Top 20 Nursing Schools In Texas

By Craig Miller

01/16/2023

The team at Academia Labs found the Top 20 Nursing Schools in Texas that will reward you with a promising nursing career. We’ve searched the state to find the best nursing schools that will provide the right program to help you get started or take you to the next level. We looked at factors such as cost of tuition, student-to-teacher ratio, graduation rates, and more. The result is our Top 20 list–a diverse selection of schools from across the state that all offer exceptional programs and support for students interested in becoming nurses.

First Look

  1. Best overall in nursing programs – University of Texas, Austin
  2. Top christian-based collegiate nursing education – Texas Christian University
  3. Best in accelerated online nursing programs – University of Texas, Arlington
  4. Best in graduate nursing courses – Baylor University, Dallas
  5. Reliable educational nursing programs support – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
  6. Most affordable nursing education – Texas Woman’s University, Denton
  7. Best bridging degree programs – University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
  8. Top exclusive school for health professions – Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock
  9. Great for MSN to Ph.D. nursing programs – University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
  10. Leading online MSN program and Ph.D. nursing courses – University of Texas, Tyler
  11. Cheapest out-of-state nursing education – Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls
  12. Best private nursing schools for BSN programs – Abilene Christian University
  13.  Reputed technical training facilities for nursing students – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  14. Go-to nursing school for individualized learning – Houston Baptist University
  15. Best community college for an associate degree in nursing program – Howard Community College
  16. Top licensed vocational nurse – ADN course – Alvin Community College
  17. Excellent entry-level nursing education – Laredo Community College
  18. Most popular community college nursing school – Blinn College
  19. Leading hybrid nursing programs – Lone Star College-Montgomery
  20. Wide variety of nursing courses – Panola College

The Best 20 Nursing Schools in Texas

1. University of Texas, Austin – Best Overall in Nursing Programs

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin is a public institution that was founded in 1883. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,048 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the…....

ADN Program BSN Program
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $12,119 In-state / $42,129 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 32%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.03%

Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE – MSN) | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Alternate Entry Doctor of Philosophy (AE-PhD) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

University of Texas’ school of nursing is perhaps the most popular and most inclusive in Texas, with more than 8,000 nursing degrees and 610+ Ph.D. nursing degrees awarded so far. So you can sit pretty knowing you’re enrolling in a reputed, highly sought-after school.

Since it’s a public school of nursing, the University of Texas boasts more students than most Texas nursing training schools, hence larger classrooms. But that also means that they secure more funding to build more learning resources and get more learning equipment for effective training of nursing students.

The range of programs offered by the University of Texas is vast, and they include accelerated programs, certification programs for graduate students, and even alternate entry programs for those that would wish to cross over from non-nursing-related disciplines to the blooming side of the nursing world.

2. Texas Christian University – Top Christian-Based Collegiate Nursing Education

Texas Christian University

WHO WE ARETCU's mission is: To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.#4 Best Housing by Princeton Review#10 Best Schools for…....

Arts and Humanities Business Communication Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Texas, US    School Type : University

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $51,570

Acceptance Rate: 48%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.16%

Programs Offered: Traditional BSN program | BSN – DNP | DNP | Certifications | Ph.D. | MSN | DNP – ADN

With almost 150 years of experience in the education world, Texas Christian University not only seeks to provide you with the necessary skills to thrive in nursing care but also instills in you moral and ethical Christian values to become an upstanding graduate.

Still, admissions aren’t set in stone. Anyone from any religious denomination can enroll in the school’s nursing practice programs and experience their commitment to giving high-quality nursing education with high-tech labs and multimedia learning platforms.

Their annual tuition isn’t the cheapest as a private university. But the university has one of the best financial aid programs to cushion students with grants and scholarships.

3. University of Texas, Arlington – Best in Accelerated Online Nursing Programs

University of Texas, Arlington

University of Texas at Arlington is a public institution that was founded in 1895. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 35,064 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the…....

Accounting ADN Program Biology BSN Program
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $11,040 In-state / $28,129 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 82.9%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.38%

Programs Offered: Ph.D. | MSN | Certifications | Accelerated Online BSN | Registered Nursing – MSN | RN to BSN | DNP | Accelerated Online DNP

For a long time, the University of Texas, Arlington, has built its forte on graduate nursing programs, with 50+ years of experience providing qualified advanced and registered nurses to the healthcare industry.

You’ll notice that Arlington’s University of Texas also has great accelerated nursing programs like the accelerated BSN program, RN to BSN, DNP, and a few other programs if you want to learn remotely, faster, and more cheaply.

