Phillip EdwinTexas offers a robust and diverse landscape for Registered Nurse (RN) education, with numerous programs ranging from associate degrees at community colleges to bachelor’s degrees at major universities. The state’s nursing schools are known for their strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, with the overall recent pass rate for Texas programs calculated at 92.69%, which is above the national average of 91.16%. With a wide range of program formats, costs, and career outcomes, prospective nursing students in Texas have many excellent options to choose from.
Top 25 RN Schools In Texas
1. Texas A&M University College of Nursing
Texas A&M’s College of Nursing achieved a 99.6% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam for 2025, significantly exceeding state and national averages . The traditional and second-degree BSN tracks qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX, and the college’s pass rate has consistently outpaced state and national figures, with rates around 99% in 2024 and 98.25% in 2023 . This exceptional performance demonstrates the program’s strong preparation for licensure.
2. Texas Christian University (TCU)
TCU’s nursing program boasts a strong 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate with approximately 197 test takers per year, ranking #2 for NCLEX performance in a recent year . The program is accredited by the CCNE and offers MSN and RN-to-MSN options. TCU’s consistent high pass rates reflect the quality of its nursing education and student support.
3. Texas Woman’s University (TWU)
TWU’s College of Nursing is ranked in the top 4% of nursing schools nationally (34th out of 780) and third out of 25 Texas public institutions, with the university also ranked in the top 8% for best value . The program has a 95.1% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 436 test takers per year . TWU offers nursing programs at its Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses, providing flexibility for students across the state.
4. St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University
The St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University’s Round Rock campus was named the No. 2 nursing program in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org, distinguished by its remarkable 100% NCLEX pass rate across multiple years . The program offers online RN-to-BSN options and requires a competitive TEAS exam for admission, ensuring students are well-prepared for licensure and clinical practice.
5. University of Houston-Clear Lake
UHCL’s BSN program achieves the highest program earnings among Texas nursing schools, 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 a public institution with an annual in-state tuition of $7,770.
6. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M ranks second for graduate earnings among Texas nursing programs, with graduates earning a median of $84,269 annually . The public institution has a 42% graduation rate and is located in Prairie View, Texas . The program offers strong career outcomes that position graduates for success in the healthcare field.
7. The University of Texas at Arlington
UTA leads the CollegeRanker list with impressive earnings of $63,199 and a graduation rate of 55% . The program has a net price of $13,951 and a median debt of $17,527, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28x, reflecting strong financial outcomes for graduates . UTA offers accessible nursing education with strong career preparation.
8. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
UTHealth Houston’s Cizik School of Nursing is a premier institution offering BSN and graduate nursing programs. The school is located in the Texas Medical Center and provides students with exceptional clinical training opportunities. The program is known for its strong NCLEX pass rates and career outcomes.
9. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB)
UTMB is one of the oldest nursing schools in Texas, established in 1890, and offers high-quality nursing education with strong clinical training. The School of Nursing provides flexible online and on-campus pathways for students, with a reputation for excellent NCLEX pass rates.
10. The University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler’s nursing program has a 94.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 301 test takers per year . The program is a public institution with a 51% graduation rate and median earnings of $57,053 . UT Tyler offers accessible nursing education with strong career outcomes for graduates.
11. Baylor University
Baylor’s nursing program has a 93.2% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 355 test takers per year, ranking #7 in a recent year. The private Christian university offers nursing education in Waco and is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. Baylor’s nursing graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice.
12. University of the Incarnate Word
UIW’s nursing program has a 95.6% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 142 test takers per year. The private Catholic university in San Antonio offers nursing education with a focus on service and ethical leadership. The program’s high pass rate reflects its commitment to preparing students for successful nursing careers.
13. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M-Commerce has a 93.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 46 test takers per year. The public institution offers accessible nursing education with strong licensure preparation. The program is part of the Texas A&M System and serves students in the Commerce area.
14. Texas Lutheran University
Texas Lutheran University has a 94.0% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 84 test takers per year. The private university in Seguin offers nursing education with a focus on faith-based learning and community service. The program’s strong NCLEX performance reflects its commitment to student success.
15. Angelo State University
Angelo State has a 91.8% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 67 test takers per year. The public university in San Angelo offers accessible nursing education with a focus on serving the West Texas region. The program prepares students for successful careers in nursing.
16. West Texas A&M University
WTAMU’s nursing program has a 92.5% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 88 test takers per year. The public university in Canyon offers nursing education with a focus on serving the Texas Panhandle region. The program provides strong career preparation for nursing students.
17. The University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP’s nursing program has a 93.0% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 311 test takers per year. The public university in El Paso offers nursing education with a focus on serving the border region. The program’s strong pass rate reflects its commitment to preparing students for licensure.
18. The University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin’s nursing program has a 92.9% NCLEX-RN pass rate. The flagship public university offers top-tier nursing education with strong research and clinical training opportunities. UT Austin’s nursing graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in healthcare.
