Texas Nursing Schools and Programs
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
- Top Schools and Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Bo Zaunders / Corbis Documentary / Getty ImagesWhile 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.
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.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,824
- Out-of-state$38,326
- In-State$11,998
- Out-of-state$22,966
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled51,090
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Christian University
- Fort Worth, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$49,160
- Out-of-state$49,160
- In-State$30,780
- Out-of-state$30,780
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled11,024
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,946
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,946
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled8,305
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Baylor University
- Waco, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,842
- Out-of-state$42,842
- In-State$32,130
- Out-of-state$32,130
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled18,033
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,664
- Out-of-state$16,792
- In-State$5,959
- Out-of-state$13,555
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled29,113
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,219
- Out-of-state$20,747
- In-State$8,370
- Out-of-state$17,746
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled46,148
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Lutheran University
- Seguin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$30,550
- Out-of-state$30,550
- In-State$30,550
- Out-of-state$30,550
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled1,476
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of St Thomas
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,800
- Out-of-state$30,800
- In-State$20,934
- Out-of-state$20,934
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled3,448
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,520
- Out-of-state$30,520
- In-State$18,618
- Out-of-state$18,618
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled3,150
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Laredo College
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$3,648
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,200
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
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.
| 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 |
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
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.
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