Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

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Updated June 9, 2023

Learn about the best nursing schools in Texas, including admission requirements, and about the job outlook and projected salaries for graduates.
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Texas State Capitol Dome and Flags Credit: Bo Zaunders / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

While there are many nursing schools in Texas, each offers something distinct. This guide looks at the best nursing programs in Texas, the state's top-paying cities, and Texas licensing guidelines.

Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Texas.

Featured Online Nursing Programs

The Best Nursing Schools in Texas

Our ranking was developed to help you find nursing programs in Texas that fit your career goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Texas, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

#1 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Austin, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UT offers an on-campus bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The program prepares full-time students for nursing careers. Graduates may qualify for master's or doctoral programs. Classes include public health nursing, nursing research, and complex nursing care. UT also offers continuing education programs, certificates, and graduate programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,824
Out-of-state
$38,326
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,998
Out-of-state
$22,966
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
51,090
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

Texas Christian University

  • Fort Worth, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Nurses with a master's degree or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) may qualify for TCU's postgraduate certificate. Learners attending this nursing program in Texas complete classes that prepare them for careers as advanced practice registered nurses. Students complete classes online and practicums in their community. The program requires 12-22 credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$49,160
Out-of-state
$49,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$30,780
Out-of-state
$30,780
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
11,024
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
3% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

Texas A & M International University

  • Laredo, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

TAMIU's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program takes four years to complete. Classes cover topics like pharmacology, community nursing, and nursing leadership. The program concludes with a capstone. This nursing school in Texas also offers two master's degrees in nursing. Learners can enroll in a nursing administration or family nurse practitioner program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,818
Out-of-state
$13,946
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,350
Out-of-state
$10,946
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
8,305
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

Baylor University

  • Waco, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Baylor is a Baptist-affiliated school that offers six online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs, including family nurse practitioner and nurse midwifery. Post-master's students take 75 credits and 1,000 clinical hours to earn one of these degrees. Baylor accepts up to 37 transfer credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,842
Out-of-state
$42,842
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,130
Out-of-state
$32,130
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
18,033
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UTRGV offers a post-master's nurse practitioner certificate in psychiatric mental health. This 18-credit nursing program in Texas includes a mix of didactic courses and a clinical therapeutics/preceptorship. Students learn how to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,664
Out-of-state
$16,792
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,959
Out-of-state
$13,555
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
29,113
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

University of Houston

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

One of the premier nursing schools in Texas, UH offers three master of science in nursing (MSN) programs that build on the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Students who pursue the family nurse practitioner program can qualify as family nurse practitioners. Those who earn the nurse education degree may pursue research, teaching, or leadership roles. Online students must attend a two-day program at the program's commencement.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,219
Out-of-state
$20,747
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,370
Out-of-state
$17,746
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
46,148
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

Texas Lutheran University

  • Seguin, TX
  • 4 years
  • Campus

TLU offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This nursing program in Texas requires 60 credits in nursing after learners meet prerequisites. Enrollees complete 945 hours in simulation, hands-on training, and clinicals. Clinical groups involve 6-10 learners. Degree-seekers get real-world experience at one of many nearby hospitals.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,550
Out-of-state
$30,550
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$30,550
Out-of-state
$30,550
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
1,476
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

University of St Thomas

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UST offers some of the most premier nursing programs in Texas, including a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This 120-credit program welcomes students who have completed two years of prerequisite coursework at UST or another school. The curriculum focuses on patient-centered care in a healing and holistic environment. Graduates can apply for registered nurse licensure.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,800
Out-of-state
$30,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,934
Out-of-state
$20,934
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
3,448
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

LeTourneau University

  • Longview, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A Christian nursing school in Texas focused on technical and scientific education, LETU offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This 122-credit program requires 67 prerequisite credits and 55 credits of nursing courses. Graduates may work as clinical consultants, occupational health nurses, or nurse managers.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,520
Out-of-state
$30,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,618
Out-of-state
$18,618
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
3,150
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Texas Nursing Schools and Programs

Laredo College

  • Laredo, TX
  • 4 years
  • Campus

One of the most affordable nursing schools in Texas, LC offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Traditional students can pursue the two-year program. Licensed vocational nurses can pursue their degree through a transition program. Classes cover nursing skills and how to adapt to the role of professional nurse.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$3,648
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,200
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Texas

Prospective registered nurses (RNs) must complete a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Licensed RNs may pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) or enter a doctoral program to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Regardless of your career goals, your program of choice should fit your budget, schedule, and educational background. Be sure to consider a program's National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, curriculum, and clinical placement requirements before making a decision. It's also important to attend an accredited school, which is why all of the programs in this guide are accredited.

