Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, accreditation, and program formats at Fort Worth's leading nursing schools.
Most Fort Worth hospital systems now list a BSN as a preferred credential for staff nurse hires, reflecting a long-term upgrade in clinical expectations across the metro area.
When comparing schools, students focus on first-time NCLEX pass rates, net tuition after aid, and admissions selectivity. The Fort Worth area offers traditional BSN programs, accelerated second-degree tracks, online RN-to-BSN completion, and hybrid options with local clinical placements.
Texas is moving toward requiring a BSN within ten years of initial licensure, making the degree less a differentiator and more a baseline expectation for new nurses in the local market.
We evaluated accredited nursing programs in Fort Worth and the surrounding area using metrics like affordability, graduation rates, and program quality. These top schools offer strong pathways into nursing careers, from traditional BSNs to flexible online and associate degree options.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | $35,000 – $40,000/yr | Campus-focused nursing students | |
Texas Christian University delivers a rigorous on-campus BSN with deep Fort Worth clinical ties to major health systems like Texas Health Resources and Cook Children’s. The 29-month curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and clinical judgment, backed by strong 86% institution-wide graduation rates and personalized faculty support.
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| #2 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | $11,000/yr | Affordability-focused Texas residents | |
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a large, affordable public BSN with both on-campus and online tracks, serving as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The program integrates a Smart Hospital simulation lab and diverse clinical sites across the metroplex, though institution-wide graduation rates hover near 54%.
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| #3 | Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth, TX | Transfer-ready associate degree seekers | ||
Tarrant County College District provides the most affordable nursing entry point in Fort Worth with its ACEN-accredited ADN, costing under $4,500 for the entire program. Graduates benefit from a clear transfer pathway to BSN completion at partner universities and career advising at the Trinity River Campus East.
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| #4 | Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, TX | $25,000/yr | ||
Southwestern Adventist University in Keene delivers a faith-based BSN with a 94% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement in its campus program. Students benefit from small classes, personalized mentoring, and clinicals across DFW hospitals, plus options for LVN-to-BS and online RN-to-BS tracks.
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| #5 | Weatherford College | Weatherford, TX | |||
Weatherford College offers an accessible, ACEN-accredited ADN with a LVN-RN transition option, serving students west of Fort Worth. The 60-credit program combines lab practice and clinical rotations, and graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam or further BSN enrollment.
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| #6 | University of North Texas Health Science Center | Fort Worth, TX | $8,000 – $23,000/yr | ||
University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth provides an intensive 60-credit BSN with 810 clinical hours and a low 1:25 student-to-faculty ratio. The program features a state-of-the-art simulation center and over 30 clinical partnerships, though institution-wide graduation data is not yet reported.
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Affordability matters, but so do first-time NCLEX pass rates and the career returns a degree unlocks. Our rankings weigh both sides, combining data points that gauge program quality and the real-world value graduates gain.
We start with the most direct measure of nursing preparation: each program's three-year average NCLEX-RN pass rate, drawn from Texas Board of Nursing reports. Because licensure is the gateway to practice, programs with consistently strong first-time pass rates rank higher. Institutional graduation rates, pulled from IPEDS, add perspective on how well a school supports students through to completion, although these figures reflect the entire college, not just the nursing major.
Only schools holding specialized nursing accreditation from CCNE or ACEN and full Texas Board of Nursing approval appear in this list. These baselines ensure every program meets rigorous educational standards and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX.
Net price provides a standardized affordability snapshot: the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships. It is a campus-wide figure, so individual nursing costs may vary. Beyond graduation, we supplement the picture with program-level outcomes from the College Scorecard, including median earnings and typical student loan debt. These metrics signal whether a nursing school delivers a strong return on investment over the long term.
NCLEX pass rates measure the percentage of nursing graduates who pass the national licensure exam on their first attempt. For prospective students, these rates are a direct indicator of how well a program prepares its graduates for professional practice.
Data from the Texas Board of Nursing show how Fort Worth BSN programs fared in recent years. While 2025 figures are not yet published, available 2023-2024 results offer a clear picture. One Fort Worth BSN program reported a 2024 pass rate of 87.64%1, which sits below the statewide BSN average of 92.84%1. That said, many Fort Worth nursing schools have historically maintained pass rates consistently above 90%, reflecting strong curriculum design and clinical preparation. Prospective applicants should examine multi-year trends for each program to gauge stability.
Nursing programs in Texas as a whole posted an 91.15% pass rate in 20232, rising to 92.69% in 20241. Specifically for BSN programs in the state, those numbers were 91.41% (2023)2 and 92.84% (2024)1. By comparison, the national average for RN programs was 88.56% in 20232 and 91.16% in 20241. Fort Worth-area schools often meet or exceed the Texas BSN average, meaning graduates enter the workforce with a licensure edge.
