Guide to Top Online Nursing Degree Programs in TX
If you live in Texas and are interested in pursuing or advancing your registered nursing career, aspiring registered nurses (RNs) will have a variety of degree options from which to choose, but earning a nursing degree online could be your best option. Learn more about your program options, Texas licensing requirements, see our ranking of top schools, and gain insights into salary and career prospects in this guide from EduMed.
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Exploring Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Online RN programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with classroom work and hands-on clinicals. Many of the more academically-oriented courses take place online, while group and/or patient-centered activities — including your school’s clinical requirements — occur at medical facilities. This combination makes online RN programs “hybrid” or “blended” in nature. While some post-licensure programs can be taken fully online, nearly all pre-licensure nursing programs with an online component are partially online.
Which nursing pathway is best for you? Below, learn more about the diverse menu of online nursing programs you’ll find in Texas — from entry-level certifications to undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as post-graduate certification options.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
Texas offers a range of undergraduate nursing degree options, ideal for students who are wanting to try out the nursing profession without a serious investment of time or money. You’ll find a description of these certificates, licenses, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees below.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you’re interested in an entry-level healthcare career, you’ll find the lowest investment of time and money when you study to become a CNA. CNAs are instrumental in providing patients with their basic care needs in a range of healthcare settings. In this role, you’ll be supervised by RNs and other medical professionals.
Example: Navarro College Certified Nurse Aide
- Cost: $778 (tuition + fees)
- Length: Approximately 4 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Many prospective nurses decide to go down the certification path with an LPN program, sometimes called LVN (Licensed Vocational Nursing) programs. LPNs have many of the same duties as CNAs and entry-level nurses, and you may even supervise CNAs due to your extra education. Becoming an LPN/LVN means you’ll perform basic patient care duties such as monitoring vitals, communicating with patients and other members of the healthcare team, and interacting with patients and their families.
Example: North Central Texas College LVN
- Cost: $8,559 – $17,169, depending on residency status and campus location
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid or in person
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs in Texas provide students with basic nursing competencies and qualify graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). ADN programs include general education course requirements and typically require two years of full-time study to complete. While online ADN programs aren’t common in Texas, many schools offer general education courses that can be taken online.
Example: Blinn College District Associate Degree in Nursing
- Cost: $11,372.34
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Mostly in person, but some theory courses throughout the program are blended and/or online
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
If you’re thinking of a more traditional path toward nursing education, a BSN is a standard undergraduate degree that prepares future nurses for practice as an RN. You’ll take a combination of core and nursing classes, giving you a well-rounded education. Hybrid programs are common, with many of your core coursework bring offered completed online with nursing-specific topics mostly covered in more hands-on lab settings.
Example: Chamberlain University BSN
- Cost: $705 to $755 per credit, depending on campus
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Online, hybrid, or in person
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
The best accelerated BSN programs are structured to allow pre-licensure students to earn a BSN in less time than the four years typically required. There are two basic types of accelerated BSN programs available in Texas that feature online coursework: One program is for students who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major, while the other is for students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree but have earned a substantial number of transferable college credits.
Example: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Second Degree BSN Accelerated Program
- Cost: $222.43 per credit (tuition only) for residents, $632.43 per credit, per credit (tuition only) for non-residents
- Length: 3 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
If you’re interested in a graduate or post-graduate nursing program, you may be coming into it with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but it’s also possible to pursue these advanced programs with a degree in a completely unrelated field. You may likely want to specialize your nursing education, or you’re looking to earn more money by receiving an advanced degree. Regardless of where you’re at, explore master’s degrees, doctorates, and post-master’s certificate programs below.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Looking to establish yourself in nurse administration, healthcare leadership, or as a nurse educator? You may want to consider an MSN. Graduates of these programs can specialize as a consultant, forensic nurse, nurse manager and more. In one to three years, you’ll have a graduate degree in hand and the credentials to set yourself apart from your nursing peers.
Example: Tarleton State University Online MSN
- Cost: $509.27 to $775.37 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 12 to 24 months
- Mode: Online with two mandatory practicums
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
If you’re considering advanced education, you can choose between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Both are terminal degrees, but nurses who receive a DNP are usually interested in working in practice with patients, while PhD nurses often prefer research or educational roles.
Example: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley DNP
- Cost: $749.40 to $1,159.40 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 2.5 to 4 years, depending on part- or full-time status
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
If you already have your master’s degree but are looking to specialize in a particular area to either advance your skills or earn more money, post-graduate certificates are an ideal solution. These programs are typically shorter in duration than degrees, subsequently costing you less money. Another major perk is that post-master’s programs give you specialized skills that may make you more attractive to employers.
