Best BSN Programs in Texas in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

Texas is a fantastic state to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and practice as a nurse. There are many accredited nursing programs across the state to choose from that are offered by great schools. More hospitals and employers are requiring nurses to hold a BSN degree to practice in their facilities, start on the right track with a high-quality BSN program. The Texas Board of Nursing requires every BSN program to incorporate community health, research, clinical experience, leadership, health promotion and managerial skills. Nurses who participate in some of the best BSN programs in Texas will be prepared to work in community settings and hold leadership roles within their employment, due to their education and training. BSN-prepared RNs are able to draw from their vast education to make research-based, evidence-based decisions, allowing them to provide the highest quality patient care.

As you begin to look for a program that fits your needs and goals as a future nurse be sure to check the program’s credentials and accreditation. Unfortunately, not every BSN program has been approved and/or accredited and spending your time and money attending one of these programs would be money and time wasted.

The pre-licensure nursing programs are intended to fully and adequately prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and receive their active registered nursing license. These credentials are set by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Enrollment in an approved and accredited BSN program the following admissions criteria must be met by the student:

• Complete 12 credit hours of natural science and lower level nursing courses
• Maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA in lower course credits
• Complete the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment Exam (HESI A2) Examination with a minimum of 75%

Once enrolled in a program and upon preparation to graduate it is important to continue with the following steps to ensure you take care of everything needed to enter the healthcare industry with the proper licensure.

• Enroll in an accredited and board-approved BSN program in the state of Texas and earn your BSN degree.
• Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, you must pass or take it again.
• Take the Texas Jurisprudence examination and pass.
• Apply for your Registered Nurse (RN) license through the Texas Board of Nursing and include the required $125 application fee.
• Maintain your license by earning 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years and renewing your license every 2 years as well.

The following are some of the best nursing schools in Texas, offering approved and accredited nursing programs as either traditional on-campus or online BSN programs. They are ranked from the top as the best BSN programs in Texas. The ranking was based on the following criteria:

• Pass Rate of NCLEX-RN exam
• Cost per Credit Hour
• Acceptance Rate
• Class Size

Whether you’re looking for some of the best nursing schools in Fort Worth or the best nursing programs in Austin, you’ll be sure to find a programs that fits your needs.

Here are the best BSN programs in Texas (Online and Campus)

1. University of Houston, Victoria

UHV provides student-centered education in state of the art facilities. Graduates will be able to synthesize their knowledge gained in biological, behavioral, and the social sciences. Students are taught and trained to be leaders in community health and patient care across the lifespan. Graduates will have skills necessary for managerial roles in the ever-growing healthcare community and if graduates choose to pursue further education they will have the springboard to do so.

• Location: Victoria, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• Tuition: $6,116
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment:
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

2. West Texas A&M

West Texas A&M University has a highly sought after nursing program with rigorous coursework that prepares students to be leaders in the healthcare industry. Applicants will need to be aware of prerequisite courses prior to submitting their application and should strive to meet those requirements beforehand. WTAMU holds pre-nursing advising dates to review requirements and tests needed prior to applying. Students can contact the school for those specific dates to get the most up-to-date information on their nursing programs.

• Location: Canyon, TX
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 69%
• Tuition: $6,969
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online:
• Enrollment: 7,900
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%

3. Lamar University

At Lamar University the BSN degree is a four-year program that was designed with the graduate in mind. The entire program prepares students to become professional nurses that are able to meet their community’s needs and provide leadership in the healthcare industry. Students will engage in didactic courses, laboratory assignments, and clinical experience in healthcare facilities under the supervision of university faculty.

• Location: Beaumont, Texas
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Acceptance: 88%
• Tuition: $9,011
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online BSN Program: Yes
• Enrollment: 14,300
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93%

4. Abilene Christian University

Graduates with a BSN degree from Abilene are prepared to enter the healthcare industry as professional nurses. The program is outlined with the first two years covering general courses that lay a solid foundation for critical thinking, communication and biblical learning that is at the heart of Abilene University. The last two years are spent with more time in clinical rotations, in simulations and using the technology of healthcare. Students will also have the skills and knowledge to debate current health issues within the community and abroad.

• Location: Abilene, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance:
• Tuition: $29,450
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment:
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91%

5. Hardin Simmons University

This may also be referred to as the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Graduates that earn their BSN here will be true nursing generalists as they will learn and be prepared to coordinate patient care and administer it. Graduates will be able to utilize critical analysis and logical reasoning skills as they treat patients and inform family members. Students learn communication skills for interactions between patient and nurse as well as among colleagues. Graduates will understand the expected legal, ethical, and professional standards within the healthcare settings in which they will be employed.

