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Best Nursing Schools in Texas: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 2, 2026

Explore 20 accredited nursing programs across Texas, from affordable community colleges ($1,728–$4,580/yr) to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Texas

Texas offers one of the most diverse and accessible nursing education landscapes in the United States. With 20 accredited nursing programs—including 3 community colleges and 17 universities—prospective students can choose between affordable associate degree pathways and advanced bachelor's and master's programs.

The state's nursing programs range dramatically in cost and selectivity. Community college tuition starts as low as $1,728 per year at Tarrant County College District, while prestigious private institutions like Baylor University charge $54,844 annually. This diversity means nursing education in Texas is accessible to students across all financial backgrounds.

Texas nursing graduates earn competitive salaries. Associate degree holders typically earn $58,353–$71,677 annually, while master's degree graduates command $93,999–$125,851 per year. These earnings reflect both the state's strong healthcare demand and the critical shortage of qualified nurses across Texas hospitals and healthcare systems.

Top University Nursing Programs in Texas

The University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin | Tuition: $11,678/yr in-state | Acceptance: 29.1% | Grad Rate: 87.7%

UT Austin's nursing program is one of the most selective in the state, with a 29.1% acceptance rate reflecting its competitive reputation. The university's 87.7% graduation rate is among the highest in Texas, indicating strong student support and program quality. Master's degree graduates earn $93,999 annually, making this a worthwhile investment despite moderate tuition costs. The program benefits from UT Austin's research resources and location in a major healthcare hub.

Texas A&M University-College Station

Location: College Station | Tuition: $13,099/yr in-state | Acceptance: 63.2% | Grad Rate: 83.7%

With an 83.7% graduation rate and moderate acceptance rate (63.2%), Texas A&M offers accessible entry to a respected nursing program. Master's degree graduates earn $119,052 annually—among the highest in the state. The university's large enrollment (59,099 students) provides extensive clinical placement opportunities and networking. A&M's strong reputation in healthcare education makes it a solid choice for students seeking career advancement.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Location: Arlington | Tuition: $11,728/yr in-state | Acceptance: 81.3% | Grad Rate: 55.1%

UT Arlington offers the highest nursing graduate earnings in the dataset: $125,851 annually for doctoral degree holders. With an 81.3% acceptance rate, the program is accessible to many applicants. The 55.1% graduation rate suggests the program is rigorous, but graduates who complete it earn exceptional salaries. This is an excellent option for students willing to pursue advanced degrees and seeking maximum earning potential.

Texas State University

Location: San Marcos | Tuition: $11,450/yr in-state | Acceptance: 89.5% | Grad Rate: 56.0%

Texas State has the highest acceptance rate (89.5%) among four-year universities in this list, making it accessible to most applicants. Master's degree graduates earn $103,729 annually. The program's location in San Marcos, between Austin and San Antonio, provides access to multiple healthcare markets. This is an excellent choice for students seeking reasonable admission standards without sacrificing earning potential.

University of Houston

Location: Houston | Tuition: $9,711/yr in-state | Acceptance: 69.5% | Grad Rate: 64.0%

University of Houston offers the lowest tuition among major research universities ($9,711/yr) with a solid 69.5% acceptance rate and 64.0% graduation rate. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $73,721 annually. Houston's massive healthcare infrastructure—including the Texas Medical Center—provides unmatched clinical placement opportunities. This program offers excellent value for students seeking affordability and strong job placement.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Location: Edinburg | Tuition: $9,859/yr in-state | Acceptance: 84.8% | Grad Rate: 50.9%

UT Rio Grande Valley is the most affordable four-year program ($9,859/yr) with a very accessible 84.8% acceptance rate. Master's degree graduates earn $116,099 annually—comparable to programs costing $3,000+ more per year. This program serves the growing Rio Grande Valley healthcare market and is an excellent option for South Texas students seeking affordability and strong earning potential.

The University of Texas at El Paso

Location: El Paso | Tuition: $9,744/yr in-state | Acceptance: 99.9% | Grad Rate: 46.6%

With a 99.9% acceptance rate, UT El Paso is open-admission for nursing—making it accessible to any qualified applicant. Master's degree graduates earn $105,629 annually. The low tuition ($9,744/yr) and open access make this ideal for non-traditional students or those with lower test scores. El Paso's healthcare needs ensure strong job placement for graduates.

