile

allnurses College Ranking: B+

Saginaw Valley State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CNL, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

School Facts

  • Located in Michigan
  • 4 year or higher institution
  • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
  • 76% Acceptance Rate
  • 49% Graduation Rate
  • 6,211 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
  • 679 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

Student Demographics

  • 21 Average Age
  • 36% Men
  • 64% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 88% White
  • 3% Hispanic
  • 8% Black
  • 1% Asian

*2024 College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Nursing Programs

  • $40,967 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $34,530 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

 

Saginaw Valley State University, a public institution, was founded in 1963.

In 1975, the BSN program was approved for development by the Michigan State Board of Education and the Michigan State Board for Nursing in 1976. In 1988, the first class in the MSN program was admitted. Then, in 1996, the FNP track was added, followed by the Clinical Nurse Leader track in 2006. In 2012, the DNP program was offered as the first and only doctoral program at the university.

Undergraduate


Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The basic BSN program begins with typically three to four semesters of general education and pre-nursing courses. Once in the final semester of pre-nursing courses, the student is eligible to apply to the nursing program. After acceptance, the student can complete the nursing program courses in two and a half years.

Admission Process (not all inclusive)

  • Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better
  • 2.80 cumulative GPA and a 2.80 GPA in required math/science nursing prerequisite courses
  • To be eligible for consideration as a freshman admit, students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 or better, an ACT score of 26 or better, SAT score of 1240 or better, and be recommended based on an interview and timed essay

ADN to BSN

The ADN to BSN Concurrent program is designed for students enrolled in the Nursing (ADN)-Associate in Applied Science (AAS) course at a partnership community college and are currently taking SVSU RN to BSN courses concurrently. This process saves time for the student who will be completing the ADN portion while starting to take credits towards the BSN portion of the nursing degree. The student will go on to complete their BSN from SVSU in additional semesters.

RN to BSN

This program is designed for the Registered Nurse student that has graduated from a state approved school of nursing and currently holds an RN license in the state of Michigan.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • Michigan RN license
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
  • Transfer credits are considered in this process

Graduate


Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN is offered as a hybrid program combining in-class time with online course time and usually a part-time (6-7 credits per semester) program.

Specialties

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Nurse Administrator

Nurse Educator

The program is an advanced degree that prepares the nurse to practice in a variety of settings. The MSN degree is awarded at the end of year three. Then, the nurse has the option to take the FNP certification exam and begin practicing as an FNP.

There are two examinations available for certification as an FNP: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program.

RN to MSN

This offers the student the opportunity to be admitted to the MSN program without a BSN. This option is limited to specialty areas of Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator and Clinical Nurse Leader programs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)


BSN to DNP

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from an accredited college or University
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3
  • Employed as an RN with a current Michigan license
  • Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Detailed resume or CV with current job title and description, employment history, education, scholarship, service and professional involvement
  • Three Graduate recommendations
  • College chemistry with grade of 'C' or higher, 3 credit course, general, organic or biochemistry
  • College statistics course with grade of 'B' or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses
  • Essay goal statement
  • Interview for successfully screened applicants

MSN to DNP

The MSN to DNP program is available to any RN who holds a university accredited MSN degree.

For a DNP degree, students must submit a practice application-oriented final DNP project rather than a dissertation. All coursework is completed online excluding each fall and Winter semesters only one or two Saturday seminars are required. The program is able to be completed in three years or longer if coursework is spread out for a lighter load each semester.

Post-Grad Certificates

Family Nurse Practitioner

This program is provided in hybrid format for non-clinical courses and is designed for nurses who already have a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited program in another concentration, such as nurse educator, nurse administrator, or Clinical Nurse Leader. This certificate consists of 37 credits taken over 2.5 to 3 years. A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at SVSU to be awarded the Post-Graduate Certificate.

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from accredited program
  • Current Michigan RN license
  • College chemistry with grade of 'C' or higher, 3 credit course, general, organic, or biochemistry

Nursing Administration / Nursing Education

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration and the Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education are hybrid courses that are for nurses that already hold a graduate degree in nursing in another concentration, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or Clinical Nurse Leader. There are 24 credits required for the certificates taken over 1.5 or 2 years. Some of the required courses may be waived, depending on previous course work completed, however, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken at SVSU to be awarded the Post-Graduate Certificates in both disciplines.

Admission Requirements: Nursing Administration / Nursing Education (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from an accredited program
  • Current Michigan RN License

Accreditation and Approval

Saginaw Valley State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate degree in nursing, the master's degree in nursing, and the DNP degree.

The nursing program is approved by the Michigan State Board of Nursing of the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services.

Rankings

NICHE (2019)

  • Best College Dorms in America #8
  • Best College Campuses in America #48
  • Best College Food in America #147
  • Top Public Universities in America #274
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #379
  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #411
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #649
  • Best Colleges in America #706
  • Best Value Colleges in America #854
  • Colleges with the Best Professors in America #857
  • Best College Dorms in Michigan #1
  • Best College Campuses in Michigan #3
  • Best College Food in Michigan #5
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Michigan #9
  • Top Public Universities in Michigan #9
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Michigan #15
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Michigan #15
  • Best Colleges in Michigan #19
  • Best Value Colleges in Michigan #24
  • Colleges with the Best Professors in Michigan #27

US News & World Report (2020)

  • #128-#165 in Regional Universities Midwest
  • #199-252 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #143-182 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

 

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