Compare costs, program lengths, and outcomes for accredited NP programs across Texas
Low-cost, fully online NP programs promise speed and flexibility, while higher-priced programs with intensive clinical placements boast board pass rates that open doors at top employers.
With over 29 accredited NP programs in Texas, the question isn't finding a school: it's knowing which one will actually pay off in a state that employs more nurse practitioners than almost any other.
Texas' NP workforce already numbers in the tens of thousands, and demand continues to climb. Median annual wages in the state reach $129,880, but the programs that get you there vary sharply in tuition, format, and career outcomes. The real work is matching a program's strengths to your own timeline, budget, and practice goals.
Texas offers some of the most affordable nurse practitioner pathways in the country, with programs spanning online, hybrid, and campus formats. The schools below stand out for a mix of low net price, flexible delivery, and strong regional ties to Texas healthcare employers. Use this list to compare programs side by side before requesting details.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious Texas RNs seeking PMHNP certificate | |
A public university in Edinburg serving the Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV stands out for its accelerated online post-master's PMHNP certificate. The program is built for working nurses who already hold an MSN, with a one-year timeline, preceptor placement assistance, and no application fee. Its affordability and 100% online delivery make it a practical choice for Texas nurses seeking psychiatric-mental health specialization.
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| #2 | Texas A & M International University | Laredo, TX | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | South Texas RNs pursuing family nurse practitioner | |
Texas A&M International University in Laredo offers an online MSN-FNP designed for Texas RNs who want to stay in the South Texas border region. The 48-credit curriculum blends online coursework with limited campus visits and reports a 100% first-time certification pass rate. At $367 per credit in state, it is one of the most affordable FNP paths in Texas.
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| #3 | The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, TX | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | East Texas RNs wanting multiple NP pathways | |
The University of Texas at Tyler pairs an MSN-FNP with additional certificate options in psychiatric-mental health and adult-gerontology acute care. Hybrid and online tracks give East Texas nurses flexibility, and the school is known for consistently high certification exam pass rates. Admission is competitive but accessible, with rolling reviews and multiple start dates. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Texas Woman's University | Denton, TX | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Texas Woman's University in Denton focuses heavily on Texas-based nurses, with NP programs that require clinical placements inside the state. Its MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is campus-based, while the post-master's certificate version is online. The school's strong nursing reputation and structured admission cycles appeal to nurses planning around current work schedules. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana, TX | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Texas A&M University-Texarkana serves the Texarkana area with a hybrid post-master's PMHNP certificate. The 26-credit program is designed for master's-prepared nurses who want to add psychiatric-mental health specialization without relocating. Clinical practicums and ANCC certification preparation are built into the curriculum.
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| #6 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Texas at Arlington is one of the largest public universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering online NP pathways in adult-gerontology acute care, family, and pediatric primary care. Its RN to MSN tracks allow associate-degree nurses to ladder directly to NP preparation. Flexible full-time and part-time schedules, plus locked tuition rates, make it a strong fit for working RNs. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #7 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Texas State University in San Marcos offers a fast, affordable online MSN-FNP that can be completed in as few as 18 months. The university also provides hybrid post-master's and MSN tracks in psychiatric-mental health nursing. No GRE is required, and recent FNP graduates report a 100% certification pass rate.
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| #8 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, TX | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock emphasizes rural and underserved West Texas communities across its NP programs. The FNP and PMHNP tracks combine online work with campus visits, and post-graduate certificates allow experienced nurses to add specialties. Strong clinical training and a mission-driven focus set this health sciences center apart. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | ||
UT Health San Antonio's School of Nursing offers BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways with concentrations in pediatric primary care, psychiatric-mental health, and family nurse practitioner. These hybrid programs integrate clinical placements through University Health System and regional partners. Cohort-style progression and CCNE accreditation support a structured, high-touch experience. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #10 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, TX | $11,000 – $34,000/yr (est.) | ||
The Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston offers an MSN-FNP designed for Texas residents, with hybrid coursework and required in-state clinical placements. Rolling admissions and spring/fall starts give planning flexibility, and the program has a strong reputation in the Texas Medical Center. Admission requires a BSN, Texas RN license, and at least one year of clinical experience. CCNE accredited
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After a period of declining scores, FNP certification pass rates are now trending upward nationwide, signaling renewed strength in exam preparation. For Texas NP students and programs, board pass rates serve as one of the clearest indicators of how well a curriculum aligns with certification exams. While individual program rates can vary widely, the national first-time pass rate for the AANP FNP-C exam in 2025 was 81%, and 82% for the ANCC FNP-BC exam. A combined national first-time pass rate published for 2024 was 83%. These figures provide a valuable starting point as you evaluate Texas schools.
The national pass rates help you set realistic expectations. A program consistently reporting first-time pass rates at or above the national average suggests strong exam preparation. Keep in mind that many Texas programs publish pass rates from different years or combine AANP and ANCC outcomes, so compare like with like. A small dip in a single year isn't necessarily a red flag, especially for smaller cohorts where even a few test-takers can sway the percentage. What matters is the overall trend and transparency.