Sam Houston State University

Location: Huntsville | Tuition: $9,228/yr in-state | Acceptance: 85.4% | Grad Rate: 55.6%

Sam Houston State offers the lowest tuition among all universities ($9,228/yr) with an accessible 85.4% acceptance rate. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $73,214 annually. The program's location between Houston and Austin provides access to two major healthcare markets. This is the most affordable university option for students seeking strong value.

Baylor University

Location: Waco | Tuition: $54,844/yr in-state | Acceptance: 51.0% | Grad Rate: 80.8%

Baylor is Texas's only private nonprofit nursing program in this dataset, with premium tuition ($54,844/yr) but strong outcomes. An 80.8% graduation rate and 51.0% acceptance rate indicate selective admissions and rigorous academics. Master's degree graduates earn $100,370 annually. Baylor's reputation and small class sizes justify the cost for students seeking a private institution experience.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Pathway

Community colleges offer the most affordable entry point to nursing education in Texas, with tuition ranging from $1,728 to $4,580 per year—often 70–80% less than universities. These programs award Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), which qualify graduates for RN licensure and immediate employment.

Most Affordable Programs

Tarrant County College District (Fort Worth) — $1,728/yr — The lowest-cost program in the state, with nursing graduates earning $59,952 annually.

Dallas College (Dallas) — $2,370/yr — Serving a major metropolitan area with nursing graduate earnings of $62,060 annually and a 35.1% graduation rate.

Houston Community College (Houston) — $2,040/yr — Tuition under $2,100 with nursing graduate earnings of $70,964 annually.

Austin Community College District (Austin) — $2,550/yr — Notably, ACCD nursing graduates earn $88,105 annually—higher than many university bachelor's degree holders—despite the lowest tuition.

Larger Community College Systems

Lone Star College System (The Woodlands) — $3,090/yr — Serving Houston's northern suburbs with nursing graduate earnings of $69,169 annually.

Collin County Community College District (McKinney) — $1,864/yr — Dallas area program with very affordable tuition and nursing graduate earnings of $63,325 annually.

San Jacinto Community College (Pasadena) — $1,992/yr — Houston area program with a strong 33.3% graduation rate and nursing graduate earnings of $71,677 annually.

Regional Programs

El Paso Community College (El Paso) — $3,274/yr — Serving West Texas with nursing graduate earnings of $58,353 annually.

Blinn College District (Brenham) — $4,580/yr — Central Texas program with nursing graduate earnings of $65,471 annually.

South Texas College (McAllen) — $4,920/yr — Rio Grande Valley program with nursing graduate earnings of $68,312 annually.

San Antonio College (San Antonio) — $3,412/yr — South Texas program with nursing graduate earnings of $64,435 annually.

Why Choose a Community College ADN?

Affordability: Tuition is 70–80% less than universities
Speed to Employment: Two-year programs get you working faster than four-year degrees
RN Licensure: ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam as bachelor's degree holders
Bridge Pathways: Many Texas universities offer RN-to-BSN programs, allowing ADN graduates to earn bachelor's degrees while working
Job Market: Texas hospitals actively hire ADN graduates; the degree is not a barrier to employment

The data shows that some community college graduates actually earn more than university bachelor's degree holders—Austin Community College graduates earn $88,105 annually compared to $73,721 at University of Houston.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Determine Your Timeline and Career Goals

Fast Track (2 years): Community college ADN programs get you into the job market quickly. Choose this if you need to earn income soon or want to test nursing before investing in a bachelor's degree.

Standard Path (4 years): University BSN programs provide broader education and higher earning potential long-term. Choose this if you're planning advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical specialist) or prefer a traditional college experience.

Advanced Degree (5–7 years): Some universities offer accelerated master's programs for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders. Choose this if you're a career-changer with a bachelor's degree already.

2. Evaluate Affordability vs. Earning Potential

Calculate your return on investment:

Community College ADN: $1,728–$4,920/yr × 2 years = $3,456–$9,840 total; earn $59,952–$70,964/yr starting salary
Public University BSN: $9,228–$13,099/yr × 4 years = $36,912–$52,396 total; earn $73,214–$93,999/yr starting salary
Private University BSN: $54,844/yr × 4 years = $219,376 total; earn $100,370/yr starting salary

For most students, a public university or community college program offers the best value. Private universities justify their cost only if earning potential or career goals align with advanced practice roles.