• Location: Abilene, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance:
• Tuition: $685 Per Credit Hour
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online:
• Enrollment:
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%

 

6. Texas State University, San Marcos

Prospective students desiring to attend St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University will need to take the necessary prerequisites prior to applying. Each fall the nursing school will accept the top 100 most qualified applicants to the nursing program.

• Location: Round Rock campus in Round Rock, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 77%
• Tuition: $9,151
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 38, 651
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

7. Baylor University

Baylor University offers a traditional BSN track as well as a fast track for students that have already taken their general courses. Many students take their general courses at the Waco campus then transfer to the Dallas campus to finish their upper-level courses. The program is either a one- or two-year program depending on which track you choose to take. The traditional BSN requires at least 60 completed credit hours from an accredited university.

• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 76%
• Tuition: &35,900
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 15,120
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%

8. University of Texas, Austin

The school of nursing at the University of Texas, Austin offers a four-year program where students will earn their BSN and be highly qualified and prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN. It is a rigorous program that teaches participants critical thinking skills, planning, evaluating, implementation of nursing care, and the integration of biological, behavioral, and social sciences. Graduates will be prepared to enter the healthcare industry ready to lead and manage healthcare teams in a variety of settings.

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 47%
• Tuition: $9,790
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 52,170
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%

9. University of Texas, Arlington

University of Texas, Arlington offers a few different options for students to earn their BSN, from a fast track to online learning, there is a program to fit your needs. There are programs for students that currently hold an RN license and are looking to increase their education, opportunities to pursue a BSN, and programs for freshmen looking to earn a BSN. To get specific information about which program would best fit your needs contact the school of nursing.

• Location: Arlington, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 59%
• Tuition: $8,878
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online BSN program: Yes
• Enrollment: 33,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%

10. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston University School of Nursing will prepare students with a broad knowledge of social, behavioral, and biological sciences. Participants engage in coursework that is both theoretical and practical across a wide variety of healthcare settings. Students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of clinical experiences and simulations.

• Location: Huntsville, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 65%
• Tuition: $8,590
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 18,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%

11. University of Texas, El Paso

University of Texas, El Paso offers a few different options for earning a BSN—a fast track online BSN program option for those that already have an RN license and a traditional 4-year program on campus for new students. UTEP is rated among the top nursing programs in the southwest, with their online nursing program earning top ratings. The knowledge base students gain in their BSN program can easily be used to further their education as an FNP, MSN (MSN program) or even a DNP.

• Location: El Paso, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 100%
• Tuition: $7,100
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online BSN program in Texas: Yes
• Enrollment: 22,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%

12. University of Texas, Tyler

University of Texas, Tyler offers three campuses that students can take BSN courses from including the Tyler, Longview, and Palestine Campuses. There are tracks for freshmen, RN transfers, and traditional transfer students. Upon completion of the BSN coursework, clinical hours and graduation, students are able to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

• Location: Tyler, Texas
• Texas BSN Programs Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 80%
• Tuition: $7,222
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 6,868
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%

13. Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University offers one of the most affordable BSN nursing programs in Texas in terms of cost and the time it takes to graduate. Now is the time to earn a BSN and enter the ever-growing healthcare industry. Nurses with a BSN are able to enter as leaders and manage teams of nurses due to their broad range of knowledge and skills they earned while completing their BSN degree.

• Location: Stephenville, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 76%
• Tuition: $5,522
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 10,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86%

14. Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University offers traditional and online BSN programs for students seeking a nursing degree. There are tracks for RN-to-BSN, freshman beginning the BSN program, and transfer students. Earning a BSN will give graduates a wide range of opportunities in the field of nursing. The faculty gives each student personalized attention and direction while students are pursuing their degree.

• Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Acceptance: 56%
• Tuition: $8,371
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online BSN programs in Texas: Yes
• Enrollment: 12,999
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87%

15. Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University has a nursing program that offers different tracks to earn a BSN depending on where the applicant currently is in their educational career. There is a traditional 4-and-a-half year program to earn a BSN, an RN-to-BSN, or an LVP to BSN. Each one of these programs will prepare students to be generalists in the nursing field and will provide them with a wide knowledge base that integrates biological, behavioral, and social sciences. Graduates will be qualified for leadership in the healthcare community.

• Location: Prairie View, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 41%
• Tuition: $7,400
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 8,400
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86%

16. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

Begin with the end in mind at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and start planning and preparing for graduation with a BSN degree which will lead to employment in the ever-growing healthcare industry. There are certain course prerequisites that must be completed prior to taking many upper-level courses. Meet with an advisor to create an educational plan that will allow you to take necessary courses on time so you are prepared to participate in clinical rotations.

• Location: Edinburg, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 62%
• Tuition: $6,134
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 19,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81%

 

17. Texas A&M International University

Students of Texas A&M International University’s BSN program will gain knowledge in general nursing studies from biology, sociology, community health and general liberal arts studies. Students can apply for either Fall or Spring semester as students are admitted twice a year to the nursing program. Contact the school for specific entrance requirements prior to applying for the program to ensure you have the proper pre-requisites and tests necessary for admittance.

