Compare tuition, completion time, and outcomes for every accredited Texas RN-to-BSN program.
How much does an RN to BSN program in Texas actually cost, and will the salary premium cover it? Texas employs over 220,000 registered nurses, second only to California, and the state’s major health systems are steadily raising their BSN hiring targets, turning the ADN-to-BSN bridge from a nice-to-have into a career necessity.
The ranked list that follows compares 29 accredited programs, where net price drops below $1,400 per year at several public universities, and total tuition can run as low as $2,970 for the entire degree. Online and year-long tracks dominate, letting working nurses upgrade without leaving the bedside.
For most Texas RNs, the BSN investment recovers its cost inside two years through the salary differential, with added job security and leadership eligibility making it one of the highest-return moves in nursing.
Texas offers some of the most affordable RN to BSN pathways in the country, with multiple schools delivering high-quality online and hybrid options designed for working nurses. Our 2026 rankings prioritize net price and value while also considering completion rates and student support, helping you find a program that fits your budget and career goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of the Mainland | Texas City, TX | ~$1,000/yr (est.) | Coastal Texas nurses needing hybrid flexibility | |
College of the Mainland's RN to BSN is a flexible, low-cost pathway designed for working nurses in the Texas Gulf Coast region. The program blends online and hybrid learning with small class sizes and dedicated faculty, preparing graduates for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. With three start dates per year and a focus on magnet-status employer needs, it serves Harris and Galveston county employers directly. The school is designated an HSI and serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students.
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| #2 | Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, TX | $0 – $5,000/yr | Military RNs earning a flat-rate online BSN | |
Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a fully online, 30-credit RN to BSN that can be completed in as little as one year. It is part of the A&M System's warrior-friendly mission, explicitly serving Fort Cavazos-area military and veteran RNs with a flat-rate online tuition that eliminates out-of-state surcharges. The curriculum emphasizes community health, leadership, and evidence-based practice, and graduates move into case management, travel nursing, and other advanced roles. The school is an HSI and maintains strong partnerships with Central Texas VA and regional hospitals.
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| #3 | Dallas College | Dallas, TX | $3,000/yr (net price) | DFW nurses maximizing total program affordability | |
Dallas College's RN to BSN is a fully online, extremely affordable option tailored for DFW-area ADN graduates. The program bundles tuition, books, and materials at just $2,970 total and offers fast-track (12-month) and part-time (24-month) tracks. It gives priority consideration to Dallas College AAS in Nursing graduates and aligns clinical projects with the nurse's current workplace. The school is an HSI and serves a diverse, high-need student body, with pathways to an MSN through a concurrent arrangement with American College of Education.
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| #4 | Laredo College | Laredo, TX | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Laredo College's 100% online RN to BSN is accelerated to just 10.5 months and tailored for South Texas border-region nurses. It gives priority to Laredo College ADN graduates as part of a local 'Grow Your Own Nurse' strategy, with curriculum emphasizing binational public health and community nursing. The program builds skills in leadership, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Designated an HSI, it focuses on Webb and surrounding counties, preparing RNs for charge nurse, manager, and supervisor roles.
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| #5 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr | ||
Odessa College's hybrid RN to BSN combines online didactic courses with two clinical courses that must be completed in Texas healthcare facilities, making it ideal for Permian Basin nurses. The program can be finished in 12 months with 8-week terms and summer options, and dedicated success coaches support students throughout. Low total tuition of $5,024 and alignment with West Texas workforce initiatives make it a strong regional choice. The school is an HSI and partners with Medical Center Hospital and Midland Health for projects.
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| #6 | Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, TX | $3,000/yr | ||
Del Mar College in Corpus Christi offers a campus-based RN to BSN that serves the Texas Coastal Bend region, with clinical and community projects tied to local systems like CHRISTUS Spohn and Driscoll Children's Hospital. Admission uses a point-based system under NursingCAS and requires an active RN license. The program prepares nurses for leadership and evidence-based practice in hospitals and clinics. Del Mar is an HSI and keeps tuition low for in-district residents.
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| #7 | Galveston College | Galveston, TX | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Galveston College's fully online ADN to BSN can be completed in just two semesters (9 months) and is designed for working Gulf Coast nurses. Clinical requirements are fulfilled at the nurse's own workplace, and the program is closely tied to UTMB Health and other Galveston-Houston systems pursuing Magnet goals. It emphasizes leadership and community health while allowing career continuity. The school is an HSI and promotes a local, home-grown BSN approach.
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| #8 | San Antonio College | San Antonio, TX | $5,000/yr (net price) | ||
San Antonio College's BSN Nursing Bridge offers online, hybrid, and accelerated tracks, including an eight-month fast track, as part of the Alamo Colleges District. The program reports 95% of graduates see wage increases and promotions, and 81% plan to pursue graduate studies. It maintains deep partnerships with San Antonio health systems and offers F-1 visa eligibility for international students in the region. The school is an HSI and uses a concept-based curriculum aligned with Texas Board of Nursing expectations.