A program that falls below state averages for consecutive years may indicate issues with curriculum, student preparedness, or support systems. When comparing schools, look beyond a single year's figure. A long-term track record above 90% is a reliable sign of a nursing program that invests in its students' success. Applicants can usually find program-specific pass rates on each school's nursing department website or on the Texas Board of Nursing's online data portal.
Understanding the true cost of a nursing degree means looking beyond the sticker price. The chart below compares the average net price after financial aid with in-state and out-of-state tuition for three BSN programs in the Fort Worth area. All figures are for the 2023 academic year and come from IPEDS and College Scorecard data.
Nursing students in Fort Worth can choose from several BSN pathways, each tailored to different educational backgrounds and timelines. While fully online pre-licensure BSN programs are rare, hybrid options bring flexibility, and online RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available. The table below outlines the main formats and which area schools offer them.
| Traditional BSN | Accelerated BSN | RN-to-BSN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years (8 semesters) on campus; TCU offers a 29-month track | 12 to 19 months of intensive study; TCU (19 months), UTA (15 months), Baylor (12 months), Texas Tech (12 months) | 8 to 16 months; UTA (9-12 months), UNT Health Science Center (8-16 months), Southwestern Adventist (10 months) |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent; no prior degree required; specific college prep courses recommended | Non-nursing bachelor's degree in any field; completion of science prerequisites (e.g., anatomy, microbiology) | Active RN license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing; typically requires a minimum GPA |
| Typical Cost Range | Varies widely by institution; public in-state programs are the most affordable; private schools like TCU have higher tuition | Often higher per-semester cost due to compressed schedule; total tuition can range from $40,000 to $80,000 | Generally the most affordable BSN completion path; many online programs offer flat per-credit rates under $300 |
| Ideal Candidate | First-time college students or those without a nursing background who want a comprehensive campus experience | Career changers with a bachelor's degree who want a fast track to RN licensure | Working RNs with an associate degree who need flexibility to advance their education while employed |
| Local Programs Offering This Format | TCU (Fort Worth) offers a traditional 29-month BSN track | TCU (Fort Worth), UTA (Arlington) accelerated online, Baylor University Distance ABSN, Texas Tech Second-Degree BSN | UTA (fully online), UNT Health Science Center (Fort Worth, hybrid), Southwestern Adventist (fully online) |
Getting into a BSN program in Fort Worth means navigating different requirements at each school. The application process involves more than just meeting minimums. You need to know which prerequisites, test scores, and deadlines apply to your target programs. Here’s how to gather accurate information for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Start with the nursing department pages for each Fort Worth school. Texas Christian University’s Harris College of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Texas Wesleyan University, and Tarrant County College all publish application details online. Look for sections labeled “Admissions” or “Prospective Students.” Typical requirements you’ll see include:
Because websites may not reflect the latest 2026-2027 criteria immediately, always verify.
A phone call or email to the nursing admissions office is the surest way to confirm requirements. Requirements can shift from year to year, and a conversation lets you ask specific questions: “What TEAS score is considered competitive?” or “Do you accept online lab courses for prerequisites?” Admissions staff can also clarify whether any upcoming changes are planned. Note the date and name of the person you speak with for your records.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) maintains a list of approved nursing programs in the state, to confirm that your chosen school meets licensure standards. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) publishes general BSN admission guidelines and accreditation resources. Cross-referencing these with school-specific requirements ensures you’re on solid ground.
If you’re considering an associate degree first, Tarrant County College’s ADN program often partners with universities like UTA and Texas Wesleyan for a seamless ADN-to-BSN transition. Check TCC’s nursing website for articulation agreements and dual enrollment options. These pathways may have separate application processes and deadlines, so plan ahead.
Staying organized with a spreadsheet of requirements can help you meet every deadline and avoid missing subtle differences between programs.
Here are answers to common questions about nursing programs in Fort Worth, Texas. These details can help you compare schools, plan your timeline, and estimate costs.
What’s the best nursing school in Fort Worth for your budget and career goals? The answer depends on your priorities, but the city offers accredited pathways at multiple price points. Texas Christian University provides deep clinical connections for students wanting a traditional on-campus experience, while other Texas public universities deliver lower tuition and online RN-to-BSN options for working nurses.
Begin by verifying each program’s accreditation status and comparing first-time NCLEX pass rates. Visiting campuses gives you a firsthand sense of culture and resources. Finally, note that application deadlines for many 2026-2027 cohorts close this fall, so gather transcripts and test scores soon.
