Top 25 Nursing Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and highly competitive landscape for nursing education, with programs that are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by authoritative sources like U.S. News & World Report. These schools prepare students for the critical role of registered nurses, offering pathways ranging from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees to advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

The top programs demonstrate exceptional student outcomes, including high NCLEX pass rates and strong graduate earnings, making the choice of school a significant factor in a nursing career .

Top 25 Nursing Schools In Texas

1. The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is the top-ranked nursing school in Texas, with its BSN program ranked No. 1 in the state and 31st nationally among undergraduate nursing programs. The school is also a powerhouse in graduate education, with its master’s program ranked No. 12 nationally and its DNP program ranked No. 36 nationally. With a 96% retention rate and more than $21 million in extramural funding, UT Austin is a leader in nursing scholarship and research, preparing graduates for top-tier healthcare roles.

2. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston

The Cizik School of Nursing has the No. 1 BSN program in Texas and is tied for 26th nationally, according to recent rankings. Its DNP program is also ranked No. 1 in the state, and its MSN program holds the No. 2 spot. The school offers a variety of degree programs and enjoys strong financial support, with substantial scholarship opportunities and low tuition rates compared to other top schools.

3. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University’s nursing program is among the top in the state, with a strong 98% NCLEX pass rate and CCNE accreditation. The university is a major public research institution with an 84% graduation rate, and its nursing graduates earn a median of $72,097, reflecting strong career outcomes.

4. Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University is a top-tier private institution with a high 86% graduation rate and a nursing program that consistently produces high-earning graduates with a median salary of $68,424 . The school offers a postgraduate certificate for nurses with an MSN or DNP who want to become advanced practice registered nurses . TCU also has a strong 91% retention rate, indicating high student satisfaction.

5. Baylor University

Baylor University offers six online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, including pathways to become a family nurse practitioner or nurse midwife. With a high 80% graduation rate and an 88% retention rate, Baylor is a premier private institution for nursing education. Graduates earn a median of $65,793, and the program’s flexibility makes it accessible for working nurses.

6. University of Houston-Clear Lake

UHCL leads all Texas nursing programs in graduate earnings, with graduates earning a median of $93,001 annually. This public institution offers a strong return on investment, with graduates achieving some of the highest salaries in the state. The program is also affordable, with an annual in-state tuition of $7,770 and a 31% graduation rate.

7. Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University ranks second in graduate earnings among Texas nursing programs, with graduates earning $84,269. The school demonstrates strong career outcomes, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a high salary after graduation. It is a public institution with a 42% graduation rate and a strong focus on preparing students for premium healthcare positions.

8. The University of Texas at Arlington

UT Arlington is a top performer, leading the state in average earnings at $63,199 with a strong 55% graduation rate. The school offers one of the most accessible nursing programs in the state with a 93% NCLEX pass rate and CCNE accreditation. It provides an excellent balance of affordability and career outcomes, making it a top choice for nursing students.

9. Texas State University

Texas State University’s St. David’s School of Nursing has been ranked 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. Graduates earn a median of $84,557, placing them among the highest earners in the state.

10. Texas Woman’s University

TWU is a top public nursing school with a 47% graduation rate and a median earnings of $56,544 . It offers one of the lowest net prices at $11,963, making it highly affordable. The school is consistently ranked among the best in Texas and is known for its commitment to educating a diverse nursing workforce.

11. The University of Texas at Tyler

UT Tyler is a strong public option with a 51% graduation rate, median earnings of $57,053, and a manageable median debt of $17,137 . The school provides a solid return on investment for nursing students. It is also one of the top nursing schools in the state, according to various ranking organizations.

12. Midwestern State University

Based in Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University has a 42% graduation rate and median earnings of $55,747 . The school offers an accessible public education and has nursing graduates earning $87,009, which is one of the highest program earnings in the state . It is a strong regional institution with a focus on nursing excellence.

13. Concordia University Texas

Concordia University Texas is a private institution in Austin with a 42% graduation rate and median earnings of $60,883 . It has an excellent student debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36x, indicating strong financial outcomes for graduates . The school offers a comprehensive nursing program in a faith-based environment.

14. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University has a 51% graduation rate and median earnings of $50,741 . The program offers strong career preparation for nursing students in the Texas Panhandle region. It provides an affordable public education with a focus on serving the healthcare needs of rural and West Texas communities.

15. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public institution in Huntsville with a 55% graduation rate and median earnings of $54,211. The school offers three nursing programs across various degree levels. It provides a solid education with strong regional ties, preparing nurses for the diverse healthcare needs of Texas.

16. The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas offers a nursing program with a 75% graduation rate and median earnings of $68,227. The school has an excellent student debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26x, demonstrating strong financial outcomes . Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it provides students with access to a thriving healthcare market.

17. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas has a 60% graduation rate and median earnings of $57,010. The school provides a strong public nursing education with a focus on preparing students for the workforce. It offers a comprehensive nursing curriculum with an affordable net price of $15,649.

18. The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP offers a nursing program with a 48% graduation rate and median earnings of $50,923. The school provides a vital healthcare education pipeline for the El Paso region and the borderland community. It is a public institution with an affordable net price of $9,403.

19. East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University is ranked No. 8 in Texas and is in the top 31% nationally for its BSN program . The school offers a comprehensive nursing curriculum with a 44% graduation rate and median earnings of $50,296. It provides a strong return on investment with a net price of $11,841.

20. Lamar University

Lamar University is a public institution in Beaumont with a 37% graduation rate and median earnings of $49,652. The school has a net price of $9,366, making it an affordable option . It serves the Southeast Texas region with a focus on preparing students for careers in nursing.

21. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV is a public institution with an 80% acceptance rate and a 76% retention rate. The school offers a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate in psychiatric mental health, with 51% of its students enrolled online . It serves the Rio Grande Valley with a focus on addressing the healthcare needs of the border community.

22. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a private institution with a 60% graduation rate and median earnings of $55,736. The school has a net price of $26,182 and a 57% acceptance rate . It provides a faith-based nursing education with strong academic outcomes and a focus on service and leadership.

23. Angelo State University

Angelo State University offers one of the most affordable public nursing programs in Texas, with in-state tuition of $8,460. The program has a strong reputation for preparing nurses for the healthcare needs of West Texas. It provides a high-quality education at a low cost, making it an excellent value.

24. The University of Texas Permian Basin

UTPB is a public institution with a 42% graduation rate and median earnings of $56,073 . The school has a net price of $12,723 and a student debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32x, indicating good financial outcomes . It serves the Permian Basin region with a focus on energy-sector healthcare needs.

25. Texas A&M International University

TAMIU is a public institution in Laredo with an 80% acceptance rate and a 79% retention rate . The school offers a BSN program and two master’s degrees in nursing, including a family nurse practitioner program. It serves the South Texas border region with a focus on community health and bilingual nursing care.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Nursing School

Start by examining NCLEX pass rates, as programs like Texas State’s St. David’s School of Nursing have achieved a 100% pass rate, which is a critical indicator of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Consider the program’s earnings potential; schools like UH-Clear Lake ($93,001) and Prairie View A&M ($84,269) demonstrate strong returns on investment.

For advanced practice, look for programs with top-ranked graduate degrees, such as Cizik’s #1 DNP and UT Austin’s #12 MSN.

Evaluate affordability; schools like Texas Woman’s University ($11,963 net price) and UT Arlington offer excellent value with strong outcomes.

Additionally, consider the flexibility of online or hybrid options, which are available at many of the state’s top schools.

Closing

Texas offers a comprehensive and diverse nursing education landscape, with programs that are recognized as some of the best in the nation. From the top-ranked BSN and DNP programs at Cizik School of Nursing to the 100% NCLEX pass rate at Texas State University, the state provides exceptional opportunities for aspiring nurses. With a wide range of affordability, from low-cost public institutions to private universities with high earning potential, students can find a program that aligns with their career goals and financial needs . Note that all information, including rankings and tuition, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution.