Online BSN Programs in TX: Learning About Top Schools
This guide highlights the top online BSN nursing programs in Texas. They can help you become a first-time nurse or improve your earning power and career prospects as a current nurse. You’ll get answers to frequently asked questions, including those related to the types of programs available, indicators of a quality program, and benefits of completing a BSN program. Also, note the resources available throughout the guide to help you discover the right program and path.
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A Closer Look: Popular BSN Programs in Texas
Popular BSN programs in Texas offer many options for online learning, where some are entirely in-person, a few are hybrid, and others are 100% online. Many BSN programs allow LPNs and/or ADNs to earn their RN licenses and a bachelor’s degree simultaneously. Others are for individuals who do not have college experience and still need prerequisites in addition to required nursing courses. There are even programs for people with degrees in other fields.
BSN programs provide advanced nursing courses and preparation for the NCLEX-RN and, potentially, for graduate education. Compared to RN, BSN, and ADN programs, BSN programs teach a wider range of skills, including those needed for nursing leadership. BSN programs tend to have more flexibility with clinical requirements since most students already work as nurses. When looking for a program, consider the fit related to your college and work experience, schedule and program flexibility, and program focus. These exemplary schools offer insight into what you can expect in quality Texas BSN programs.
RN to BSN – Sam Houston State University
The online RN to BSN program at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) works well for nurses who have already passed the NCLEX-RN and possess unencumbered Texas RN licenses. The program is 100% online and includes 10 nursing courses. Full-time and part-time options are available. The program consists of 7.5-week classes in the fall/spring, a 3-week mini-semester, and 10-week courses in the summer session.
This RN to BSN program offers a joint admission option for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students enrolled at area colleges. Accessible and relatable faculty members teach SHSU’s program. Application is always open with starts in the fall/spring or summer.
Duration: One year
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $4614.20/semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered Texas RN license
- Cumulative, overall, and prerequisite GPA of 2.5
- Compliance with clinical readiness requirements
Curriculum:
- Older Adult Health Management
- Introduction to Research
- RN –to BSN Role Transition
- Community Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- RN –to BSN Capstone
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
- Informatics
- Rural Health Nursing
- Nursing Genetics and Genomics
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RN to BSN – Texas A&M University
The RN to BSN program at Texas A&M University is a 30-credit curriculum available 100% online. Registered nurses with ADNs are eligible for this program; new ADN graduates can be admitted but must pass the NCLEX-RN exam by the end of their first term in the program. Students must complete individual practicum experiences in person in their communities during the program. LVN to RN, paramedic bridge, and diploma students can enroll if they have the minimum amount of transferable credits. Transfer nursing coursework from previous RN to BSN programs is not accepted. Students are admitted in the spring and summer terms.
Duration: Three to four semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,775 per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.75 or higher GPA
- ADN
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- Prerequisite and nursing science GPA of 2.5
Curriculum:
- Nursing Dimensions and Informatics for the RN
- Application of Evidence-Based Practice for the RN
- Health Promotion Across the Lifespan for the RN
- Leadership and Management for the RN
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the RN
- Health Assessment for the RN
- Community Health for the RN
- Care of Older Adults
- Professional Practice Issues for the RN
RN to BSN Online – Lamar University
Lamar University’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Online program allows RNs to complete a bachelor’s degree quickly and with the flexibility to continue working as an RN while going to school. This 30-credit program results in the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to work as a high-level nurse.
Project-based practicum experiences help students master nursing tasks. The program offers online learning and flexible scheduling for practicums. It builds on existing nursing knowledge, equips nurses to pursue MSNs, and eliminates the stress of finding a preceptor or securing clinical placements. This RN to BSN program explores a wide range of nursing topics while preparing students for success with the NCLEX-RN.
Duration: 13 months
Mode: 100% Online
Cost: $10,356
Admissions Requirements:
- Admission to Lamar
- Admission to nursing program
- Current RN license
- Cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts
- AAS, ADN, or nursing diploma
Curriculum:
- Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
- Nursing Theories and Online Education
- Nursing Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice
- Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
- Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
- Nursing Practice: Synthesis in Professional Nursing
- Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States
Frequently Asked Questions for Online Texas BSN Students
Most students have similar queries about online BSN programs in Texas. Many common student questions are answered below, including key benefits of earning a BSN, qualities to look for in a program, and types of programs available. You’ll also learn about cost, financial aid, and program length, so take a look and see if your question is answered here.
What are the key benefits of earning a BSN in Texas?