The University of Texas, Arlington, has a College of Nursing and Health Innovation with well-equipped labs and nursing research centers. You have around informed staff that gives nursing students an excellent support system to succeed. Nursing practice students can also find additional certifications programs – on health informatics and telehealth, for example – to make them more marketable as healthcare professionals.

4. Baylor University, Dallas – Best in Graduate Nursing Courses

Baylor University, Dallas

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers,…....

Accounting BSN Program Computer Science Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Texas, US    School Type :

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $52,822

Acceptance Rate: 45.3%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.55%

Programs Offered: Traditional BSN program | Online BSN | Online DNP | DNP | Accelerated BSN degree | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) | Exclusive Nurse Leadership (ENL) | Pre-Nursing | Nurse Midwifery (NM)

Like Texas Christian University, Baylor University – Dallas looks to train their students on Christian ideals to build skill and character. Because what good is a morally corrupt medic?

The Dallas-based University has impressive student labs, multimedia wired classrooms, and state-of-the-art human patient simulations. In addition, there are other facilities that can help you get the best expertise to succeed as a nurse.

Well, with the online courses available, you can earn a nursing degree remotely. Also, their accelerated BSN nursing program is excellent for those who don’t mind fast, intense 2-year degree programs.

5. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – Reliable Educational Nursing Programs Support

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi is a public institution that was founded in 1947. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,483 (fall 2020), its setting is suburban, and the campus…....

Business Computer Science Nursing
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $10,318 In-state / $23,937 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 80%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 84.19%

Programs Offered: Accelerated BSN | Certifications | DNP | Registered Nursing | BSN | BSN-MSN | RN – MSN | RN to BSN | Military BSN | Online BSN

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas A&M University has been around for about 74 years. The school currently has just 2000 undergraduate students, allowing for more individualized learning and swift access to learning facilities.

The international university claims to have the first accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the country. So their virtual nursing degree programs might just have the edge over other nursing programs if you fancy online learning.

Also, their programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. They have resourceful academic support help, including tutoring, learning services, academic coaching, and mentoring in case you need some assistance.

6. Texas Woman’s University, Denton – Most Affordable Nursing Education

Texas Woman's University, Denton

Texas Woman's University is a public institution that was founded in 1901. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,656 (fall 2020), its setting is city, and the campus size…....

Accounting Art Biology Business Administration
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $7,926 In-state / $18,055 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 93.2%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.70%

Programs Offered: Traditional BSN program | MSN | DNP | Ph.D. | Certifications | DNP – Ph.D. Bridge

Are you frustrated by the high tuition fees that some nursing institutions charge? Well, Texas Woman’s University aims to give you value for your buck at possibly the most affordable tuition currently.

The school of nursing boasts an extensive nursing research center that nursing students can use. And no, Texas Woman’s University isn’t just for women. Male students have been enrolling in the school since 1994.

To have an edge in the job market, you can take their postgraduate and post-undergraduate certifications in informatics, nurse educator, and family nurse practitioner. Possibly, Texas Woman’s University 97% certifications pass rate might help you make a choice.

7. University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston – Best Bridging Degree Programs

University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

University of Texas Health Science Center--Houston is one of more than 800 institutions with graduate schools surveyed by U.S. News on an annual basis. University of Texas Health Science Center--Houston…....

Biomedical Laboratory Science Health Sciences Mathematics Philosophy
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $11,925 In-state / $36,495

Acceptance Rate: 58%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.28%

Programs Offered: BSN | Registered Nursing to BSN | Registered Nursing – FNP | Registered Nursing – MSN | FND | BSN – DNP | DNP / Ph.D. | Certifications

University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston looks to have made its bones on bridging nursing programs. It stands as the go-to choice for registered nurses that wish to advance in their career by bridging their registered nurse degree to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

One of the most remarkable things about the University of Texas Health Science Center is its fairly priced tuition fees. And you can further take certification courses in Family Nurse Practitioner, nursing administration, nurse educator, and psychiatric mental health to appeal to the nursing care job market.

8. Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock – Top Exclusive School for Health Professions

Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is one of more than 800 institutions with graduate schools surveyed by U.S. News on an annual basis. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center…....

Physical Therapy Public Health
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $19,389 In-state / $22,230 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 9.06%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.04%

Programs Offered: DNP | BSN – DNP | BSN | Registered Nursing to BSN | Accelerated BSN Programs | MSN | Certifications

For over 40 years, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock has trained and provided health institutions with highly innovative and competent healthcare professionals. And their 3.81 average GPA of enrolled nursing students and 510 average MCAT score should sum up the effectiveness of their nursing programs.