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| #9 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $0 – $5,000/yr | ||
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley tailors its online RN to BSN for nurses in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas, serving predominantly Hispanic and border communities. The curriculum includes community health and leadership projects within students' own counties, and tuition is a competitive flat rate for all online learners. As an HSI with a 50.9% institution-wide graduation rate, UTRGV emphasizes reducing local health disparities through advanced nursing education.
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| #10 | Texas A & M International University | Laredo, TX | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
Texas A&M International University in Laredo provides a 100% online RN to BSN with a $281 per-credit flat rate that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. It can be finished in as few as 12 months and accepts up to 35 transfer credits from Texas community colleges. The program is designed for bicultural and border-region practice, and the university is regularly ranked among the most affordable online nursing programs. TAMIU is an HSI with a 46.5% graduation rate.
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The following table lines up all 29 ranked Texas RN to BSN programs on cost, graduation rate, and delivery format. Net price is the institution-wide average after grants and scholarships; your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your own financial aid package. In-state tuition spans from $3,450 to $16,000, while net price after aid ranges as low as $1,300 and as high as $16,906.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Mainland | Texas City | $3,450 | $4,140 | $1,342 | 31.2% | hybrid |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen | $7,363 | $17,155 | $1,300 | N/A | online |
| Dallas College | Dallas | $4,662 | $6,900 | $3,214 | 32.3% | online |
| Laredo College | Laredo | $4,500 | $5,748 | $5,798 | 30.5% | online |
| Odessa College | Odessa | $4,032 | $4,926 | $6,368 | 37.0% | hybrid |
| Del Mar College | Corpus Christi | $5,000 | $6,050 | $3,399 | 11.1% | campus |
| Galveston College | Galveston | $3,446 | $6,176 | $8,412 | 32.7% | online |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio | $5,542 | $9,952 | $4,585 | 25.5% | hybrid |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | $9,799 | $19,645 | $4,831 | 50.9% | online |
| Texas A & M International University | Laredo | $7,894 | $19,454 | $3,637 | 46.5% | online |
| Grayson College | Denison | $4,500 | $6,300 | $5,880 | 39.9% | online |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | $4,320 | $6,690 | $12,143 | 30.1% | online |
| Weatherford College | Weatherford | $8,100 | $10,860 | $9,967 | 34.6% | online |
| Lone Star College System | The Woodlands | $5,976 | $7,512 | $11,252 | 21.1% | hybrid |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso | $9,544 | $25,502 | $9,403 | 50.2% | online |
| Navarro College | Corsicana | $4,718 | $6,578 | $14,820 | 22.6% | hybrid |
| University of Houston-Downtown | Houston | $7,582 | $17,434 | $10,542 | 33.2% | hybrid |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston | $8,346 | $22,290 | $15,563 | 51.6% | hybrid |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler | $9,512 | $24,512 | $13,323 | 54.1% | online |
| Texas Woman's University | Denton | $8,640 | $18,480 | $11,963 | 49.1% | online |
| Sul Ross State University | Alpine | $7,592 | $17,672 | $13,286 | 29.9% | online |
| Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso | $16,000 | $16,000 | $16,906 | 59.4% | online |
| East Texas A&M University | Commerce | $10,026 | $22,326 | $11,841 | 42.8% | online |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa | $9,607 | $21,900 | $12,723 | 39.7% | online |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana | $8,349 | $24,680 | $12,997 | 29.6% | campus |
| Lamar University | Beaumont | $8,905 | $18,745 | $9,366 | 37.3% | online |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington | $11,950 | $29,582 | $13,951 | 54.0% | online |
| Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls | $9,950 | $11,770 | $11,656 | 42.7% | online |
| Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | $9,228 | $19,068 | $16,404 | 54.8% | online |
Public universities dominate this list, and the cost gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition is striking, Texas residents often save $10,000 or more per year. Because the majority of students at these schools receive Pell Grants, the net price can drop even further, making a BSN within reach for many working nurses.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Effective Net Price | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | $7,363 | $17,155 | $1,300 | Public |
| College of the Mainland | $3,450 | $4,140 | $1,342 | Public |
| Dallas College | $4,662 | $6,900 | $3,214 | Public |
| Del Mar College | $5,000 | $6,050 | $3,399 | Public |
| Texas A & M International University | $7,894 | $19,454 | $3,637 | Public |
Texas RN-to-BSN programs typically require 30 to 35 credits of upper-division nursing coursework. Standard part-time tracks spread those credits over 24 months or longer, but many schools now compress the load into 8- to 12-month accelerated paths. For example, UTHealth Houston’s program finishes in 8 months with 31 credits, while Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Texas State University offer 10-month options that keep you moving quickly without overwhelming your schedule. East Texas A&M University’s competency-based, self-paced format can be even more flexible, allowing you to move through material as soon as you demonstrate mastery. Online delivery is common, so you can keep working while studying, but it demands strong time management.
