Best Nursing Schools in Texas: Top 10 Picks For 2024

If you’re thinking of becoming a nurse or advancing your healthcare career, you may want to consider one of the best nursing schools in Texas.

According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the state is one of only three in the nation that produces over 10,000 first-time candidates for the NCLEX each year, making it a popular location for nursing education. 

Fortunately, Texas not only focuses on quantity, but also quality. In fact, graduates from 38 colleges and universities averaged over 90% pass rates on the NCLEX in 2022, with five programs scoring 100%.

Of course, there are lots of other reasons to consider nursing schools in Texas as well, from its cultural diversity and promising job outlook to the fact that it’s a compact nursing state.

So, in this article, we’ll cover programs’ degree pathways, format, and more. We’ll also delve deeper into why you should consider studying here, as well as the state’s job outlook for nurses.

Whether you’re pursuing a BSN, MSN, or DNP, this is the perfect place to start your search for the top nursing school in Texas for you.

Table of Contents

10 Best Nursing Schools in Texas

Choosing the right nursing school is a critical step for aspiring nurses or those looking to advance their careers. 

In this state, known for its vast and diverse healthcare systems, the options for nursing education are both numerous and distinguished.

We’ve chosen the following colleges and universities as the top nursing schools in Texas because of their wide array of degree offerings, high NCLEX pass rates, and cultural diversity.

1. University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing

University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Logo
  • Primary Location: Austin, Texas
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Format: All are entirely on-campus (except DNP, which is hybrid)
  • Degrees Offered:
  • NCLEX Pass Rate (2022): 84.87% (101/119)

2. Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Nursing

Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Nursing logo

3. University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation

University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation logo

4. Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing

Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing logo

5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing logo

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

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Cizik School of Nursing)

7. Texas Christian University (Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences)

Texas Christian University (Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences) logo

8. University of St. Thomas at Houston (Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing)

University of St. Thomas at Houston (Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing) logo

9. University of Houston Gessner College Of Nursing

University of Houston Gessner College Of Nursing

10. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Scott & White School of Nursing)

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Scott & White School of Nursing) logo

Why Study Nursing in Texas?

One of the best reasons for choosing nursing schools in Texas is that the NCLEX pass rate is above the national average. While the 2022 national average was 79.91%, the average NCLEX pass rate in Texas was 84.28%.

Better yet, exam-takers from the state have consistently performed above the national average for at least the last five years.

The state also has a diverse population and healthcare needs. This may give you the opportunity to work with patients from varied backgrounds and allow you to specialize in a wide range of areas.

Furthermore, there’s plenty of cultural diversity, meaning you have the option to study in a bustling city, like Austin, or a quieter area, like Byran.

Additionally, Texas is a compact nursing state. This means that RNs can work in other compact states without gaining additional single-state licensure. If you want to work as a travel nurse, getting licensed in a compact state could make the licensing process much simpler.

However, if you want to remain in the state after graduating, there are a few good reasons to do so.

For one, Texas ranks sixteenth in the United States when it comes to nursing salaries. In fact, the average RN salary in the Lone Star State is $76,800 per year.

Finally, these salaries may also increase as demand goes up. Texas desperately needs new nurses, and this demand is only expected to increase in the coming years. We discuss this in further detail in the next section.

What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in Texas?

The job outlook for nurses in Texas is excellent. While BLS reports that the state currently employs 231,060 registered nurses, a report from the Texas Center For Nursing Workforce Studies reports that the RN vacancy rate jumped from 5.9% in 2019 to 17.6% in 2022.

Additionally, they found that the state will be short 57,012 nurses by 2032, a 16% deficit.

Texas A&M International University states that the shortage will be exacerbated by the rapidly growing population. In fact, it’s the fastest-growing state in the nation, adding about 470,000 residents from July 2021 to the end of 2022. At over 30 million people, only California has more residents.

This population boom, together with more complex conditions and longer life expectancy, will drastically increase the demand for care, and therefore the demand for healthcare professionals like nurses.

To address the need for care, the state government has instituted a number of programs to encourage more students to study nursing. For example, the Nursing Shortage Reduction Program allocates funds to colleges and universities to further invest in enrolling, retaining, and graduating new nurses.

Is One Of These Nursing Schools In Texas Right For You?

Texas presents an outstanding opportunity for aspiring nurses and those looking to advance their careers in the healthcare field. 

With its top-notch nursing schools boasting high NCLEX pass rates, diverse degree offerings, and a commitment to quality education, Texas stands out as a premier destination for nursing education. 

The state’s vast and varied healthcare landscape, combined with its cultural diversity and promising job outlook, makes it an excellent location to pursue a nursing degree.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant city life or a more laid-back spot, Texas offers a conducive environment for both learning and practicing nursing. Moreover, the state’s status as a compact nursing state simplifies the process for those hoping to practice in multiple states.

The pressing demand for nurses in Texas, driven by a rapidly growing population and evolving healthcare needs, underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the nursing shortage. With a significant projected shortfall of nurses in the coming years, the time is ripe for individuals to step into the nursing profession and make a meaningful impact.

Choosing the right nursing school is a crucial step on this journey. 

The schools highlighted in this article not only offer exceptional education and training, but also provide pathways to diverse nursing careers. 

Whether you’re aiming for a BSN, MSN, DNP, or looking to specialize in a particular area of nursing, Texas offers a wealth of options to meet your educational and professional goals.

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