Best BSN Programs in Texas for 2024: Online & Campus
Find top-rated in-person and online BSN nursing programs in Texas that can help you become a first-time nurse or improve your earnings power and career prospects as a current nurse.
As the demand for healthcare services continues rising across Texas and the rest of the country, Texas nursing schools are stepping up to meet the need for highly qualified registered nurses through their bachelor’s degree nursing programs. If you’re interested in becoming an BSN educated nurse in Texas, this guide is for you, whether you’re a current LVN or RN ready for more responsibilities and higher salary potential or you’re looking to become a registered nurse without any previous nursing experience. Keep reading to find top accredited BSN nursing programs in Texas near you, understand what to look for in a quality program, and learn more about nursing employment and salary trends in Texas.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen, TX | Public | $ | 1 | The RN to BSN program at Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a flexible pathway for students with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing to obtain a Bachelor's degree, advance their career, or pursue graduate studies. Coursework builds on nurses's experience and real-world training, preparing them to practice in a variety of healthcare settings. The fully online program can be taken part-time or full-time and pre-licensure students can begin enrollment one semester prior to taking the National Council Licensure Examination. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %90% |
|||
| 2 | The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa, TX | Public | $ | 1 | The online RN to BSN program at The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is committed to offering the flexibility working nurses need to pursue their BSN. Accelerated eight-week semesters and almost entirely asynchronous coursework let students move through their classes at their own pace. Additionally, UTPB designs courses to give students up-to-date knowledge that applies immediately to students' everyday work. This lets students see the benefits of their studies long before graduation. Program Highlights: RN to BSN Program
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %81% |
|||
| 3 | West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon, TX | Public | $ | 1 | West Texas A&M University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to B.S.N. Degree program is flexible and designed for working nurses. Coursework can be completed in one academic year, or students can choose a slower pace and a longer completion rate. The program is fully online. Practicum case studies and experiences are required for students to demonstrate their new knowledge, but no campus attendance is required. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, or that the student will receive licensure within three months of graduating from an associate degree or diploma program. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %89% |
|||
| 4 | Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %86% |
||||
| 5 | Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %78% |
||||
| 6 | The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %78% |
||||
| 7 | Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
Online Student %87% |
||||
| 8 | The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %77% |
||||
| 9 | Baptist Health System School of Health ProfessionsSan Antonio, TX | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 10 | Southwest University at El PasoEl Paso, TX | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 11 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %61% |
||||
| 12 | The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
Online Student %63% |
||||
| 13 | Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %61% |
||||
| 14 | The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %63% |
||||
| 15 | Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate OnlineAddison, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio27/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 16 | Schreiner UniversityKerrville, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %59% |
||||
| 17 | University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %54% |
||||
| 18 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
Online Student %64% |
||||
| 19 | West Coast University-DallasDallas, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %55% |
||||
| 20 | Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %65% |
||||
| 21 | Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %39% |
||||
| 22 | University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %29% |
||||
| 23 | Weatherford CollegeWeatherford, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %34% |
||||
| 24 | The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
Online Student %16% |
Popular Accredited BSN Programs in Texas
The number of Texas BSN programs makes it convenient for students to find the right program for them. To help in your nursing school search, we’ve identified three popular, state-approved BSN programs in Texas. Each school below is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers two BSN programs through their UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Traditional Track is designed for students who are not registered nurses but who have completed two years of a bachelor’s degree, including general education and prerequisite credits. This program allows students to obtain their degrees in just 22 months. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Accelerated Track allows students to earn a nursing degree in 15 months. This program is for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree but who are not registered nurses.
With more than 100 nursing scholarships available, both programs are among the best and most affordable BSN programs in the state. They also boast some of the best NCLEX-RN passage rates in Texas with a passage rate for first-time test takers exceeding 98%.
University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler has two Nursing BSN Degree programs and both result in a BSN degree. One track is for students who are already registered nurses while the other is for students who do not possess their RN credentials.
The Nursing BSN Degree track for non-RNs provides the entire curriculum at the Longview or Palestine campuses. Students complete clinicals at approved facilities close to the home campus. Hands-on training also comes through state-of-the-art simulation labs while under the supervision of highly experienced RN preceptors (i.e., clinical nurse instructors). Students receive top-notch training with an NCLEX-RN first-time passage rate well above the national average.
