Texas’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
There has never been a better time to enter nursing. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031. However, Texas has an RN growth rate of 17%, with a projected 16,210 annual RN openings. This means there are plenty of opportunities for RNs to learn and grow in their career.
Texas is a great place to live and start a career in nursing. It has a favorable economic climate, vast job opportunities in the healthcare industry, affordable cost of living, and thriving healthcare infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for aspiring nurses. Additionally, Texas is one of the states without state income tax, allowing you to retain more of your hard-earned income.
Residents of Texas can take advantage of a high quality of life coupled with an affordable cost of living. The state’s diverse landscape encompasses vibrant cities, charming small towns, and breathtaking countryside, catering to different preferences. Along with their diverse geographical beauty, Texas cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas offer an array of recreational and cultural activities, including world-class dining, live music, festivals, and outdoor adventures.
Additionally, Texas has a robust healthcare infrastructure renowned for its quality and accessibility. The state is home to world-class medical facilities and renowned healthcare systems, such as the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest medical complex globally. These institutions provide a rich learning environment for nurses, offering opportunities for professional growth through exposure to cutting-edge technology and advanced medical practices.
Living in Texas grants nurses the advantage of a favorable economic climate. The state has a strong and diverse economy, with thriving energy, technology, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. This economic stability translates into competitive salaries for healthcare professionals.
The Best Nursing Schools in Texas
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Texas to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Texas based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Texas Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Howard College
Howard College is a public community college with campuses in Big Spring and San Angelo, Texas. They offer an accelerated ADN program for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and a traditional ADN program. Their program is 60 credit hours, which includes prerequisites, and takes two years to complete when attending full-time. The program’s second year is online for the lecture portion of classes. Upon completing the program, students are prepared for upward mobility in a nursing career. Before being admitted to the program, students must complete 15 hours of required prerequisite courses with a final grade of a C or above. Students must also take the Test of Essential Academic Skills exam (TEAS) before admission to the program. Hands-on learning opportunities are given during the program through simulation and clinical rotations, which help prepare students for real-life scenarios.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,470
Out-of-State: $10,940
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,470 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,940 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
53.7% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
92.8% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,674 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Laredo College
Laredo College is a public community college in Laredo, Texas. They offer a generic track ADN program, an LVN/Paramedic to RN ADN program, and an RN-to-BSN program. Their program takes two years to complete and prepares graduates to provide direct patient care in numerous settings. The ADN program aims to prepare individuals to become competent and safe professional nurses by providing quality nursing education committed to educational excellence and promoting student success. Acceptance into the program is determined by a competitive ranking system based on students’ GPA and TEAS scores.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,000
Out-of-State: $14,460
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$14,460 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
42% |
| Job Placement 2020 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
9,292 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College is a public community college in Waco, Texas. They offer an ADN program and an LVN to ADN program. Their two-year ADN program prepares students to become competent RNs who give patient-centered care in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The mission of the program is to prepare nursing graduates who can safely and effectively function in a beginning role as a member of the healthcare team. Throughout the program, students are given hands-on learning opportunities with simulation experiences that prepare them for real-world scenarios and clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,190 McLennan County Residents
$9,838 Texas Residents
Out-of-State: $10,860
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,190 McLennan County Residents
$9,838 Texas Residents |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,860 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.30% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
65% |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
96% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,742 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Texas State University
Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos and Round Rock, Texas. They offer a BSN traditional track program or an RN-to-BSN online program. Their St. David’s School of Nursing accepts 100 of the most highly qualified students once a year for the fall semester for their BSN program. Students must complete their prerequisites before applying to the nursing program. The nursing building features fully equipped classrooms with five interactive simulation labs, which allow nursing students to practice their skills on high-fidelity manikins and learn how to react to progressively complex patient problems. Additional hands-on learning opportunities are given during clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Graduates learn how to promote, maintain, and restore health and wellness and prevent illness among diverse individuals and communities
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,220
Out-of-State: $24,280
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,220 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,280 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