One detail few rankings mention is the real weekly hour investment. In an accelerated program, expect to dedicate 15 to 20 hours per week to readings, assignments, discussion boards, and clinical practice projects. If you work full-time, that often means studying evenings and weekends. Competency-based models like East Texas A&M’s let you control the pace, but they demand strong self-discipline. Before enrolling, ask programs for a sample weekly schedule and talk to current students about their routines.
Most Texas RN-to-BSN programs accept a block transfer of your associate degree nursing credits, leaving only the BSN core to complete. Some schools grant credit for prior certifications, military training, or professional development courses after a portfolio review. While specifics vary, this recognition can trim a few credits off your total, pushing you closer to graduation. Always request an official credit evaluation early so you know exactly where you stand.
Faster isn’t always better. Squeezing 30 credits into eight months means intense reading loads, tight deadlines, and less time to absorb complex topics. That pressure can drag down your GPA or lead to burnout. If you plan to pursue a master’s degree later, a strong BSN transcript matters more than finishing quickly. Consider your work schedule, family responsibilities, and long-term goals. Sometimes a 12- or 18-month track is the smarter investment, even if it doesn’t have the flashiest completion time.
Texas A&M University offers a fully online RN-to-BSN that requires 30 credit hours and explicitly allows nurses to complete community health practicums at their current employer site.1 That workplace-friendly approach is shared by many Texas programs, making the degree accessible to working RNs across the state.
Most Texas RN-to-BSN programs are designed for working nurses and delivered predominantly online, but some include limited in-person components. Programs listed as “online” in topnursing.org’s directory, such as those at Texas A&M-Central Texas, UT Arlington, Texas Woman’s University, and Sam Houston State, offer all nursing coursework remotely. Hybrid programs, on the other hand, blend online classes with occasional on-campus sessions or face-to-face clinical requirements. For example, College of the Mainland uses a hybrid model, while Odessa College combines online didactic courses with two required clinical courses that must be completed in Texas. If you need maximum location flexibility, a fully online program is the clearer fit; if you benefit from periodic in-person interaction, a hybrid option can still accommodate a work schedule.
RN-to-BSN programs require supervised practicum or capstone experiences, but they are fundamentally different from pre-licensure clinicals. Instead of direct patient-care rotations, these projects typically center on community health, leadership, evidence-based practice, or quality improvement. At Stephen F. Austin State University, practicum hours are fulfilled through virtual simulations and hands-on community projects.2 UT Arlington’s program includes an “application-based” clinical completed at the student’s workplace, with a capstone offering three focus areas. San Jacinto College uses a workplace-based capstone, and Weatherford College structures its requirement as “clinical via preceptor projects.”
Because the practicum often involves completing a project under the guidance of a preceptor, many schools permit students to arrange the experience at their current employer’s facility. Galveston College explicitly states “Complete clinicals at workplace,” and Dallas College advertises “Clinicals at location of choice.” This flexibility is especially valuable for nurses in rural or underserved areas who may not have convenient access to campus-affiliated clinical sites. Always confirm with the program that your chosen site and preceptor will be approved, as policies vary.
Shift workers and nurses with unpredictable schedules often need the flexibility of asynchronous coursework, where you log in on your own time to complete readings, lectures, and assignments. Many Texas programs, including those at Texas A&M-Central Texas, UT Tyler, and Texas Woman’s University, offer courses that are mostly or entirely asynchronous. However, some require a live component. Lone Star College’s RN-to-BSN includes one synchronous web-based class per session, while the rest are asynchronous, giving students predictability about the weekly live commitment. East Texas A&M University delivers a 100% online competency-based curriculum that lets you accelerate or slow down, making it one of the most flexible options for self-paced learners.
When evaluating programs, look for clear language about synchronous expectations. Even if most coursework is on your own schedule, a weekly evening video call can conflict with night shifts. The right choice balances academic rigor with the real-world demands of a nursing career.
Investing in a BSN can offer a strong return in Texas. The typical RN-to-BSN program costs around $5,300 in net price, while the median RN salary in the state exceeds $90,000. Even with modest debt, the salary increase often covers the program cost within one to three years.
Texas nurses with a BSN consistently command higher salaries and access more specialized career paths than their ADN counterparts. While national figures provide a benchmark, earnings in the state vary sharply by metro area, practice setting, and education level. Understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations and choose a program that aligns with your financial goals.