The Nursing RN-BSN Track requires incoming students to already be RNs, and the curriculum is entirely online. While no campus visits are needed, a limited amount of clinical experience is required to graduate. Students choose between part-time and full-time study with full-time students graduating in just one year.
Texas Tech University
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing have four undergraduate nursing programs to choose from at Texas Tech University. All of them are part of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, which was selected as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing.
The Traditional BSN track is for those who have neither RN licensing nor a bachelor’s degree. The RN to BSN program is for RNs who want a BSN but currently have an ADN degree. The Second Degree program is for non-nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to switch careers. Lastly, the Veteran to BSN program is designed for students with prior medical experience obtained through military service.
Regardless of track, students are trained by some of the best faculty and preceptors from any of the BSN programs in Texas, as evidenced by a first-time NCLEX-RN passage rate of 95%. Students also have access to excellent career and academic services like the Students SUCCESS Program.
Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in Texas
A BSN is not required to become a registered nurse in Texas. In fact, many RNs often only have an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Generally speaking, it takes roughly half the time to earn an ADN as it does a BSN. So why spend the extra money and time to earn a BSN? Consider the following key benefits.
Benefit #1
Greater Potential for Professional Growth
Most entry-level registered nurse positions accept applicants with either a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing. However, if a registered nurse aspires to advance into an RN position with supervisory responsibilities or wants to eventually teach future nurses in academia, a BSN makes the process easier and faster.
Benefit #2
Become a Highly Sought-After Professional
Most states have a dire shortage of registered nurses, and many nursing students receive multiple job offers before graduation. Additionally, most states have reciprocity agreements with other states that allow a relatively seamless transition in nursing practice when moving from one state to another.
Benefit #3
Make a Difference by Helping Others
Nursing jobs are in demand, pay well, and provide almost guaranteed opportunities to improve people’s lives. BSN program graduates don’t necessarily need to start working directly with patients in a hospital once they’re done with their training. However, the opportunity is there for the taking.
Program Checklist: Qualities to Look for in a BSN Program in Texas
The demand for registered nurses in Texas is among the highest of all 50 states. To help meet this demand, there are many accredited and board-approved traditional and online BSN programs available in Texas. Look for certain program characteristics when choosing the right one.
Types of BSN Programs in Texas
Traditional BSN
The traditional BSN program is for students with no prior nursing training or post-secondary academic experience. It usually takes four years or eight semesters of full-time study. The first two years are usually spent completing prerequisites and general education credits, and the nursing curriculum takes about two additional years to complete.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN
The accelerated BSN program results in a BSN in two years or less. To finish this quickly, incoming students usually need a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This academic pathway is a perfect choice for professionals seeking a new career as an RN.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN
The RN to BSN academic track allows current registered nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Most students start with an associate degree in nursing and want to obtain a bachelor’s degree with access to greater opportunities for professional advancement, especially in terms of leadership.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
LVN to BSN Programs
This program is for those who already have bachelor’s degrees and are licensed practical nurses (LPN) but want to become RNs. This program is ideal for students who wish to continue working as LPNs while earning their degrees.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
Online BSN Programs in Texas
Any accredited BSN program requires certain hands-on requirements in the form of supervised practicums or clinicals. However, there are also plenty of classroom curriculum requirements that can easily be completed through distance learning. Hybrid programs are becoming more popular as they allow students to earn the necessary training while offering the flexibility to complete the classroom requirements from home and at a time most convenient for them.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs in Texas
Direct-entry BSN programs in Texas give highly motivated high school seniors who are interested in nursing the chance to hit the ground running. These highly competitive programs allow college freshmen to begin taking nursing classes from their first semester.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About BSN Programs in Texas
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, depending on prior work experience, educational background, and course load. 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 enrolled in a traditional BSN program and attending class full-time can take four years to graduate.
How much does a BSN program in Texas cost?
The cost of a BSN program in Texas depends on a host of factors, including whether you’re attending full-time or part-time and your educational and professional background before enrollment. Other variables include how much financial aid you obtain and whether you’re attending a traditional or online program. Below is a list of some traditional and online Texas-based BSN programs to give you an idea of what to expect to pay in tuition.
