Best Nursing Schools in Texas

Updated on January 12, 2024

At a Glance

  • Texas has over 100 nursing schools offering undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Top-rated nursing schools in Texas include University of Texas at Austin, Texas Woman’s University, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  • Programs vary in acceptance rate, tuition, ratings, and average salary
  • Accelerated BSN programs, evening/weekend options, and online degrees are available in Texas

Texas is home to over 100 nursing schools that offer a mix of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough deciding which nursing program is the right fit. This list highlights 10 of the top-rated nursing schools in Texas based on factors like admissions selectivity, affordability, and student outcomes.

University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, TX

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 46%

Avg SAT: 1315

Tuition: $10,818 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: www.utexas.edu

The University of Texas at Austin offers highly competitive BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD nursing programs. Its Nursing School is ranked among the top 5% nationwide and is known for innovative teaching methods utilizing advanced simulation technology. Students benefit from the school’s prime location in the Texas Medical District.

Texas Woman’s University

Location: Denton, TX

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Tuition: $8,700 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: www.twu.edu

Texas Woman’s University has had a nursing college since the 1950s. TWU offers renowned BSN, MSN, and doctoral nursing degree programs in locations across Texas. Nursing students get real-world experience via the school’s partnerships with healthcare providers like Parkland Hospital.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Location: Houston, TX

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: Hard to determine

Tuition: $6,620 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: https://nursing.uth.edu

UTHSC School of Nursing offers highly competitive BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD nursing programs. The school has a strong focus on research and students get abundant hands-on clinical experience at UTHealth’s hospitals and clinics. Its fast-track BSN takes just 15 months to complete.

University of Texas Medical Branch

Location: Galveston, TX

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: Hard to determine

Tuition: $8,500 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $80,000

Website: https://nursing.utmb.edu

UTMB’s School of Nursing dates back to 1891, making it one of the oldest nursing schools in the state. It offers acclaimed BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD nursing degree options, including competency-based and online choices. Nursing students train using advanced simulation technology and work with expert faculty preceptors.

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Avg SAT: 1020

Tuition: $9,343 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $65,000

Website: https://conhs.tamucc.edu

TAMUCC’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences prides itself on catering to minority and first-generation university students. Its innovative BSN curriculum focuses on community health, chronic disease management and leadership skills. The college has state-of-the-art simulation labs and small class sizes.

West Texas A&M University

Location: Canyon, TX

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Tuition: $8,622 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/school-of-nursing-homepage.aspx

WTAMU’s accredited nursing school emphasizes interactive learning and research opportunities even at the undergraduate level. Its BSN degree can be completed in as little as 16 months or stretched out over 2 years. WTAMU also offers MSN, DNP and PhD degrees, including a hybrid BSN-DNP option.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Location: Lubbock, TX

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: Hard to determine

Tuition: $6,920 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $65,000

Website: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/

The School of Nursing at TTUHSC offers renowned traditional BSN, accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN programs. Nursing students get abundant hands-on practice at the school’s clinic and benefit from the prime West Texas Medical District location for clinicals. TTUHSC also offers highly ranked MSN, DNP and PhD nursing programs.

University of Texas at Arlington

Location: Arlington, TX

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Avg SAT: 1100

Tuition: $9,879 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: https://www.uta.edu/conhs/

UT Arlington’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the largest producer of BSN-prepared nurses in North Texas. It offers traditional 4-year and accelerated BSN options, plus highly-ranked MSN Nurse Practitioner specialties and doctoral programs. Nursing students train using cutting-edge simulation labs and patient care technology.

Texas Tech University

Location: Lubbock, TX

Rating: 6.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Avg SAT: 1120

Tuition: $11,525 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/tns/

Texas Tech University’s School of Nursing offers traditional 4-year BSNs plus accelerated 2nd degree BSNs and quality online RN-to-BSN programs. Nursing students get abundant clinical practice across the Permian Basin and benefit from TTU’s prime location within the Texas Medical District.

University of Houston-Victoria

Location: Victoria, TX

Rating: 6/10

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Tuition: $7,344 (in-state)

Avg Salary: $65,000

Website: https://www.uhv.edu/degrees/health-professions/bsn/

UH Victoria offers traditional and accelerated BSN degree options with competitive tuition rates. Second degree BSN students can complete prerequisites and upper division nursing curriculum in as little as 12 months. The school emphasizes hands-on practice and has a robust simulation hospital for training students.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for a BSN program in Texas?

The main prerequisites are intro courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, and psychology. Specific requirements vary by school. RN-to-BSN programs require an active RN license in lieu of the same prereqs.

Which nursing schools offer evening/weekend BSN programs in Texas?

Many schools offer evening, weekend, and online course options to provide schedule flexibility, including UT-Arlington, Texas Tech, UT-Houston, UTMB, and more. Accelerated BSN programs tend to require more on-campus presence during nursing coursework.

How long does it take to complete an Accelerated BSN in Texas?

Full-time Accelerated BSN programs in Texas take 12-15 months to complete following prerequisites. They cram traditional BSN content into a fast-paced curriculum for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some schools also offer part-time options.

What is the cheapest BSN program in Texas?

Costs vary widely, but the most affordable BSN programs in Texas with good ROI are offered by schools like University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Lamar University, University of Texas at Tyler and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. In-state tuition and fees average $7,000-9,000 per year.

Does Texas offer online BSN degrees?

Yes, many Texas schools now offer accredited online RN-to-BSN options for licensed RNs to further their education, including schools like UT Arlington, Texas Tech, UT Tyler and more. A few also offer all-online post-licensure BSNs for prospective nurses without clinicals. Pre-licensure BSN options still require in-person clinical hours.

What GPA do I need to get into nursing school in Texas?

The average admitted nursing student in Texas has around a 3.5 GPA. However, competitive schools like UT-Austin expect GPAs closer to 3.7+ to have a shot. For private schools and lesser known programs, the GPA cutoff might be around 3.25.

Should I get my ADN or BSN for nursing in Texas?

While ADN/ASN programs are cheaper and quicker, experts strongly recommend getting a BSN as your minimum nursing credential today. Many Texas hospitals now only hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree due to evidence they provide better patient outcomes. Plus BSN grads see higher salaries.

Should I attend a nursing school with competitive admissions or open enrollment?

Schools with competitive entry like UT-Austin enjoy strong reputations. But open enrollment programs offer high NCLEX pass rates too – there are quality options either way. With better grades, you’ll have more doors open if you opt for selective admission down the road.

How hard is nursing school in Texas?

Texas nursing programs are very rigorous. Students report heavy course loads, long clinical hours, difficult exams, and strict grading. Time management and perseverance are vital. But the rewarding nursing career paths open to graduates make the hard work worthwhile. Find the right program fit and use prep resources to excel.

What kinds of financial assistance are available for nursing school in Texas?

Options include Federal Student Aid like Pell Grants and Direct Loans, state aid, nursing scholarships, loan repayment programs for working in underserved communities after graduation, military programs, employee tuition benefits, and hospital partnerships where your employer pays for school in exchange for a service commitment.

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Rohit Mittal

Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.

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