At the national level, the median annual wage for registered nurses reached $93,600 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Texas-specific data lags slightly: the most recent state-level median, from May 2022, was $79,830. However, 2026 estimates put the mean wage closer to $88,400, reflecting steady growth. More importantly, major metropolitan areas often beat the state median. In Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, for example, the 2022 median was $82,200, and other large cities, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, generally posted similar or higher figures. Entry-level salaries (10th percentile) start around $61,250 nationally, while experienced nurses in the 90th percentile earned over $101,100 in 2022.
Earning a baccalaureate degree typically translates into a measurable wage boost. While precise differentials vary by employer and region, reports from the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies and crowdsourced data from Payscale and Glassdoor indicate that BSN-prepared nurses in Texas earn several thousand dollars more per year than those with an associate degree. The gap widens with experience and certification. Many hospital systems, particularly those pursuing Magnet designation, explicitly tie pay scales to education level, making the BSN a prerequisite for certain salary bands or career ladders.
A BSN unlocks roles that go far beyond bedside care and come with significantly higher earning potential. Specialties like nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, and case management often list the BSN as a minimum qualification. While advanced practice roles such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) require a graduate degree, the BSN is the essential first step. Browsing hospital career pages or nursing job boards quickly reveals how many of the highest-paying positions, telemetry, ICU, emergency department, and surgical services, now demand or strongly prefer a baccalaureate degree.
To get localized, up-to-date wage data, start with the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool. Filter by state and metropolitan area, then explore percentile breakdowns ranging from entry level to top earners. For Texas-specific BSN-to-ADN comparisons, the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies publishes regular reports that slice salaries by education and region. Supplement these with real-time job postings and salary-sharing platforms like Payscale and Glassdoor, narrowing searches to "Registered Nurse" and filtering for positions requiring or preferring a BSN. This triangulated approach gives you a realistic picture of what you can earn after completing your program.
With a minimum cumulative GPA as low as 2.0 at schools like Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Dallas College, RN to BSN admission in Texas is broadly accessible. Most programs set the bar between 2.0 and 2.5, making the transition from an ADN or diploma feasible for nurses without a perfect academic record.
Every RN to BSN program in Texas starts with two non-negotiables: an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma from an accredited program, and a current, unencumbered Texas RN license. You will need to provide your NCLEX-RN passage documentation. Core prerequisite coursework usually includes college-level statistics and human anatomy with lab, though exact courses differ by school. Texas State University, for instance, requires a 42-hour Texas Core Curriculum and 18 hours of specific support courses before you can enroll in the nursing major. Most programs also ask for official transcripts from every college you have attended, a completed application, and sometimes a brief personal statement or resume.
RN to BSN programs are intentionally not highly selective. They are designed for working nurses, and admission is often based on meeting a set of minimums rather than competing for a limited number of seats. The most common GPA floor is 2.5 (Texas State, for example), but you will find lower thresholds of 2.0 at Texas Tech and Dallas College. This means that if you passed your ADN coursework, you are likely academically eligible. The real gatekeeper is the active RN license: programs nearly always require it before you start. Some, like Dallas College, offer conditional admission while you await NCLEX results, but most, such as Texas Tech and UT Arlington, expect you to hold the license when classes begin.
Texas RN to BSN programs are built for flexibility, with multiple start dates throughout the year. You can often apply in spring, summer, or fall. Dallas College sets deadlines of November 1 for spring, April 1 for summer, and June 1 for fall entry. Other schools, like Texas State, admit for fall, spring, and summer sessions, so you rarely have to wait a full year to begin. Texas Tech uses a single fall deadline, August 1, 2026, for the latest cycle, but many programs accept applications on a rolling basis. After you submit transcripts and any required materials, the school will evaluate which credits transfer. ADN coursework can cover many lower-division credits, but you should expect to complete around 30 credit hours of upper-division nursing courses online or on campus.
A common point of confusion is whether you can apply before passing the NCLEX. While a few programs allow conditional acceptance (Dallas College is an example), the standard requirement across Texas is clear: you must hold an active, unencumbered Texas RN license. If you are still an ADN student, check each school's policy carefully. UT Arlington, for instance, runs a separate pre-licensure BSN track, but its RN to BSN pathway requires the license up front. For most nurses, this means applying right after you receive your license, which aligns nicely with the multiple annual start dates many schools offer.
For Texas nurses, the net price of a public-university RN-to-BSN is often recouped in less than two years through the BSN salary boost. Beyond the paycheck, the degree unlocks advanced practice, management, and specialty roles, plus eligibility for graduate programs, making it a career accelerator that an ADN alone cannot match.
Choosing the right RN to BSN program raises practical questions about cost, time, and career impact. Below we answer the most common concerns Texas nurses have when planning their next educational step.
Below is a directory of additional accredited RN to BSN programs in Texas, organized by region and city. Each listing includes the school name, location, program format, and key details to help you find the right fit beyond the ranked top 10.