Example: University of Texas at Arlington’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
- Cost: $654 per credit
- Length: 6 months to 2 years, depending on scheduling
- Mode: Online
Bridge Degree Programs
If you’re looking to level-up your nursing experience and education, RN bridge programs allow you to use your previous school and work experience toward your next degree level. This means you’ll spend less time (and money) than starting from scratch. Review the following bridge program options to see if one fits your education and background.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
If you’re already an LPN, let your experience and education work for you by joining either an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge program. In these bridge programs, you’ll earn the credentials you need to qualify for an RN license and a wide range of BSN-level nursing positions.
Example: Tarleton State University LVN to BSN
- Cost: $423.59 to $709.88 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed to provide currently employed RNs who’ve already earned a nursing associate degree or diploma a convenient and time-saving way to earn their bachelor’s degree. Coursework for these programs is often completed entirely online with clinical requirements completed through the student’s current employment.
Example: Sam Houston State University RN to BSN
- Cost: $741.85 per credit (tuition only) for Texas residents, $1,151.85 per credit for non-residents
- Length: 2 to 4 years, depending on background
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
Online RN to MSN bridge degree programs are designed for currently licensed RNs who are interested in streamlining their education and moving quickly into advanced practice and leadership positions. Most RN to MSN programs essentially act as combined BSN/MSN programs, where students are awarded the BSN credential upon completion of either the program’s undergraduate requirements or at the end of the entire degree program alongside the MSN.
Example: University of Texas at Arlington online RN to MSN
- Cost: $19,500 to $38,308, depending on specialization
- Length: 36 to 42 months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
In today’s resource-lacking healthcare landscape, nurse practitioners are in high demand. Online BSN to DNP programs prepare BSN-holding nurses with the skills to sit for national certification to become a Family Nurse Practitioner upon completion of the DNP degree.
Example: Texas Tech University BSN to DNP
- Cost: $2,385 to $6,165 per semester, depending on residency
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are ideal for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders to ascend to an advanced level of nursing relatively quickly. This option allows students to essentially bypass the need of earning a BSN by acquiring the skills and knowledge they’ll need to pursue higher nursing roles in a more condensed format. It’s important to note that there are no online direct-entry MSN programs available in Texas, so the featured school below is conducted in-person.
Example: Texas Lutheran University Master of Science in Nursing (Direct-Entry)
- Cost: $825 per credit hour
- Length: 5 months
- Mode: In-person
Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in Texas
There is more than one path that you can take to becoming a fully licensed RN in Texas. It doesn’t make a difference if the program is completed online or on campus, as long it is properly accredited and prepares you to meet all of the state’s RN licensing requirements. Here’s a look at the key steps that online nursing degree students need to follow to reach their goal of becoming a Texas RN.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
The first step toward becoming a licensed RN in Texas is to enroll in a properly accredited nursing degree or diploma program that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. The degree program must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Your Texas online degree program should additionally be approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN is a written exam consisting of between 75 and 365 multiple-choice questions covering four major nursing-practice categories and eight subcategories. The exam must be taken in-person at one of over 240 Pearson Professional Centers located throughout the U.S. Passing the exam is a requirement for Texas RN licensure. For more information on the NCLEX-RN exam and useful advice and tips for passing it, check out our Beginner’s Guide to the NCLEX and our Essential Study Skills Guide for Healthcare Students.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Before beginning any nursing degree or diploma program leading to Texas RN licensure, be sure you clearly understand exactly what will be required of you to obtain your license. All states have different licensing requirements. In Texas, initial RN licensing and licensing renewals in Texas are administered through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Below, find a quick overview of the major requirements for obtaining a Texas RN license.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
The initial RN licensure period in Texas is between six and 29 months, depending on the license holder’s birthdate. Subsequent license periods are two years in length. License renewal requires the holder to either demonstrate maintenance of a BON-approved national nursing certification or, more commonly, complete a minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in the holder’s area of practice. A clean criminal record during the licensing period must also be maintained. Detailed information on RN continuing education and license renewal requirements can be found on the BON Education – Continuing Competency Requirements webpage.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Some aspiring nurses choose to specialize in order to focus on specific areas of interest, set themselves apart from their peers, and potentially make more money. The first step is determining your nursing niche, which then could lead you down the path toward a specialization such as cardiac, clinical nursing, pediatric nursing, and many more.
