Saginaw Valley State University CHHS Nursing: What to Know (2026)
The Department of Nursing in SVSU’s College of Health and Human Services offers CCNE-accredited pre-licensure BSN (including a part-time option), RN-to-BSN, MSN (educator, administrator, dual), DNP, and post-graduate certificates including PMHNP. SVSU publishes 2025–26 block undergraduate tuition and a CHHS professional fee; for NCLEX-RN, this page cites SVSU’s 2024 school-reported rate and Michigan LARA program summaries—confirm both with official sources.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SVSU anchors the Great Lakes Bay Region from University Center, sharing the higher-ed corridor with neighboring institutions. The nursing program highlights a Nursing Simulation Center (with Society for Simulation in Healthcare reaccreditation noted in SVSU’s 2025 NCLEX news) and clinical learning that SVSU describes across regional medical centers and public health settings. Pre-licensure BSN admission is competitive (no waitlist)—Michigan authorizes up to 96 fall and 96 winter seats per SVSU’s BSN FAQ.
Overview & Why Students Choose SVSU College of Health and Human Services
Saginaw Valley State University’s College of Health and Human Services houses the Department of Nursing, which delivers undergraduate and graduate nursing on SVSU’s main campus footprint in University Center, serving students from the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. SVSU emphasizes evidence-based practice, simulation-integrated learning, and clinical experiences that, per university materials, span acute care, community, and public health settings.
Students often cite affordable public-university tuition (SVSU promotes among the lowest tuition among Michigan public universities on its financial aid pages), small-class emphasis in nursing marketing copy, a clear BSN → MSN → DNP progression, and regional clinical access across Mid-Michigan health systems.
According to SVSU’s newsroom (January 2025), SVSU nursing graduates achieved a reported 98.55% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 (calendar-year reporting through December 31), with 136 students passing. The same article notes Michigan’s 2024 first-time rate was just under 92% and the national rate just over 91%. Confirm current cohort data with SVSU and in Michigan LARA NCLEX score summary PDFs, which list program-level statistics.
Reasons students choose SVSU nursing
Simulation-forward learning environment
SVSU’s Nursing Simulation Center supports skills and scenario training; SVSU’s 2025 NCLEX news notes SSH reaccreditation for the center—confirm current lab features on the nursing site.
Full-time and part-time BSN paths
Beyond the standard sequence, SVSU advertises a part-time BSN option for students who need a slower pace through the professional nursing curriculum.
Graduate nursing without leaving SVSU
MSN tracks in education, administration, and a dual option—described as primarily online—and a DNP with BSN-to-DNP FNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways support career advancement.
RN-to-BSN and concurrent ADN partnerships
RN-to-BSN welcomes licensed RNs; SVSU also describes taking RN-to-BSN coursework concurrently while enrolled in partner community college ADN programs.
Defined competitive BSN process
SVSU publishes minimum GPAs, science grading rules, repeat limits, application deadlines, and a Freshman Nursing Direct Admission pathway for highly qualified new students—details in the BSN FAQ.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following list reflects SVSU’s Department of Nursing website and SVSU catalog program pages linked from those materials. Pre-licensure pathways prepare graduates for NCLEX-RN; post-licensure and graduate programs align with the roles described on SVSU’s MSN, DNP, and certificate pages.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Pre-Licensure
SVSU’s primary BSN track combines general education, sciences, and professional nursing courses (about 66 nursing credits in the major per the BSN program page). The department also offers a part-time BSN option alongside the full-time sequence.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Completion BSN for licensed RNs; SVSU also describes concurrent enrollment in partner community college ADN programs while completing RN-to-BSN courses at SVSU.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
SVSU lists Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Dual Nurse Education/Nurse Administrator tracks, with primarily online coursework and occasional evening classes.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP prepares primary care family nurse practitioners through a hybrid of online and in-person sessions; MSN-to-DNP is described as fully online with a leadership/systems emphasis.
Post-graduate certificates
Post-graduate nursing & PMHNP certificates
Designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and seek an additional specialty; SVSU highlights Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) among its certificate offerings—confirm specialty list and admission rules on the certificate program page.