Why Become a Nurse in Texas

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 36,000 students enroll at a nursing school in Texas every year. From 2018-2028, the number of RN nursing jobs in the Lonestar State is projected to grow by 16.4%, more than double the national figure. The projected job growth rate for nurse practitioners (NPs) in Texas is even higher, reaching 31.9%.

Nursing salaries statewide reflect this demand. Texas RNs and NPs can expect to earn more than the national median salary each year. Texas law also requires hospitals to maintain committees that use nurse-driven ratios to develop staffing plans and policies, improving working conditions.

Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means that Texas nursing licenses are valid in all 39 participating states. Nurses licensed in one NLC state must submit an application for official endorsement if they wish to work in another. Candidates from NLC states who do not attend nursing school in Texas can work in Texas after applying for licensure by endorsement.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Texas

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nurses in Texas is $75,320, which is on par with the $75,330 national median annual salary for RNs. NPs in Texas enjoy a median annual salary of $113,800, which is slightly higher than the $111,680 national median. Texas' cost of living index is 92.6, compared to 100 for the entire United States.

By 2030, Texas is projected to need 15,300 more nurses than will be available as the state's population grows and the U.S. population ages. This increased demand could make attending nursing school in Texas an excellent investment.

Texas' highest paying cities for nurses are also its largest: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. The Killeen-Temple area consists of mid-sized cities, and Victoria is home to approximately 62,000 people. Whether you prefer to work in a large urban area like Houston or a smaller city like Victoria, you can find a high-paying nursing job in Texas.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Texas
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas Median Salary for RNs
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land $84,220
Killeen-Temple $77,290
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington $76,700
Victoria $75,070
San Antonio-New Braunfels $74,290
Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Texas

To become a nurse in Texas, you must meet educational and background standards and pass an examination on Texas nursing law.

RN Requirements

Texas RNs must earn a nursing license by attending an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and applying to the Texas Board of Nursing. Other requirements include completing an FBI background check with fingerprinting and passing the jurisprudence examination, which covers state nursing laws.

If you did not attend a nursing program in Texas but did graduate from school in an NLC state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. You must submit an online application to the Board of Nursing, pass the jurisprudence examination, and pay an application fee.

APRN Requirements

APRNs in Texas must hold an MSN or a DNP. As of 2025, all nurse anesthetists must earn a DNP. Like RNs, APRNs need to attend an accredited school, and pass the board certification examination, a background check, and a jurisprudence exam before applying for Texas licensure.

The state board's website contains a section for APRNs with the full list of requirements and information about scope of practice.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Texas

Featured Online Nursing Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Texas


How long does it take to become an RN in Texas?

It typically takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Then you must pass the jurisprudence exam and apply for a Texas RN license. You do not need to attend a nursing program in Texas to become licensed in the state.

What is the number one nursing program in Texas?

While that ultimately depends on your needs and career goals, this page lists some of the top nursing programs in Texas. Consider each school's NCLEX-RN pass rate as you explore your options. The average Texas NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.1%, compared to 88% nationally.

How many nursing programs are in Texas?

There are 67 approved ADN nursing programs in Texas and 59 approved BSN programs, according to the State Board of Nursing.

How much does nursing school cost in Texas?

Tuition rates for nursing schools in Texas vary. An ADN can cost less than $10,000, or almost $50,000, while the price of a BSN ranges from approximately $20,000 to more than $100,000. Student residency status, enrollment, and financial aid eligibility all influence tuition costs.

Find Nursing Programs in Other States

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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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