Program-specific data isn't always displayed prominently, but several reliable sources exist. Start with the certification bodies themselves: the AANP and ANCC websites periodically release performance reports organized by institution and exam date. These reports are among the most objective sources because they draw directly from testing records.
Next, visit individual Texas NP program websites. Look for sections labeled 'Outcomes', 'Accreditation', or 'Student Achievement'. Many schools publish their own pass rates for recent cohorts, often alongside graduation and employment data. If you don't see them online, a call or email to the program director can yield the numbers.
Another resource is the Texas Board of Nursing. The BON compiles aggregate pass rate data for nursing programs across the state, sometimes included in annual reports or education summaries. While these may not always show exam-specific pass rates, they can give you a broader view of program performance over time.
A pass rate above the national average is promising, but context matters. Examine whether the rate reflects first-time test-takers or all attempts, and whether it covers AANP, ANCC, or both. Small programs may have volatile annual rates; look for multi-year patterns. Also consider the percentage of graduates who actually sit for the exam, because a high pass rate combined with a low exam-taking rate could signal that only the strongest students are attempting it. Whenever possible, use the 83% combined first-time national pass rate as a benchmark. If a Texas program consistently surpasses that figure while reporting transparent, up-to-date data, you're likely looking at a solid path to certification.
The net price shown is the institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, not a guaranteed figure for every student. All five programs are at public universities, which typically charge lower tuition than private schools, helping to keep overall costs down for Texas NP students.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M International University | $6,650 | $15,490 | $3,637 | $15,000 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $8,589 | $15,971 | $4,831 | $12,950 |
| University of Houston-Victoria | $8,315 | $15,535 | $8,109 | $18,973 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $7,166 | $16,621 | $9,403 | $18,000 |
| Midwestern State University | $8,198 | $9,498 | $11,656 | $21,030 |
Texas NP programs typically require 500 to 720 direct patient care hours, and that clinical floor sets the pace for even the fastest tracks. Shorter timelines depend on a program's willingness to front-load didactic coursework and schedule rotations without gaps, and a handful of schools have built their curriculum around that intensity.
Several ranked programs keep a full-time lockstep structure. Texas Woman's University packs 45 credits and 780 clinical hours into a two-year, full-time online FNP plan for BSN-prepared nurses. UT Arlington's online/hybrid FNP runs 41 to 46 credits with 720 clinical hours and moves at a full-time clip, often completing in five or six semesters when a student can manage a continuous rotation load. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center requires 48 to 51 credits and follows an online-with-onsite model that many students finish in about two years of year-round study. These programs do not always advertise an explicit part-time option for the core FNP track, so the default pace is accelerated.
The Texas Board of Nursing mandates at least 500 supervised direct patient care hours for NP licensure, but many graduate programs exceed this to meet national certification standards. The 720-hour mark at UT Arlington and the 780-hour target at TWU are common benchmarks. Spreading that many hours across four or five semesters means students often spend 16 to 24 hours per week at clinical sites once rotations begin. Even with no breaks, the sheer volume of patient encounters sets a natural speed limit.
Nurses without a BSN face longer timelines. UT Arlington, for example, allows non-nursing bachelor's degree holders with an ADN to enter the MSN-FNP program, but they must first complete bridge coursework that extends the total plan by a semester or more. ADN-to-MSN pathways often run three to four years because of the undergraduate nursing content folded in. Direct-entry programs for career changers with a non-nursing degree are still rare in Texas and typically add at least a year of pre-licensure RN preparation.
A program labeled 'shortest' looks attractive on paper but can backfire for nurses who need to keep a job. Part-time tracks stretching three to four years, available at some schools not in the full-time-only group, let students lighten the clinical load to one or two shifts per week. The extra time often reduces burnout and improves board-exam preparation. The right pace is the one that aligns with your work schedule, family obligations, and learning stamina, not just the one that finishes fastest.
Texas online FNP programs fall into two main categories: fully online programs that deliver most coursework via distance learning, and hybrid programs that blend online classes with required on-campus intensives. Understanding the differences in clinical placement support and on-campus expectations will help you choose the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
| Feature | Fully Online NP Programs | Hybrid NP Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Example Programs | Texas Woman's University, Texas A&M International | UT Tyler, UT El Paso, Texas Tech HSC, East Texas A&M, UH-Victoria, University of Houston |
| Delivery Format | All didactic coursework completed online; clinical hours completed locally. | Online coursework combined with required on-campus intensives or labs. |
| On-Campus Requirements | Varies; some programs (e.g., TAMIU) require two visits per course, while others may have none. | Typically include mandatory on-campus sessions each semester, such as skills intensives or orientations. |
| Clinical Placement Support | Varies: Texas Woman's University offers school-assisted placement; other programs may require self-placement. | Most programs expect students to arrange their own preceptors and clinical sites, generally within Texas. |
| Program Duration | TAMIU: as few as 36 months; TWU: varies by track. | East Texas A&M: 3 years part-time; UTEP: 7 semesters; most can be completed in 2-3 years. |
Program-level earnings data for these NP programs is not yet available. For occupational context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners in Texas earn a median annual wage of $129,880, with top earners exceeding $165,530. Demand is strong, with projected job growth of 38% from 2024 to 2034 in the state.