You also get the convenient choice to take your preferred accredited undergraduate/graduate nursing program online if you have other responsibilities. You also get extra options of a good range of certifications to buff up your nursing CV.

9. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston – Great for MSN to Ph.D. Nursing Programs

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

University of Texas Medical Branch--Galveston is one of more than 800 institutions with graduate schools surveyed by U.S. News on an annual basis. University of Texas Medical Branch--Galveston confers degrees…....

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Microbiology Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $9,062 In-state / $22,682 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 10.58%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.67%

Programs Offered: BSN | RN to BSN | Masters Certifications | DNP | BSN-PhD | MSN – PhD

Do you have an MSN degree and wish to bridge to a nursing Ph.D.?

The University of Texas Medical Branch has one of the best Ph.D. bridging programs currently. You can also build up your master’s degree with certifications in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Still, Galveston’s University of Texas Medical Branch offers financial aid programs for needy students and additional tutoring and counseling classes for students that might have been left behind during the coursework.

The University of Texas Medical Branch’s school of nursing is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. But getting to study at this prestigious University of Texas Medical Branch could be life-changing.

10. University of Texas, Tyler – Leading Online MSN Program and Ph.D. Nursing Courses

University of Texas, Tyler

University of Texas at Tyler is a public institution that was founded in 1971. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,237 (fall 2020), its setting is city, and the…....

Business Engineering Kinesiology Management and Leadership
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $7,248 In-state / $15,726 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 65%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.75%

Programs Offered: BSN | RN to BSN | MSN | DNP | MSN Certifications | Ph.D. | MSN-MBA | Online courses

The University of Texas, Tyler seems to understand that physical learning might get in the way of fulfilling other personal responsibilities (especially for Masters and Ph.D. nursing students). So they give you the option to choose between online and physical learning.

The Tyler-based University of Texas is set in a green, calm city in Texas, providing a well conducive learning environment. Yes, there are Master’s degree certifications in nurse educator, psychiatric mental health, health informatics, and more if you wish to spruce up your nursing practice experience.

11. Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls – Cheapest Out-of-state Nursing Education

Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls

Midwestern State University is a public institution that was founded in 1922. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,141 (fall 2020), its setting is city, and the campus size…....

Nursing
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $9,601 In-state / $11,551 Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 79.3%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.98%

Programs Offered: BS | MSN | MSN Certifications | RN to BSN

Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls offers both in-school and online courses for popular nursing programs like MSN, Registered Nurse to BSN, certifications, to mention a few. You’ll find extra academic support to help you catch up with the coursework if you miss some areas.

The tuition is also pretty affordable. But still, there’s a yearly financial aid initiative to help out some students in the school of nursing.

12. Abilene Christian University – Best Private Nursing Schools for BSN Programs

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a private institution that was founded in 1906. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,494 (fall 2020), its setting is city, and the campus size…....

Accounting Advertising Architecture Art
Texas, US    School Type : Private

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $34,850

Acceptance Rate: 61%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.39%

Programs Offered: BSN | Pre-Nursing Tracks | DNP

Abilene Christian University is a liberal educational institution steeped in high moral values and quality resident and online graduate/undergraduate programs.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)-accredited school of nursing also offers Pre-Nursing Tracks for nursing students that have to take prerequisite courses before their nursing degree.

13. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor – Reputed Technical Training Facilities for Nursing Students

University of Mary Hardin - Baylor

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a private institution that was founded in 1845. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,379 (fall 2020), its setting is suburban, and the campus…....

Biomedical Laboratory Science Business Education General Studies
Texas, US    School Type : Private

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $29,700

Acceptance Rate: 87.4%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.92%

Programs Offered: BSN | Online Accelerated RN to BSN | MSN | Postgraduate Certificates

The School of Nursing at the University of Mary Hardin is an attractive option for registered nurses who want to complete another nursing degree quickly and affordably.

Their simulated hospital, standardized patient clinic, diagnostics lab, and international mission trips ensure students lock down the necessary skills before employing their skills in real-life situations.

14. Houston Baptist University – Go-to Nursing School for Individualized Learning

Houston Baptist University

Houston Baptist University is a private institution that was founded in 1960. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,733 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size…....

