Texas offers a robust and highly competitive landscape for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education, with programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. The state’s top BSN programs are anchored by the prestigious Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, which has held the #1 spot in Texas for two consecutive years.
With Texas A&M University leading for online RN-to-BSN offerings and Texas Woman’s University excelling in social mobility, students have a wide range of exceptional options . These schools provide strong job placement rates, high NCLEX pass rates, and clear pathways to successful nursing careers .
Top 15 BSN Schools In Texas
1. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
Cizik School of Nursing holds the #1 ranking for BSN programs in Texas for the second consecutive year according to U.S. News & World Report and tied for #26 nationally. The school offers an accelerated 15-month Pacesetter option for non-nursing students and an online RN-to-BSN track. BSN graduates enjoy a 96% job placement rate, and 94% pass the NCLEX on their first attempt . Qualifying BSN students may receive free tuition through the UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund.
2. Texas A&M University College of Nursing
Texas A&M’s RN-to-BSN program is ranked #1 in Texas and #11 nationally for online bachelor’s degrees, serving registered nurses with associate degrees seeking a BSN. The online curriculum can be completed in 12 or 15 months with practicum experiences in students’ local communities. The university also offers a 15-month Accelerated BSN for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
3. Texas Woman’s University
TWU’s BSN program is ranked #1 among North Texas public universities and #4 among Texas public institutions, consistently ranking in the top 10% of BSN programs nationally. The university is also recognized in the top 16% nationally for social mobility, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse student populations. TWU offers BSN programs on its Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses.
4. UT San Antonio School of Nursing
UT San Antonio’s BSN program ranks in the top 11% nationally, tying for #74 out of 686 evaluated programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The school is the only nursing school in San Antonio designated as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. First-generation college students represent one-third of the school’s enrollment, highlighting its accessibility.
5. East Texas A&M University
ETAMU’s BSN program is ranked #8 in Texas and in the top 31% nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report. The ranking is determined through surveys of top academics and officials who evaluate undergraduate BSN programs. The university’s nursing school is known for its commitment to affordability and student success.
6. University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler’s School of Nursing is the third-largest nursing school in Texas, with NCLEX-RN pass rates exceeding state and national averages. The school offers BSN programs on three campuses in Tyler, Palestine, and Longview, with flexible online and on-site options. UT Tyler has been providing high-quality nursing education since 1975.
7. University of Houston-Clear Lake
UHCL achieves the highest program earnings among Texas BSN programs, with graduates earning a median of $93,001 annually. This strong return on investment demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for premium healthcare positions. The school is an excellent choice for students prioritizing long-term financial outcomes.
8. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M ranks second for graduate earnings among Texas BSN programs, with graduates earning a median of $84,269 annually. The university’s nursing program provides strong career outcomes that position graduates for success in the healthcare field.
9. University of Texas at Arlington
UTA rounds out the top three for graduate earnings, with BSN graduates earning a median of $83,895 annually. The university offers BSN programs with strong career placement and serves as a major provider of nursing talent in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
10. Baylor University
Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a Distance Accelerated BSN program that can be completed in just 12 months for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Distance ABSN students achieved a 96% NCLEX pass rate just recently, and the school is ranked #1 by NursingProcess.org as the Best Nursing College in Texas.
11. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech offers an Accelerated BSN program with flexible online didactic courses and clinical hours completed in students’ own communities across Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, and the Permian Basin. This model provides accessibility for students across Texas who need to remain in their home communities.
12. UT Health San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio offers an Accelerated BSN program that is entirely in-person, requiring students to attend classes and clinicals at over 400 sites within a 60-mile radius of the San Antonio campus. This program is ideal for students who prefer face-to-face learning.
13. University of St. Thomas Houston
The University of St. Thomas offers a hybrid Accelerated BSN program with three annual start dates, allowing it to accept more students than many other Texas programs. The hybrid learning environment combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences for flexibility.
14. University of Houston
UH offers an Accelerated BSN program as part of its nursing school’s comprehensive offerings. The program provides a pathway for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to enter the nursing profession quickly and effectively.
15. Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas offers an Accelerated BSN program that ranks among the top in the state for second-degree nursing students. The program provides a strong option for career changers seeking a quality nursing education in Texas .
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Highlights | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cizik School of Nursing | Houston | #1 in TX, 15‑month Pacesetter, RN‑to‑BSN | 96% job placement, free tuition option |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station | #1 online RN‑to‑BSN in TX, 15‑month ABSN | 12–15 month completion, #11 nationally |
| 3 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton/Dallas/Houston | #1 among North Texas publics, top 10% nationally | Top 16% for social mobility |
| 4 | UT San Antonio | San Antonio | Top 11% nationally, Just Recently ranked #74 of 686 programs | NLN Center of Excellence, 1/3 first‑gen |
| 5 | East Texas A&M University | Commerce | #8 in TX, top 31% nationally | Commitment to affordability |
| 6 | UT Tyler | Tyler/Palestine/Longview | 3rd largest nursing school in TX | NCLEX pass rates exceed state avg |
| 7 | UH‑Clear Lake | Houston | $93,001 median graduate earnings | Highest earnings among TX BSN programs |
| 8 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | $84,269 median graduate earnings | #2 in graduate earnings |
| 9 | UT Arlington | Arlington | $83,895 median graduate earnings | Strong DFW career placement |
| 10 | Baylor University | Dallas | Distance ABSN (12 months), 96% NCLEX pass rate | #1 ranked Just Recently by NursingProcess.org |
| 11 | Texas Tech Health Sciences | Multiple Locations | ABSN with online didactic + local clinicals | Clinicals in students’ home communities |
| 12 | UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | In‑person ABSN | Over 400 clinical sites |
| 13 | UST Houston | Houston | Hybrid ABSN, 3 annual start dates | More flexible admissions |
| 14 | University of Houston | Houston | ABSN program | Comprehensive nursing offerings |
| 15 | Concordia University Texas | Austin area | ABSN program | Strong career‑changer pathway |
Success Tips for Choosing a BSN School
Start by considering your prior education; if you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, accelerated BSN programs like those at Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UT Health San Antonio, and UST Houston offer quick pathways to a BSN in 12-15 months.
For registered nurses with an associate degree, online RN-to-BSN programs like Texas A&M’s #1-ranked option provide flexible completion.
Evaluate program outcomes carefully; NCLEX pass rates and job placement rates are strong indicators of program quality, with Cizik School of Nursing reporting 96% job placement and 94% NCLEX pass rates.
Consider cost and financial aid; Cizik offers free tuition to qualifying BSN students.
Finally, look at graduate earnings to gauge return on investment; UH-Clear Lake graduates earn $93,001 annually, the highest in Texas.
Closing
Texas offers a powerful and diverse array of BSN programs, anchored by the #1-ranked Cizik School of Nursing and the nationally recognized online RN-to-BSN program at Texas A&M. With leading programs at Texas Woman’s University, UT San Antonio, and East Texas A&M, students have access to exceptional education across the state.
Whether you are a career changer seeking an accelerated pathway, a registered nurse advancing to a BSN, or a first-time college student, Texas BSN schools provide strong NCLEX pass rates, high job placement, and excellent career earnings. Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution.