Saginaw Valley State University | School Profile
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.
- 7400 Bay Rd, University Center, Michigan 48710, US
- 1-989-964-4517
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
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.
-
SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
-
Hybrid Program$58,534 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
-
Online Program$28,305 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
-
Online Program$9,180 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
-
Hybrid Program$17,304 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
-
Hybrid Program$59,325 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
-
Online Program$13,361 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
-
On-Campus Program$68,572 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
*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
DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.