70% |
| Retention Rate |
80% |
| Students Enrolled |
38,873 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Schreiner University
Schreiner Universityis a private Presbyterian university in Kerrville, Texas. They offer a traditional BSN program or an RN to BSN program track. Their BSN program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to obtain their bachelor’s degree and excel in pursuing an RN license. The program’s mission is to prepare nurses who are compassionate, innovative, and committed to self-development and who can address the constantly changing healthcare needs of all people. The Schreiner University BSN program aims to create a learning community that equips students with clinical judgment to meet the evolving healthcare needs of individuals and communities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $37,396
Out-of-State: $37,396
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$37,396 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$37,396 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
84% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,250 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 BSN Program
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a private Christian university in Longview, Texas. They offer a BSN program totaling 122 credit hours that can be completed in four years when attending full-time. LeTourneau University is located on the site of the former Harmon General Hospital, which was originally an army hospital that offered medical assistance to wounded veterans returning from World War II. The university continues to uphold the hospital’s legacy of innovative and practical instruction, equipping graduates with the skills and empathy necessary to meet the needs of patients and their families competently. Students benefit from small class sizes and superior clinical groups with individualized attention. Hands-on learning opportunities are given with over 900 clinical hours spent in real healthcare environments with actual patients. Additionally, students are given opportunities to practice their skills in their on-campus simulation lab, which is equipped with modern simulation equipment.
Average Tuition
In-State: $46,820
Out-of-State: $46,820
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$46,820 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$46,820 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.13% |
| Admission Rate |
49% |
| Retention Rate |
77% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,350 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Texas
When choosing a nursing program in Texas, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Texas
Becoming a nurse in Texas is an excellent choice due to the state’s numerous opportunities for professional growth and development in nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing actively supports and encourages nurses to advance their education and skills, offering various programs and resources to aid in career progression. Additionally, Texas recognizes nursing as a crucial component of healthcare delivery and continually invests in improving the healthcare system, ensuring nurses are valued and have access to a wide range of career options. The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) serves as a valuable resource, advocating for nurses’ rights and providing opportunities for networking, continuing education, and professional development.
Texas offers numerous job opportunities for nurses. The state has a consistently high demand for healthcare professionals due to its growing population and diverse healthcare needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employed the highest number of RNs in the country in 2022, with 231,060 professionals working in the field who earn an average of $84,320. This abundance of job opportunities allows nurses to pursue various specialties and advance their careers.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Texas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Texas is $84,320, and it employs 231,060 nurses. Texas also employs 18,820 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $124,660.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Texas for RNs |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX |
$88,880 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX |
$87,850 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX |
$86,720 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Texas
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Texas, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Texas:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Texas, you must renew it every two years. Before license renewal, you must complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education in the area of practice OR demonstrate the achievement, maintenance, or renewal of a board-approved national nursing certification within the licensing period.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Texas:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Texas.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Texas APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education appropriate to the advanced practice role and population focus area recognized by the board OR achieve, maintain, or renew the national nursing certification recognized by the board as meeting the certification requirement for the APRN role and population focus area of licensure within the licensing period, and meet the applicable targeted continuing education requirements. If an APRN holds prescriptive authority, in addition to the 20 contact hours of continuing education, they must also complete five additional hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Texas
Is Texas a good place for nurses to work?
Texas is a great place to work as a nurse. Texas recognizes nursing as a crucial component of healthcare delivery and continually invests in improving the healthcare system, ensuring nurses are valued and have access to a wide range of career options.
Is Texas a compact state for nursing?
Texas is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact RN license for another state, you can practice nursing in Texas.
What are the requirements for RNs in Texas?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Texas, you must renew it every two years. Before license renewal, you must complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education in the area of practice OR demonstrate the achievement, maintenance, or renewal of a board-approved national nursing certification within the licensing period.
How much does a Texas RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Texas. Licensure by exam costs $50, and by endorsement is $125. It costs $68 to renew your Texas RN license.