19. Midwestern State University
MSU Texas has a 91.0% NCLEX-RN pass rate. The public university in Wichita Falls offers nursing education with a focus on serving North Texas. The program provides accessible nursing education with strong career preparation for graduates.
20. University of Texas Permian Basin
UTPB’s School of Nursing reports a cumulative 2025 NCLEX first-time pass rate of 88.6%, exceeding the Texas Board of Nursing’s required 80% benchmark. The spring 2025 pass rate was 96.5%, and the summer 2025 pass rate was 100%, reflecting recent enhancements to better support student learning and licensure preparation.
21. Lamar University
Lamar University has a 96.8% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 113 test takers per year. The public university in Beaumont offers nursing education with a focus on serving Southeast Texas. The program’s strong pass rate ranks #3 in a recent year.
22. Covenant School of Nursing
Covenant School of Nursing is a diploma program in Lubbock with a 90.8% NCLEX-RN pass rate, with 158 of 174 candidates passing the exam. The program offers a hospital-based nursing education with strong clinical training opportunities.
23. University of Houston-Victoria
UHV’s online RN-to-BSN program was ranked No. 1 out of the top 25 online RN-to-BSN programs in Texas by RegisteredNurse.org . The program is designed for licensed RNs with associate degrees who are seeking to advance their education and careers, offering flexibility, affordability, and a solid, fully accredited education for working professionals.
24. Texas Woman’s University (Online RN-to-BSN)
TWU’s online RN-to-BSN program offers flexibility for working nurses seeking to advance their careers. The university is ranked in the top 4% of nursing schools nationally and top 8% for best value. The program provides a pathway for ADN-prepared nurses to earn their BSN while continuing to work.
25. Chamberlain University-Texas
Chamberlain University-Texas offers nursing programs in Houston with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 82.2% with 187 test takers per year. The program provides accessible nursing education with a focus on preparing students for careers in healthcare. Chamberlain is a private institution with a nationwide network of nursing schools.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | NCLEX Pass Rate | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University | College Station | 99.6% (2025) | Nearly perfect NCLEX pass rate, top-tier program |
| 2 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | 98.3% | #2 NCLEX rank, CCNE accredited |
| 3 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton/Dallas/Houston | 95.1% | Top 4% nationally, top 8% value |
| 4 | St. David’s School of Nursing (TXST) | Round Rock | 100% (multiple years) | #2 in TX by RegisteredNursing.org |
| 5 | UH-Clear Lake | Houston | Varies | Highest earnings ($93,001) |
| 6 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | Varies | #2 earnings ($84,269) |
| 7 | UT Arlington | Arlington | 92.4% | $63,199 earnings, 55% graduation rate |
| 8 | UTHealth Houston | Houston | Varies | Texas Medical Center location |
| 9 | UTMB Galveston | Galveston | Varies | Oldest nursing school in TX |
| 10 | UT Tyler | Tyler | 94.3% | 301 test takers per year |
| 11 | Baylor University | Waco | 93.2% | Private Christian university |
| 12 | UIW | San Antonio | 95.6% | Private Catholic university |
| 13 | Texas A&M-Commerce | Commerce | 93.7% | Texas A&M System |
| 14 | Texas Lutheran University | Seguin | 94.0% | Faith-based learning |
| 15 | Angelo State University | San Angelo | 91.8% | West Texas focus |
| 16 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | 92.5% | Panhandle region focus |
| 17 | UT El Paso | El Paso | 93.0% | Border region focus |
| 18 | UT Austin | Austin | 92.9% | Flagship public university |
| 19 | Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls | 91.0% | North Texas focus |
| 20 | UT Permian Basin | Odessa | 88.6% (2025) | Summer 2025: 100% |
| 21 | Lamar University | Beaumont | 96.8% | #3 NCLEX rank |
| 22 | Covenant School of Nursing | Lubbock | 90.8% | Diploma program |
| 23 | UH-Victoria | Victoria | Varies | #1 online RN-to-BSN in TX |
| 24 | TWU Online RN-to-BSN | Denton/Dallas/Houston | 95.1% | Online RN-to-BSN pathway |
| 25 | Chamberlain University – Texas | Houston | 82.2% | Private institution |
Success Tips for Choosing an RN School
Start by examining NCLEX pass rates, as programs like Texas A&M (99.6%) and St. David’s School of Nursing (100%) demonstrate exceptional licensure preparation.
Consider the cost and return on investment; UH-Clear Lake offers the highest earnings at $93,001 , while UTA provides strong earnings of $63,199 with a reasonable net price.
For working nurses seeking advancement, online RN-to-BSN programs like UH-Victoria’s #1-ranked option provide flexibility for career progression.
Finally, evaluate each program’s location and format to find the best fit for your lifestyle and career goals.
Closing
Texas offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of RN schools, from top-performing programs like Texas A&M and St. David’s School of Nursing to affordable options with strong career outcomes. With exceptional NCLEX pass rates, high earning potential, and flexible online pathways, Texas nursing schools prepare graduates for successful careers in the growing healthcare field.
Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.