A BSN is not required to become a registered nurse in Texas, and many positions are available for people without BSNs. However, there are many benefits to earning a BSN. Suppose a registered nurse aspires to advance into an RN position with supervisory responsibilities or wants to eventually teach future nurses in academia. In that case, a BSN makes the process easier and faster. In addition, many healthcare facilities prefer BSN-trained nurses and hire them before looking at students without bachelor’s degrees. The most in-demand, well-paying jobs are usually open first to BSN nurses, with more potential for advancement and higher pay.
What qualities should I look for in a BSN program in Texas?
Texas’s demand for registered nurses is among the highest in all 50 states. To help meet this demand, many accredited and board-approved traditional and online BSN programs are available in Texas. Look for specific program characteristics to choose the right one; above all, ensure that the program is state-approved and nationally accredited. Also, you should look for a high NCLEX-RN pass rate – an indicator of a program’s ability to give you the knowledge needed for high-level nursing work. Robust financial aid offerings are another key indicator of a quality BSN program, as are flexible class offerings that meet various learning styles and schedule preferences.
What types of BSN programs are available in Texas?
Many types of BSN programs are available in Texas. Traditional BSN programs work well for students without nursing training or post-secondary academic experience, usually taking four years to complete. Accelerated BSN programs take two years or less to complete and work well for students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field. RN to BSN programs allow current RNs to earn their bachelor’s in nursing, usually in less than two years. There are also LVN to BSN programs for vocational nurses who want to become bachelor-trained RNs and continue working as nurses simultaneously. Finally, online BSN programs allow students flexibility to complete clinicals and take classes from home.
How much do BSN programs cost in Texas, and where can I find financial aid?
The cost of a BSN program in Texas depends on many factors, including whether you’re attending full-time or part-time, plus your educational and professional background before enrollment. Other variables include how much financial aid you can obtain and whether you choose a traditional or online program. Financial assistance through scholarships consists of those from private organizations and the nursing programs themselves. Student loans usually come from the federal government, but several student loan repayment programs in Texas are aimed at healthcare professionals who agree to work in underserved areas.
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Texas?
Earning a nursing degree from one of the many BSN programs in Texas can take one to four years; this depends on students’ prior work experience, educational background, and course load. The number of prerequisites you’ve earned before starting a program primarily impacts the length of your program. For instance, in an accelerated BSN program where the student is already an RN or already has a bachelor’s degree, graduating in one year is possible. However, someone straight out of high school who is enrolled in a direct-entry BSN program and attends class full-time can take four years to graduate. Bridge programs, like LVN to BSN and RN to BSN, usually fall somewhere in between.
Salary & Career Details for BSN Nurses in TX
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $66,030 | $93,600 | $135,320 |
| Texas | $64,660 | $90,010 | $122,060 |
| Abilene, TX | $60,610 | $77,860 | $99,090 |
| Amarillo, TX | $64,300 | $83,810 | $112,130 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $64,210 | $94,900 | $122,820 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $61,670 | $81,190 | $105,920 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $52,030 | $75,810 | $97,850 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $64,440 | $79,270 | $97,690 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $62,980 | $80,850 | $99,130 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $67,400 | $98,740 | $122,800 |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $62,300 | $73,890 | $98,350 |
| El Paso, TX | $62,550 | $81,380 | $119,040 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $69,360 | $97,810 | $125,320 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $64,660 | $95,210 | $116,800 |
| Laredo, TX | $58,400 | $78,580 | $103,050 |
| Longview, TX | $58,480 | $79,290 | $103,930 |
| Lubbock, TX | $63,930 | $78,700 | $102,910 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $58,590 | $77,240 | $96,160 |
| Midland, TX | $64,650 | $88,460 | $110,180 |
| Odessa, TX | $66,010 | $78,270 | $100,120 |
| San Angelo, TX | $61,570 | $75,440 | $95,510 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $63,260 | $87,100 | $115,990 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $67,800 | $80,840 | $99,760 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $58,140 | $76,560 | $105,520 |
| Tyler, TX | $60,480 | $77,450 | $96,160 |
| Victoria, TX | $63,260 | $80,500 | $103,420 |
| Waco, TX | $64,380 | $87,330 | $108,180 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,550 | $79,620 | $100,250 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online BSN Programs in Texas
The ranking below of the best online BSN programs in Texas includes only accredited schools with BSN programs with at least one online component. These programs also have ample academic counseling and career placement services. Schools are weighted based on the number of online programs and whether they are partially or fully online. Other factors include the percentage of online students, tuition, available institutional aid, and student/faculty ratio. Click on the About the Rankings hyperlink below for more details.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,758 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hardin-Simmons University
- The BSN program at Huston-Tillotson University offers competitive tuition discounts and scholarships, making nursing education more affordable for students.
