Phillip EdwinTexas offers a highly competitive and diverse landscape for nursing education, featuring everything from nationally ranked research institutions to affordable community college pathways. With programs consistently demonstrating strong NCLEX pass rates, high earning potential, and flexible study options, the state prepares thousands of new nurses for the workforce each year. Whether you are looking for a top-tier BSN program at a major university or an accessible associate degree at a community college, Texas has an option to match your career goals.
Top 15 Schools With Nursing Programs In Texas
1. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston (Houston)
Cizik School of Nursing is consistently ranked as the #1 nursing program in Texas and holds a top-26 position nationally for its BSN program according to U.S. News & World Report. The school also ranks #1 in Texas for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and #1 in NIH research funding among Texas nursing schools. Located in the Texas Medical Center, students have access to unmatched clinical opportunities and interprofessional training. The school also offers free tuition through the UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund for qualifying BSN students, making it an exceptional value.
2. St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University (Round Rock)
The St. David’s School of Nursing has been named the #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. Students benefit from hands-on clinical experience at the Round Rock campus, and the school’s consistent excellence in NCLEX performance makes it a top choice for students seeking strong licensure outcomes.
3. Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas, Houston)
Texas Woman’s University is ranked in the top 4% of nursing schools nationally (34th out of 780) and third out of 25 Texas public institutions according to Niche’s latest College Rankings. The university offers nursing programs at its Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses and is also ranked in the top 8% of institutions for best value nationally. TWU serves as a major provider of nursing talent across Texas.
4. Texas A&M University College of Nursing (College Station)
Texas A&M’s College of Nursing has demonstrated exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates, achieving 99.6% in a recent season, 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 rates have consistently outpaced state and national figures, with rates around 99% in 2024 and 98.25% in 2023. The program’s consistent excellence reflects its strong preparation for licensure.
5. West Texas A&M University (Canyon)
West Texas A&M’s Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing offers baccalaureate and master’s degree programs fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The school operates skills labs on both the Canyon and Amarillo campuses, with clinical experience provided in healthcare facilities in Amarillo, Canyon, and surrounding rural areas. The program offers an RN-to-BSN track that is offered entirely online for registered nurses seeking career advancement.
6. Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Kingsville)
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is in the process of expanding its nursing offerings, with its RN-to-BSN track now fully approved by SACSCOC and the Texas Board of Nursing, with a Fall 2026 start date. The university also has a traditional BSN pre-licensure program pending approval for a Summer 2027 start, as well as Master of Science in Nursing programs in Nurse Educator and Health Care Leader tracks under development. This represents a growing opportunity for nursing education in South Texas.
7. Tyler Junior College (Tyler)
Tyler Junior College offers an Associate Degree Nursing program through its LVN-to-ADN Transition pathway that prepares graduates to serve as professional Registered Nurses (RNs). The curriculum is structured around the National League for Nursing outcomes and competencies, emphasizing human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and a spirit of inquiry. Graduates are eligible to apply for RN licensure upon completion of the curriculum.
8. Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M International University offers nursing programs serving the Laredo and South Texas border region. The university provides accessible nursing education with a focus on serving the healthcare needs of the diverse communities in the area.
9. The University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler’s nursing program has a strong 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.
10. Baylor University
Baylor’s nursing program has a 93.2% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 355 test takers per year. The private Christian university in Waco offers nursing education with a focus on serving the Waco region. Baylor’s nursing graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice.
11. 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.
12. Lamar University
Lamar University has a 96.8% NCLEX-RN pass rate with 113 test takers per year, ranking #3 among Texas programs in a recent year. The public university in Beaumont offers nursing education with a focus on serving Southeast Texas. The program’s strong pass rate reflects its commitment to student success.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Chamberlain University (Irving, Houston, Pearland)
Chamberlain University operates multiple campuses in Texas offering flexible BSN programs with hybrid learning options that combine online and in-person classes with evening and weekend scheduling. The Irving, Houston, and Pearland campuses offer hybrid BSN programs with day, evening, and weekend options, and Chamberlain awards significant scholarship funding, including up to $15,000 through the Launch Into Nursing Grant at the Irving campus. Chamberlain has the largest number of BSN graduates of any BSN program in the U.S.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cizik School of Nursing | Houston | BSN, MSN, DNP | #1 in Texas, #1 NIH funding, free tuition option |
| 2 | St. David’s School of Nursing (TXST) | Round Rock | BSN, RN-to-BSN | 100% NCLEX pass rate, #2 in Texas |
| 3 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton, Dallas, Houston | BSN, MSN, DNP | Top 4% nationally, top 8% value |
| 4 | Texas A&M University | College Station | BSN, MSN | 99.6% NCLEX pass rate, CCNE accredited |
| 5 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | BSN, RN-to-BSN | CCNE accredited, Amarillo skills lab |
| 6 | Texas A&M–Kingsville | Kingsville | RN-to-BSN (2026) | Expanding nursing program, MSN pending |
| 7 | Tyler Junior College | Tyler | ADN, LVN-to-ADN | LVN transition pathway, NLN competencies |
| 8 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo | Nursing Programs | Border region focus, accessible education |
| 9 | UT Tyler | Tyler | BSN, MSN | 94.3% NCLEX pass rate |
| 10 | Baylor University | Waco | BSN, MSN | 93.2% NCLEX pass rate |
| 11 | UIW | San Antonio | BSN, MSN | 95.6% NCLEX pass rate |
| 12 | Lamar University | Beaumont | BSN, MSN | 96.8% NCLEX pass rate |
| 13 | UH–Clear Lake | Houston | BSN | Highest earnings ($93,001) |
| 14 | Prairie View A&M | Prairie View | BSN, MSN | $84,269 median earnings |
| 15 | Chamberlain University | Irving, Houston, Pearland | BSN | Multiple campuses, hybrid learning, scholarships |
Success Tips for Choosing a Nursing School
Start by examining NCLEX pass rates, as programs like St. David’s School of Nursing (100%) and Texas A&M (99.6%) demonstrate exceptional preparation for the licensure exam.
Consider the cost and return on investment; UH-Clear Lake offers the highest earnings at $93,001, and Cizik School of Nursing offers free tuition for qualifying BSN students.
Evaluate each program’s location, format, and clinical training opportunities to find the best fit for your learning preferences.
Look for programs with strong regional healthcare partnerships, as these provide valuable hands-on experience and job placement opportunities.
Closing
Texas offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of nursing schools, from top-ranked programs like Cizik School of Nursing and St. David’s School of Nursing to flexible BSN options at Chamberlain University and growing programs at Texas A&M-Kingsville. With exceptional NCLEX pass rates, high earning potential, and flexible online and hybrid 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.