Tracks, emphases, and delivery can change. Always confirm the current SVSU catalog entry and the relevant Department of Nursing page before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to SVSU’s newsroom (January 17, 2025), SVSU nursing graduates earned a 98.55% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 (NCLEX reports quarterly; the article reflects testing through December 31, 2024), with 136 SVSU students passing. The article adds that Michigan’s 2024 first-time rate was just shy of 92% and the national rate slightly above 91%.
Michigan LARA also publishes NCLEX score summary PDFs with program-level tables—use them to verify Saginaw Valley State University rows for the reporting year you care about. NCLEX reporting calendars can differ from academic cohorts, so align the year and definition (first-time vs. all testers) when comparing sources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024, school-reported) | 98.55% per SVSU newsroom; 136 students passed through Dec. 31, 2024. |
| Michigan aggregate context (2024, per SVSU news summary) | SVSU’s article states Michigan’s first-time NCLEX-RN rate was just under 92% in 2024. For board-published aggregates, see the Michigan LARA NCLEX Score Summary (e.g., 2024 PDF). |
| Source | SVSU Newsroom — 2024 NCLEX pass rate; Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systems (NCLEX score summaries). Confirm current rates with SVSU and LARA. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting window. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with Michigan LARA, SVSU Department of Nursing, and the Michigan Board of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must coordinate SVSU admissions, CHHS nursing program requirements, clinical clearance rules, and Michigan nursing licensure steps. Use this list as a planning checklist—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm required exams and minimum scores with SVSU admissions or the international office.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow SVSU guidance on accepted evaluators for nursing prerequisites and degrees.
- Michigan Board of Nursing (via LARA): For RN licensure pathways, NCLEX eligibility, and any CGFNS-related steps, confirm current rules with Michigan nursing regulators.
- Immigration & visa: Clarify F-1 or other status implications for didactic vs. clinical components and any restrictions on placement sites.
Policies change frequently. Verify with SVSU international services, the Department of Nursing, and Michigan LARA nursing staff.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pre-licensure BSN admission at SVSU is competitive and requires university admission plus a separate nursing application during the published period. Per the BSN FAQ, Michigan authorizes SVSU to admit up to 96 students each fall and 96 each winter; there is no wait list. Minimum thresholds include 3.0 GPA in science/statistics nursing prerequisites and 3.0 cumulative GPA to apply—but SVSU notes those minimums may not be competitive depending on the pool.
Prerequisite science courses require C (2.0) or higher except Anatomy & Physiology I and II, which each need B- (2.7) or better. Students may repeat up to three required prerequisites once each; retake grades factor into the nursing GPA calculation per FAQ rules. Freshman Nursing Direct Admission invites a limited cohort with high school GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 26 or SAT ≥ 1200, with ongoing 3.3 college GPA requirements. RN-to-BSN and graduate applicants follow separate requirements on their program pages.
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline / window | Entry term |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensure BSN | Third Monday in April | Fall semester |
| Pre-licensure BSN | Third Monday in October | Winter semester |
| RN-to-BSN / MSN / DNP | Varies by program; use SVSU graduate or RN-to-BSN pages | Confirm term start with program contacts |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite GPA (minimums) | 3.0 science/statistics nursing prerequisites; 3.0 cumulative (higher often needed to be competitive). |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed in SVSU BSN FAQ materials reviewed for this page; confirm for your pathway with CHHS nursing advisors. |
| Cohort size (pre-licensure BSN) | Up to 96 fall / 96 winter (state-approved caps per BSN FAQ). |
| References / volunteer | BSN FAQ: references/volunteer work not required and do not add points (volunteer experience may still inform clinical insight). |
Practical tips
Complete as many prerequisite courses as possible before the deadline because SVSU scores applications using grades for courses completed by the deadline (additional courses can finish later while admission is provisional). Meet early with CHHS advisors about repeat policies and taking both A&P sequences at the same institution. If invited to reapply, the FAQ allows up to three total applications.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
SVSU’s 2025–2026 Tuition & Fees page describes block tuition for full-time undergraduates and additional fees. Nursing majors in the College of Health and Human Services should budget for the professional fee once they reach junior status. Graduate nursing courses bill at the per-credit graduate rate listed for 500- to 699-level (and HHS 500–799) coursework.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate block tuition (Michigan resident, 12–18 credits per fall/winter semester) | $6,840 per semester; $13,680 per academic year. |