University of St. Thomas Houston
Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Total Credits: 58
$450.00/credit
Texas A&M University
Total Credits: 120
$400.00/credit (in-state) and $1,298.73 (out-of-state)
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
Total Credits: 51
$350.00/credit
What are the admissions requirements for BSN nursing programs in Texas?
The admissions requirements for a BSN nursing program in Texas vary depending on the type of program, but most include the following:
- Online application and fee
- Official high school and/or college transcripts showing completion of prerequisite courses
- Test scores (could be SAT or ACT scores but may also include a TEAS score)
Other requirements may include proof of status as a registered nurse in good standing for RN to BSN programs and proof of prior bachelor’s degree for accelerated or BSN-as-a-second-degree programs. Some programs, not including RN to BSN, may require proof of CNA training before the first day of class.
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in Texas?
Earning a BSN is one of the surest ways to enter this in-demand field with excellent pay. Before those paychecks start, though, many students need financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and student loans. Many scholarships and grants come from private organizations and the nursing programs themselves. Student loans usually come from the federal government, but there are several student loan repayment programs in Texas aimed at health professionals who agree to work in underserved areas. To learn more, visit our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
Deeper Dive: Online BSN Programs in Texas
Nursing is an inherently hands-on profession, so online BSN programs in Texas are not fully online. Instead, some are hybrid programs that allow students to complete classwork online but still require in-person clinicals. During clinicals, nursing students work with patients in a medical setting, such as a local hospital, while under the supervision of an experienced nurse and nurse preceptor (i.e., a clinical nurse instructor). Before working in an actual clinical setting, students spend time practicing their skills in simulation labs on or close to campus.
Learn More About Online BSN Programs in Texas
Concordia University Texas
At Concordia University Texas, prospective nursing students can enroll in a 16-month accelerated hybrid BSN program. This program does not require any medical experience; however, at least 60 prior college credits are needed before entry to graduate in the anticipated time frame. To provide the highest quality nursing training in the most flexible manner possible, the 63 credit curriculum is broken down into three components.
The first component is classroom training, which is delivered online. This coursework is the same as what traditional nursing students complete with the same overall time frame. The second component is the hands-on simulations and is completed in-person at the Concordia University Texas learning site in Austin. Third are the clinical rotations, which students complete at a partner hospital. This learning format is very effective with an NCLEX-RN passage rate as high as 100%.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has three undergraduate nursing programs available. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Second Degree Accelerated Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs follow the traditional learning model with students attending class on campus. Students interested in learning online will appreciate the RN to BSN online program. Consisting of 27 credits, this accelerated program allows most students to graduate in one year. For added flexibility, classes last just seven weeks.
Because students are already licensed registered nurses, much of the curriculum covers high-level concepts like leadership, management, and organizational concepts and theories. Specific courses include Professional Mobility, Issues in Nursing, Leadership in Nursing, Research, and Community Health.
Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in Texas
Prospective nursing students often wonder about job security and earning potential. The following section answers common questions related to employment projections and salary potential for BSN nurses in Texas.
Are BSN nurses in high demand in Texas?
The job market for registered nurses in the United States is rapidly growing, and the market in Texas is even stronger. Graduates of BSN programs in Texas can expect to have success in seeking post-graduate employment. What’s most astounding about the associated data is not that tremendous growth for RNs but the fact that despite this massive growth, the RN deficiency in Texas is still expected to expand. For example, according to Nursing Workforce Reports from the Texas Health and Human Service Texas will need 348,883 RNs by 2032 but will only have 291,782.
Employment Projections for RNs in Texas
| Employment (2018) | New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | |
| Texas | 216,210 | 36,210 | 16,8% | 16,130 |
| United States | 3,059,800 | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Sources: Projections Central
How much do BSN nurses make in Texas?
Given the extremely strong demand for RNs in Texas, the overall salary potential is promising. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a BSN RN in Texas is $81,709. While this is lower than the national average of $86,790, it’s higher than neighboring states like Oklahoma ($72,312), Louisiana ($75,003), and New Mexico ($73,233).
A BSN-prepared RN can earn more than an ADN-trained RN. Even though starting salaries are similar, the earnings potential is greater for a BSN since the additional academic training makes it easier to move into a specialization or advance into a supervisory position.