• Location: Laredo, Texas
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Acceptance: 48%
• Tuition: $7,142
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 7,213
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 79%

18. Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University offers an excellent BSN program for freshmen seeking to become professional nurses and who have not had any prior nursing experience or license in nursing. Participants become generalist nurses as they integrate a broad knowledge base of biological sciences, social sciences, community health, and leadership skills. Graduates are adequately prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and be employed as leaders in the field of nursing within the community.

• Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 75%
• Tuition: $7,238
• Financial Aid:
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 5,916
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76%

19. University of the Incarnate Word

The nursing program at the University of the Incarnate Word offers a couple of different tracks for students to earn their BSN and become licensed registered nurses; regular admission and second-degree admission. There is a traditional program that will take four years to complete if the student has not taken any college courses prior to applying. The other track offers an accelerated pace of 28 months to accommodate military and navy students as well as others that qualify for this track.

• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 94%
• Tuition: $24,790
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 8,450
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81%

20. Wayland University

Wayland University is a private, Christian based institution of higher learning. This gives students the opportunity to learn in a distinctively Christian atmosphere where there is an emphasis on values-based, compassionate approach to patient care. Participants are prepared for a nursing career as a professional nurse practitioner who is competent and caring in the manner in which they deliver patient care.

• Location: Plainview, Texas
• Accreditation:
• Acceptance: 97%
• Tuition: $15,430
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 1,824
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71%

21. Concordia University Texas

Concordia University offers both a traditional BSN track and an accelerated BSN program track for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and can be completed in as little as 15 months. Each track is offered on campus with highly qualified faculty members in small classes to ensure students receive one-on-one attention and assistance throughout the program. There is also an RN-to-BSN track offered for students currently holding a clear RN license in the state of Texas.

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 95%
• Tuition: $25,890
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 2,586
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%

22. Texas Christian University

TCU offers a traditional BSN track as well as an accelerated BSN track, students can apply for either. The traditional track will take approximately four years to complete from start to finish. The accelerated track is designed to maximize coursework and clinical experiences to enable students to finish in 15 months. They will attend full time for fall, spring, summer and the following fall. Both tracks prepare students to graduate with the knowledge base and skill set needed to be a leader in the healthcare community.

• Location: Fort Worth, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 41%
• Tuition: $36,600
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 9,730
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76%

23. East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University has a long and rich history of nursing and has prepared nurses to work throughout the world. With its Christ-centered programs, students are taught a compassionate, caring model of delivering quality care to patients. The program is grounded in the pursuit of philosophy and innovation while researching the best practices for optimal outcomes. Graduates of ETBU will offer the best possible care in the name of Jesus.

• Location: Marshall, Texas
• Accreditation:
• Acceptance: 58%
• Tuition: $22,600
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 1,300
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

24. Houston Baptist University

Houston Baptist University offers an exceptional program for nursing students. They’ll receive a comprehensive college education with the integration of the nursing curriculum and clinical experiences. The classes are small with a low faculty-to-student ratio, giving students more attention and assistance throughout their educational experience at HBU. Both classes and clinical experiences are taught by experienced faculty of the university itself.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Acceptance: 35%
• Tuition: $27,940
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 2,590
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81%

25. Texas Women’s University

Texas Women’s University provides an excellent four-year BSN degree which combines classroom learning with clinical experiences designed to create qualified, capable nurses. Students who complete the program will be eligible to work in a variety of healthcare settings after passing the NCLEX-RN examination and earning their RN licensure. The program is offered at three different TWU locations: Dallas, Denton, and Houston. There are different tracks provided for students including a traditional four year BSN, an RN-to-BSN, and a weekend track for working students that can take all their courses on the weekend.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 85%
• Tuition: $9,360
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 15,000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%

Honorable Mention: Angelo State University

Angelo State University previously hosted an RN to BSN track and they have a 2nd degree BSN program that will open in the following year. At Angelo State University nursing is seen and taught as a unique area of education as it requires, science, caring, and is built upon a knowledge of the liberal arts. Angelo State University graduates are compassionate and skilled nurses prepared to be leaders in the healthcare community.

• Location: San Angelo, Texas
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Acceptance: 90%
• Tuition: $7,493
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Online: No
• Enrollment: 6,886
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82%

BSN Programs in Texas Ranking Methodology

The schools included on this list were scored and subsequently ranked based mostly on NCLEX-RN pass rates, with other quality-indicating factors such as acceptance rate, tuition, and enrollment slightly affecting the final rankings and pushing the higher-quality schools toward the top. See our methodology page for more detail. Some of the schools offer both online BSN programs in Texas and on-campus.