| Undergraduate block tuition (non-Michigan resident, 12–18 credits per fall/winter semester) | $12,000 per semester; $24,000 per academic year. |
| Part-time undergraduate (1–11 credits, fall/winter) | $570 per credit (MI res.) / $1,000 per credit (non-res.) per SVSU table. |
| Professional fee (CHHS, junior+) | $50 per credit on the first 12 credits each semester for qualifying majors including CHHS. |
| Graduate tuition (500–699 level; HHS 500–799) | $800 per credit hour (MI and non-MI rates listed the same on SVSU’s table). |
| Doctoral (DNP) courses | SVSU’s 2025–26 tuition table groups DNP with graduate/doctoral rates at $800 per credit (same figure shown for graduate rows on the page)—confirm annually on svsu.edu/cfsc/tuitionfees/. |
| Estimated cost of attendance (undergrad on campus, 2025–26) | SVSU financial aid lists about $28,670 total COA for on-campus undergraduates (includes tuition, books, housing/food, misc.). |
| Source | SVSU — Tuition & Fees 2025–2026; Cost of Attendance 2025–2026; Scholarships & Financial Aid. Confirm current amounts with the Campus Financial Services Center. |
SVSU promotes broad institutional aid and scholarship opportunities; use the financial aid office and program contacts for nursing-specific awards.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pre-licensure graduates earn a BSN and become eligible for NCLEX-RN. SVSU publicly highlighted a strong 2024 first-time pass rate in its newsroom; pair that school communication with Michigan LARA program tables when you need board-published cohort detail. Advanced-practice graduates should track certification exam outcomes separately from NCLEX-RN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (pre-licensure BSN, 2024) | 98.55% first-time pass rate reported by SVSU newsroom (136 passers through Dec. 31, 2024). Confirm current cohorts with SVSU and Michigan LARA NCLEX score summaries. |
| Employment / placement rate | Not publicly disclosed on this page. For career outcomes, see SVSU career services or program disclosures if published. |
| Source | SVSU Newsroom — 2024 NCLEX; Michigan LARA — BCHS; SVSU Department of Nursing. |
Is SVSU College of Health and Human Services the Right Fit for You?
SVSU fits learners who want a public university BSN in the Great Lakes Bay Region, value simulation-integrated instruction, and plan to progress to MSN or DNP without changing institutions. It may be less ideal if you need a fully online pre-licensure program or expect open enrollment without competitive nursing admission.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP pathways at a Michigan public university with regional clinical access.
- Appreciate block tuition (12–18 credits per semester at a flat rate) while planning full-time fall/winter progression.
- Can meet competitive GPA thresholds and fixed application deadlines for the pre-licensure BSN.
- Are interested in RN-to-BSN or concurrent ADN partnerships after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program (SVSU’s BSN includes in-person coursework and clinical rotations).
- Expect rolling admission without selective ranking once prerequisites are complete.
- Cannot travel to Mid-Michigan clinical sites or the University Center area for campus-based components.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
SVSU’s BSN materials describe clinical learning in regional medical centers, community agencies, and public health departments. The broader Great Lakes Bay Region (Saginaw, Bay City, Midland corridor) includes community hospitals, multi-hospital systems, long-term care, clinics, and public health employers—useful context for rotations and first jobs even though exact contracted sites rotate by semester.
| Setting / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Great Lakes Bay hospitals & networks | Major systems such as Covenant HealthCare (Saginaw area) and McLaren facilities serve the region; confirm whether your cohort rotates through specific sites via SVSU clinical coordinators. |
| Community & public health | SVSU highlights public health departments alongside acute-care experiences—aligning with population-health competencies in modern BSN education. |
| Regional demand | Rural and community hospitals across Michigan continue recruiting BSN-prepared nurses; SVSU markets strong NCLEX performance as a signal of practice readiness to employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
SVSU emphasizes its Nursing Simulation Center for hands-on skills and scenario training (SSH reaccreditation noted in SVSU’s 2025 NCLEX news). Pre-nursing students can engage through the Student Nurses Association (SNA) per the BSN FAQ. Campus life includes NCAA Division II athletics, student organizations, and residential options; nursing coursework runs primarily in fall and winter semesters with a spring/summer internship before graduation per SVSU’s FAQ.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- University Center, MI
- Address
- 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710, US
- BSN / pre-licensure nursing
- (989) 964-4517 · nursing@svsu.edu
- RN-to-BSN
- (989) 964-4184 (per SVSU nursing contact block)
- Graduate (MSN, DNP)
- (989) 964-4595 (per SVSU nursing contact block)
- Financial aid / student accounts
- (989) 964-4900 · cfsc@svsu.edu
- Website
- svsu.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the BSN program page and FAQ, noting GPA rules, repeat limits, and deadline Mondays.