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Computer Science
Texas, US    School Type : Private

Estimated Tuition Per Year: $35,500

Acceptance Rate: 71%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 83.17%

Programs Offered: BSN | RN to BSN | MSN

How does an average class size of 25 sound? Better yet, apart from manageable classrooms, you can enroll for an online undergraduate/graduate degree nursing program if you fancy remote learning.

In addition, there are helpful resources like testing services and academic accommodations for students with disabilities to make sure you’re in tune with your course’s requirements. BSN students get adequate training for a solid start in the nursing profession.

15. Howard Community College – Best Community College for an Associate Degree Program in Nursing

Howard Community College

See, you don’t have to break the bank to get a degree in nursing. In Howard College's school of nursing, you can build from the ground up by enrolling for…....

Accounting Electrical Engineering Health Sciences Mathematics
Texas, US    School Type : Public

See, you don’t have to break the bank to get a degree in nursing. In Howard College’s school of nursing, you can build from the ground up by enrolling for an Associate Degree in Program in Nursing (ADN) to achieve your nursing dream in about two years.

You can also take an accelerated AA nursing degree and further broaden your nursing education. The program is also a pathway to the nursing and health professions.

16. Alvin Community College – Top Licensed Vocational Nurse – ADN Course

Alvin Community College

Alvin Community College's school of nursing might not be the biggest college out there, but they’ve earned repute in helping Licensed Vocational Nurses transition to an Associate program and have…....

Art Biology Business Business Administration
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Alvin Community College’s school of nursing might not be the biggest college out there. But they’ve earned a reputation in helping Licensed Vocational Nurses transition to an Associate Degree in Nursing program.

With this bridge program, you get better career prospects as registered nurses. The college also offers health training residencies to equip students with relevant nursing competencies.

17. Laredo Community College – Excellent Entry-Level Nursing Education

Laredo Community College

In Laredo Community College, you can see your medical dreams come true by climbing your way up the nursing profession ladder. FDegreerom a nursing assistant to a vocational nurse that…....

Accounting Biology BSN Program Chemical Engineering
Texas, US    School Type : Public

In Laredo Community College, you can see your medical dreams come true by climbing your way up the professional nursing ladder. The school of nursing offers two paths to becoming a registered nurse.

First is a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) licenses the program.

The second option is a transition program that allows Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to bridge their degree into an ADN program. Then they can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam and become a registered nurse. Then, possibly get a BSN degree.

18. Blinn College – Most Popular Community College Nursing School

Blinn College

Blinn is one of the biggest community colleges in Texas. And they have a National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses exam pass rate of 87.76%. With the help of…....

Accounting Anthropology Architecture Art
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Blinn is one of the biggest community colleges in Texas. They have a National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate of 100%. With the help of qualified faculty, a simulations lab, and a clinical setting, students in nursing get hands-on experience in a practical nursing environment.

19. Lone Star College-Montgomery – Leading Hybrid Nursing Programs

Lone Star College - Montgomery

Lone Star College is one of the few community colleges in Texas that offer a BSN program course, including Registered Nursing to BSN. And you can take the course online,…....

Accounting Biology Biotechnology Business
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Lone Star College is one of the few community colleges in Texas that offer a BSN program course, including a Registered Nursing to BSN program. And you can take the course online, face-to-face, or even as a hybrid of both for some convenience.

Students are assigned simulation lab, classroom, and clinical facility rotations and duties to give them the necessary discipline and expertise to succeed as nurse practitioners.

20. Panola College – Wide Variety of Nursing Courses

Panola College

Panola College's school of nursing is the melting point of variety, apart from your regular ADN program and LVN nursing courses. Other nursing programs offered are; Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical…....

Business Criminal Justice Education General Management
Texas, US    School Type : Public

Panola College’s nursing school is the melting point of variety. Besides your regular Associates Degree in Nursing program and LVN nursing courses, other nursing programs offered include Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technology, and much more. Their classrooms are also well-designed, with equipped labs for practical nursing knowledge.

Best Nursing Schools in Texas: Conclusion

Whether you’re starting from ground zero, shifting your career, or bridging a degree in nursing to another, this Commision on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited nursing schools in Texas are excellent paths to enriching nursing education.

The University of Texas, Austin nicks the top spot for its affordable tuition, a good range of the most popular nursing programs, and extensive nursing educational facilities. You can get the best nursing practice education as a registered nurse.

That said, the Texas Christian University and the University of Texas, Arlington are also notable schools in Texas if you wish for a more tight-knit learning experience and accelerated nursing programs, respectively.

Note: Private nursing schools can get quite pricey, so you might want to consider those with good financial aid programs if you’re not in the position to foot the full tuition fees.

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