Salary & Career Path for Registered Nurses in Texas
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Top-Rated Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Ready to review our list of the top online four-year and two-year nursing programs in Texas? The following analysis uses data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). With this data, our team of data scientists ranked schools based on diverse metrics, some of which include:
- Number of online programs in the subject area
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
- Student/faculty ratio
Review the rankings below to see if your program of interest made the list.
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 School of Nursing offers a flexible, accelerated BSN program that can be completed in as little as 16 months with year-round curriculum availability.
- Their NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently exceed state and national averages, demonstrating high-quality, hands-on education and successful graduate outcomes.
- The program features three East Texas campus locations plus online courses, enhancing accessibility and allowing students to remain active in their local communities while studying.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,626 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 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 RN to BSN program at Grayson College offers community college tuition, significantly reducing educational costs compared to university programs.
- The program features an accelerated online format with courses starting every 8 weeks, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as one year of full-time study.
- Students benefit from faculty with diverse healthcare backgrounds who provide personalized mentorship and support tailored for working Registered Nurses.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TXProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,643 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of the Incarnate Word
- UIW’s Accelerated BSN program offers over 900 clinical hours starting in the first semester, providing extensive hands-on experience and networking with top San Antonio healthcare systems like CHRISTUS and Methodist.
- The program boasts a high NCLEX first-time pass rate of 98.73% in 2020, significantly surpassing the national average, reflecting the strong NCLEX preparation integrated into the curriculum.
- UIW Nursing admits students from diverse academic backgrounds through a rigorous selection process ensuring clinical site availability and high-quality faculty support, enhancing personalized progression and success.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,643 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
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 Nursing program offers accelerated course options that allow students to complete their degree efficiently while balancing other commitments.
- Students benefit from strong employer partnerships and high clinical placement rates, helping ensure meaningful hands-on experience and smoother transitions into nursing careers.
- The program provides targeted academic support services, including tutoring, advising, and counseling, to enhance student success and retention throughout the nursing curriculum.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,758 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 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
- Stephen F. Austin State University's RN-to-BSN program is recognized as one of the top 50 most affordable online programs nationwide, offering cost-effective tuition for working adults.
- The program features a dedicated faculty who create a personalized, supportive online learning environment to meet individual student needs, enhancing student success and engagement.
- SFA offers the School of Nursing Integrated Curriculum (SONIC), allowing students in certain Associate Degree Nursing programs to complete their BSN concurrently, providing an accelerated and streamlined path to degree completion.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,284 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,887 Avg. Aid Amount
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M College of Nursing offers clinical experiences across 400+ practice sites statewide, ensuring graduates receive extensive hands-on training in diverse healthcare settings.
- The college boasts a 99% NCLEX pass rate and 100% national Nurse Practitioner exam pass rate, evidencing strong academic outcomes and exam preparation.
- Students benefit from dedicated faculty committed to individual success, providing personalized mentorship and leadership development opportunities throughout their education.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,887 Avg. Aid Amount
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 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 Nursing program offers Falcon Free tuition, providing qualifying students with free tuition support to reduce educational costs.
- Students benefit from small class sizes ensuring individual attention, increased participation, and personalized academic support.
- Strong clinical experiences are integrated through state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Labs and placements in community and regional healthcare facilities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,599 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 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 MSN Nursing program offers an accelerated online coursework option, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as 12 months, enhancing flexibility and speed to graduation.
- The program features dedicated faculty who maintain a student-focused learning environment even in the online setting, ensuring personalized support and engagement for nursing students.
- Tarleton’s School of Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, guaranteeing recognized academic standards and quality education for career advancement in nursing.
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
- The Nursing program offers extensive partnerships with over 90 clinical agencies, providing students high-quality, diverse clinical placements for hands-on experience.
- Students benefit from advanced, high-tech simulation labs including hospital rooms and home health visit settings, enhancing clinical reasoning and practical skills before actual patient care.
- The program awards numerous scholarships through the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, significantly reducing financial barriers for prospective nursing students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,941 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 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 University of Houston Nursing program offers substantial scholarship opportunities, such as the Houston Nursing Education Foundation Scholarship providing up to $30,000 for graduate students to support tuition, fees, and books.
- Students admitted to the Gessner College of Nursing may apply for internal scholarships each semester, requiring participation in nursing recruitment events, facilitating ongoing financial support and engagement within the college community.
- The program actively connects students with a variety of external scholarships catering to diverse identities and needs, such as the Bayardo Nursing Scholarship for Hispanic students and Parzales LGBTQ+ Scholarship, enhancing inclusivity and targeted financial aid.
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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