3. Consider Location and Clinical Placement Access

Nursing programs require extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Choose a program in a region with:

Multiple hospitals and healthcare systems
Urban areas with diverse patient populations
Growing healthcare markets (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio)

Texas's largest healthcare markets (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio) offer more clinical placement options than rural areas.

4. Review Graduation Rates

Graduation rates indicate program quality and student support:

Strong (80%+): UT Austin (87.7%), Texas A&M (83.7%), Baylor (80.8%)
Moderate (55–65%): University of Houston (64.0%), UT Arlington (55.1%), Sam Houston State (55.6%)
Lower (16–35%): Most community colleges (16.1–35.1%)

Note: Community college graduation rates are lower partly because students may transfer to universities before completing the ADN. This isn't necessarily a program quality issue.

5. Check Acceptance Rates

If you're concerned about admission competitiveness:

Open admission: UT El Paso (99.9%), most community colleges
Accessible (80%+): Texas State (89.5%), UT Rio Grande Valley (84.8%), Sam Houston State (85.4%)
Selective (50–70%): University of Houston (69.5%), Texas A&M (63.2%), Baylor (51.0%)
Highly selective (<30%): UT Austin (29.1%)

The Texas Nursing Job Market

Texas faces a critical nursing shortage. The state's population growth (2.3 million new residents since 2010) has outpaced nursing workforce growth, creating strong job demand across all regions.

Highest-Paying Specialties and Roles

Nursing graduate earnings vary by degree level:

Associate Degree (ADN): $58,353–$71,677/yr
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $73,214–$88,105/yr
Master's Degree (MSN): $93,999–$125,851/yr
Doctoral Degree (DNP/PhD): $125,851+/yr

Regional Job Markets

Houston: Largest healthcare market; Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical complex. Strong demand for all nursing levels.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Second-largest market; rapid healthcare expansion. Excellent job prospects.
Austin: Growing tech and healthcare sectors; strong demand for nurses.
San Antonio: Military medical centers and growing civilian healthcare. Stable employment.
Rio Grande Valley: Underserved region with critical nursing shortage. Excellent job security.
El Paso: Border region with unique healthcare challenges. High demand for bilingual nurses.

Salary Expectations by Experience

New Graduates (0–2 years): $55,000–$65,000/yr
Experienced (3–5 years): $65,000–$75,000/yr
Advanced Practice (MSN+): $95,000–$130,000/yr

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Texas

Federal Aid

All Texas nursing students qualify for federal financial aid:

Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/yr (2024–2025) for low-income students; non-repayable
Federal Loans: Unsubsidized and subsidized loans available; interest rates ~5.5%
Work-Study: On-campus employment opportunities

State Aid

Texas Grant: Up to $5,645/yr for low-income Texas residents at public universities
TEXAS Grant (TEACH): Loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved Texas areas

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

Texas Nurses Association Scholarship: $1,000–$5,000
National League for Nursing Scholarship: Varies
Hospital-Sponsored Scholarships: Many Texas hospitals offer tuition assistance in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many Texas hospitals offer:

Tuition reimbursement: $2,000–$5,000/yr for employees pursuing nursing degrees
Loan forgiveness: Up to $10,000 for new graduate hires
Signing bonuses: $3,000–$10,000 for BSN graduates in high-demand specialties

Cost-Saving Strategies

Start at community college: Save $30,000–$40,000 on first two years, then transfer to university for BSN
Live at home: Avoid room and board costs ($10,000–$15,000/yr)
Work part-time: Many nursing students work 10–15 hours weekly during school
Apply for all scholarships: Average nursing student receives $5,000–$10,000 in scholarships

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore nursing programs in Texas? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read reviews from current and former nursing students
Filter by location, program type (ADN vs. BSN), and cost
Access application requirements and deadlines
Connect with admissions counselors

Action Plan

Narrow your choices: Use GradeToGrad's filters to identify 3–5 programs matching your budget, location, and timeline
Request information: Contact admissions offices for program-specific details, clinical placement information, and financial aid packages
Visit campuses: Tour facilities, observe clinical labs, and speak with current nursing students
Review admission requirements: Confirm prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, and TEAS/HESI exam scores
Apply early: Nursing programs fill quickly; apply 6–12 months before your intended start