- Students benefit from high clinical placement rates and strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, ensuring extensive hands-on experience.
- The program provides flexible completion options including accelerated pathways, allowing students to earn their BSN degree efficiently to enter the workforce sooner.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,758 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Grayson College
- The Grayson College RN to BSN program is 100% online with flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options, allowing students to balance education with personal and professional obligations.
- The program emphasizes the development of RNs as patient safety advocates and members of interprofessional healthcare teams, preparing graduates for diverse health-related settings aligned with workforce needs.
- Grayson’s program is designed as a post-licensure bridge program focused on advancing nursing knowledge and professional growth, providing targeted baccalaureate education built to enhance career advancement opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TXProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,284 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University
- The SONIC program allows students to simultaneously take ADN and RN-BSN courses, enabling them to complete their bachelor's degree within as little as one semester after ADN completion.
- The program is 100% online, providing flexibility to work while studying and saving on commuting costs, with faculty dedicated to supporting individual student needs.
- The SONIC program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, ensuring high educational standards and credibility.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,284 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,626 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Tyler
- The UT Tyler RN to BSN program offers an accelerated online format that allows working nurses to earn their BSN in as little as 12 months while continuing to work.
- The program features a flat-rate tuition of $9,895, providing an affordable and predictable cost for completing the BSN degree online.
- Students receive instruction from full-time UT Tyler nursing faculty specialized in online teaching, ensuring quality education equivalent to the on-campus experience.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,626 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,770 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Tarleton State University
- Tarleton's BSN program offers multiple degree paths—including traditional, LVN-BSN, and RN-BSN options—tailored to different student backgrounds, enhancing accessibility and flexibility.
- The traditional BSN program leverages clinical placements across the greater Stephenville, Waco, and Fort Worth areas, providing diverse hands-on experiences based on available top clinical sites.
- Admission to the BSN program involves a competitive process emphasizing high academic standards and prerequisite GPA requirements, ensuring a strong foundation for student success and NCLEX-RN® exam readiness.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,770 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,941 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lamar University
- Lamar University's RN to BSN program offers 100% online coursework with flexible pacing, enabling working nurses to complete the degree in as few as 13 months while balancing professional obligations.
- The program emphasizes non-traditional, research- and interview-based clinicals in community service settings, enhancing practical understanding beyond typical healthcare practices.
- RN to BSN students receive 31 hours of undergraduate nursing credits via escrow, accelerating degree progress by crediting prior nursing coursework towards the BSN.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,941 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TXProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,599 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Texas Permian Basin
- The BSN program at UTPB offers strong clinical experiences in community and regional healthcare facilities supported by a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center, enhancing practical skills preparation.
- The program features faculty who are master’s- or doctorally-prepared nursing leaders committed to fostering scholarly, caring, and imaginative graduates capable of managing complex healthcare settings.
- UTPB provides a Nursing & Pre-Health Scholarship to help reduce undergraduate costs for BSN students, making the program more financially accessible.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,599 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,082 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Schreiner University
- Schreiner’s online RN to BSN program offers personalized attention and small class sizes to support working nurses every step of the way.
- The program features multiple flexible start dates and accelerated completion options, allowing students to finish the degree in as little as one year while managing work and personal commitments.
- Students can transfer credit for previously earned certifications and choose from several elective courses, including opportunities abroad, enhancing career specialization and practical experience.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,082 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TXProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,077 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Prairie View A & M University
- The BSN program offers an online RN-BSN pathway that enables licensed nurses to complete their degree with flexible distance education options.
- Prairie View A&M's College of Nursing provides students access to advanced simulation labs for realistic clinical skill practice in a state-of-the-art facility located in Houston.
- The program maintains strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, ensuring valuable clinical placements and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,077 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,252 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Houston
- The UHCL RN-BSN program offers a unique HyFlex learning option, allowing students to attend classes in-person, online, synchronously, or asynchronously to fit their schedules.
- Students benefit from low tuition, available scholarships, and a dedicated nursing advisor and mentor to support their academic success.
- The program features highly qualified faculty with doctoral-level preparation and small class sizes, enabling personalized instruction and strong faculty-student engagement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,252 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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