The nurse practitioner workforce is expanding rapidly, reaching 385,000 licensed NPs nationwide in 2023, an 8.5% jump from the previous year. Texas, with its large healthcare sector, mirrors this trend, fueling demand for NP programs.
Most accredited NP programs in Texas ask for a similar foundation. A current, unencumbered registered nurse license in the state is almost always non-negotiable. You will also need a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program, though some schools offer bridge options for RNs with an associate degree. Grade point averages typically matter: many programs list a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, but competitive tracks at top nursing programs in Texas like UT Arlington or Baylor may expect a 3.2 or higher in your last 60 hours of nursing coursework.
The GRE picture has changed in recent years. Several programs, including those at Texas Tech and UT Tyler, now waive the GRE entirely for applicants who meet a certain GPA threshold or hold a master's degree. Others still request scores unless you qualify for an automatic waiver. Check the specific policy on each school's admissions page, as this detail can change from year to year.
Clinical experience requirements are not universal, but they are common. Some programs want at least one year of full-time bedside nursing before you apply. TWU and UT Arlington, for instance, often expect direct patient care experience, while other pathways may consider leadership or community health roles. If the program does not specify a minimum, its admissions committee still looks for a resume that shows depth in nursing practice.
Prerequisite coursework generally includes advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology at the graduate level. You may also need undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or better. Many schools provide a pre-check worksheet so you can verify which courses you have already completed. If a prerequisite is missing, some programs allow you to take it concurrently during the first semester of the NP track.
For RNs holding an associate degree, Texas offers several ADN-to-MSN pathways that streamline the journey to an NP role. These bridge programs run longer than a traditional BSN-to-MSN, but they avoid the intermediate step of earning a separate BSN. UT Tyler and Texas Tech are two examples that publish detailed bridge curricula. Always confirm the number of required clinical hours with the program director, because these plans often differ from the standard MSN track.
Direct-entry programs for non-nurses with a bachelor's in another field are rarer. A few private Texas universities have launched accelerated MSN tracks that lead to NP eligibility in about two to three years. These are intensive and require a full-time commitment. The Texas Board of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners maintain consistent licensure and certification standards that all programs must meet, so a direct-entry graduate must still pass the same national certification exam.
Information on a university's website can lag behind faculty decisions. The best practice is to attend a virtual information session or call the nursing admissions office directly. Admissions counselors can tell you whether a GRE waiver is available this cycle, how many clinical placements they have secured for incoming students, and whether any prerequisite substitutions are allowed. If a program's published data is thin, a brief email often yields a clear answer.
Beyond the school, verify the program's accreditation status and job-placement trends through the Texas Workforce Commission or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While such sources do not list admission prerequisites, they can confirm whether a program's graduates find employment promptly and earn competitive wages. This broader check helps you weigh the return on investment before finalizing your application list.
After graduating from an accredited NP program in Texas, you must complete several state-specific steps before you can practice. The Texas Board of Nursing oversees APRN licensure, and prescriptive authority requires a separate agreement with a supervising physician. Follow this sequence to navigate the process efficiently.
As the demand for advanced practice nurses grows, the financial accessibility of graduate education has become a central concern for aspiring NPs in Texas. This ranking reflects that reality by weighing affordability alongside basic academic outcomes, so you can quickly spot programs that deliver strong value without burying you in debt.
We pull primarily from three sources: the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and official information posted by schools themselves. IPEDS provides institution-level figures on net price, graduation rates, and enrollment patterns. The Scorecard adds earnings and debt metrics for students who received federal aid, giving a window into financial outcomes after leaving school. Program format details (online, hybrid, on-campus) are collected from each school’s public reporting.
Our methodology prioritizes metrics that directly affect your wallet and your likelihood of finishing the degree.
To keep the focus on financial fit and completion, we deliberately leave out several factors that you may want to research on your own.
By being transparent about both the strengths and limits of our approach, we hope you can use this ranking as a starting point, not a final verdict.
Still have questions about nursing practitioner education in Texas? Browse the answers below for quick insights on top programs, costs, timelines, and admission essentials. Many of these topics are explored in greater depth elsewhere in this article.
Not every solid Texas NP program lands in the ranking above, and the directory below widens the search with schools from Galveston to El Paso. Each entry lists the city, the delivery format, and the program tracks available. Where a federal net price is reported for a campus it is included; for several campuses that figure is not reported, so none is listed.
