Texas is one of the best states in the U.S. to pursue a career in nursing. With a booming healthcare industry, modern medical facilities, and diverse patient populations, Texas offers outstanding opportunities for nursing students. The state houses some of the nation’s top-ranked nursing schools that combine academic excellence, clinical training, and strong job placement rates.

1. The University of Texas at Austin – School of Nursing

Overview:
UT Austin’s School of Nursing is one of the most prestigious in Texas, offering innovative programs with a strong emphasis on leadership, clinical excellence, and community service.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply through the ApplyTexas or Common App portal.
• Submit high school or prior college transcripts.
• Meet prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements.
• Provide a personal essay and letters of recommendation.

Eligibility:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of prerequisite courses in science and math.
• TEAS or HESI exam scores (for undergraduate programs).

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $13,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $32,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

2. Texas Woman’s University (TWU) – College of Nursing

Overview:
TWU is one of the largest nursing schools in the country and is known for producing highly skilled nurses. It has campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply online via ApplyTexas.
• Submit official transcripts and standardized test scores.
• Attend an interview for selective programs.

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Completion of prerequisite science courses.
• TEAS test score may be required.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Approximately $9,500 per year
• Out-of-state: Approximately $22,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nursing

3. Baylor University – Louise Herrington School of Nursing

Overview:
Located in Dallas, Baylor’s nursing school combines faith-based education with clinical excellence and research-driven training.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply through Baylor’s online portal.
• Submit transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.
• Interview may be required for selective programs.

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Completion of all prerequisite science and general education courses.
• English proficiency for international students.

Estimated Fees:

• Around $52,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, FastBacc (Accelerated BSN), MSN, DNP, and PhD

4. Texas Christian University (TCU) – Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Overview:
TCU in Fort Worth offers one of the most advanced nursing programs in Texas with strong clinical affiliations and state-of-the-art facilities.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply via the Common App or TCU portal.
• Submit official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and personal essay.
• Complete an interview for graduate-level entry.

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 minimum.
• Completion of prerequisite science and humanities courses.

Estimated Fees:

• Approximately $55,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, and DNP

5. Texas A&M University – College of Nursing

Overview:
Texas A&M’s nursing program emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. It’s one of the fastest-growing nursing schools in the state.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply through ApplyTexas.
• Submit high school or college transcripts.
• Provide TEAS test scores and personal essay.

Eligibility:

• GPA of at least 3.0.
• Completion of 59 hours of prerequisite coursework.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $14,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $31,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP

6. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) – Cizik School of Nursing

Overview:
UTHealth’s Cizik School of Nursing is nationally recognized for its clinical research and strong partnerships with Houston’s Texas Medical Center.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply via NursingCAS.
• Submit academic transcripts and recommendation letters.
• Provide TEAS or GRE scores (program-specific).

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (for graduate entry).
• Background check and immunization records.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $12,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $27,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD

7. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Overview:
UTA offers one of the largest and most flexible nursing programs in Texas, including online and hybrid learning formats.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply online through ApplyTexas.
• Submit transcripts, TEAS results, and essays.
• Selection based on GPA and academic performance.

Eligibility:

• Minimum GPA of 2.75.
• Completion of prerequisite courses in science and English.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $10,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $25,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP

8. University of Texas at Tyler – School of Nursing

Overview:
UT Tyler offers quality nursing programs at affordable costs, combining classroom learning with clinical training in East Texas hospitals.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply online via ApplyTexas.
• Submit official transcripts and TEAS scores.

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Completion of all required science and math courses.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $9,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $21,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP

9. Texas State University – St. David’s School of Nursing

Overview:
Located in Round Rock, this program focuses on preparing nurses for leadership roles in hospitals and community health organizations.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply through ApplyTexas.
• Submit TEAS exam results and transcripts.
• Attend an interview for competitive programs.

Eligibility:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of prerequisite science and general education courses.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $11,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $23,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, MSN, and FNP tracks

10. University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – School of Nursing, Galveston

Overview:
UTMB is one of the oldest nursing schools in Texas, known for its advanced medical training and research excellence.

Admission Procedure:

• Apply via NursingCAS or ApplyTexas.
• Submit transcripts, TEAS scores, and recommendation letters.
• Personal interview for selective programs.

Eligibility:

• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

Estimated Fees:

• In-state: Around $13,000 per year
• Out-of-state: Around $29,000 per year

Programs Offered:
BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD

Tips for Choosing the Right Nursing College in Texas

✅ Accreditation: Always choose colleges accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
✅ Clinical Opportunities: Select schools partnered with leading hospitals.
✅ Program Type: Decide whether you need a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, or RN-to-BSN.
✅ Cost & Financial Aid: Review tuition, scholarships, and aid availability.
✅ NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Look for programs with strong licensure exam success rates.
✅ Location: Consider proximity to healthcare centers and living costs.

Final Thoughts

Texas is an ideal destination for aspiring nurses, offering top-quality education, diverse learning environments, and excellent job prospects. Whether you choose UT Austin for its prestige or TWU for its affordability, each of these top 10 nursing colleges provides a strong foundation for a rewarding nursing career.

With the growing demand for nurses nationwide, graduates from Texas nursing programs enjoy high employment rates and competitive salaries. So, take your first step today — the future of healthcare begins with you.