- Open the catalog program sheet linked from the BSN page and map prerequisites to your transcripts.
- Download the latest BSN Student Handbook (if still current) for policies and progression detail.
- Compare block tuition plus CHHS professional fees using the CFSC tables.
- Review SVSU’s NCLEX news and cross-check Saginaw Valley State University in the newest Michigan LARA NCLEX PDF.
- Email nursing@svsu.edu to book a visit or advising appointment, including simulation lab tours when offered.
- Add the graduate contacts on svsu.edu if you are exploring MSN or DNP pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Saginaw Valley State University College of Health and Human Services offer?
SVSU’s Department of Nursing lists pre-licensure BSN (full-time and part-time), RN-to-BSN, MSN (Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Dual), DNP (BSN-to-DNP FNP hybrid and MSN-to-DNP online), and post-graduate certificates including PMHNP. Confirm tracks on svsu.edu/nursing.
What was SVSU’s reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024?
According to SVSU’s January 2025 newsroom article, graduates achieved a 98.55% first-time pass rate in 2024 with 136 students passing through December 31, 2024. Confirm current rates with SVSU and Michigan LARA NCLEX score summaries.
How much is SVSU nursing tuition for 2025–26?
SVSU uses block tuition: Michigan residents pay $6,840 per semester for 12–18 credits ($13,680/year); non-residents pay $12,000/semester ($24,000/year). Add the $50/credit CHHS professional fee on the first 12 credits per semester for qualifying juniors and seniors. Graduate nursing courses list $800/credit on the same tuition page. See svsu.edu/cfsc/tuitionfees/.
When are SVSU pre-licensure BSN application deadlines?
The BSN FAQ states applications are due the third Monday in April for fall admission and the third Monday in October for winter admission. Verify each year’s calendar on the BSN application page.
Does SVSU require the TEAS for nursing admission?
SVSU’s published BSN FAQ emphasizes GPA, prerequisite grades, credits completed at SVSU, and related factors; a TEAS requirement is not listed there in the sources used for this page. Confirm for your pathway with CHHS advisors.
How many students does SVSU admit to nursing each semester?
SVSU reports Michigan approval for up to 96 fall and 96 winter pre-licensure BSN students, with roughly 100–120 applicants per cycle in recent terms per the FAQ.
Is SVSU nursing accredited?
SVSU states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, plus Michigan Board of Nursing approval. Verify with CCNE, Michigan LARA, and SVSU before enrolling.
Does SVSU offer Freshman Direct Admission to nursing?
Yes—SVSU describes a competitive Freshman Nursing Direct Admission pathway for students with high school GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 26 or SAT ≥ 1200, who must maintain a 3.3 college GPA and submit the nursing application during prerequisite semesters.
What should international students know about SVSU nursing?
Coordinate English proficiency, credential evaluation, visa status, clinical eligibility, and Michigan licensure steps with SVSU international services, the Department of Nursing, and Michigan LARA. This FAQ is general guidance only, not legal advice.
References
- SVSU — Department of Nursingsvsu.edu/nursing
- SVSU — BSN (Pre-Licensure) program page & FAQBSN overview
- SVSU Newsroom — 2024 NCLEX pass rate (Jan. 17, 2025)News article
- SVSU — Tuition & Fees 2025–2026 (CFSC)Tuition tables
- SVSU — Cost of Attendance 2025–2026COA figures
- SVSU — Scholarships & Financial AidFinancial aid hub
- Michigan LARA — Bureau of Community & Health Systems (NCLEX summaries)michigan.gov/lara
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)CCNE
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment of program lists with SVSU’s Department of Nursing site, tuition and fee figures with SVSU CFSC 2025–26 tables, BSN admission details with SVSU’s published FAQ, and NCLEX figures with SVSU’s newsroom article plus Michigan LARA guidance.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Saginaw Valley State University and Michigan nursing regulators.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy