Major Houston healthcare systems increasingly require a bachelor’s degree for new nursing hires.
Accelerated BSN tracks in Houston let career-changers graduate in 12 to 15 months.
Finding the Right Nursing School in Houston, TX
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, where nursing students can access clinical rotations across more than 50 institutions: an unmatched training ground for the city’s nearly 30 accredited programs. Options span from community college ADN pathways to university-based BSN and accelerated second-degree tracks, each with distinct admission cycles and prerequisite requirements.
Because RN licensure in Texas hinges on NCLEX passage, selecting a program with a strong first-time pass rate matters as much as location and tuition. Employers in Houston’s expanding healthcare sector increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, shaping enrollment decisions for many aspiring RNs.
Houston Nursing Program Comparison: Tuition, Net Price & Outcomes
The table below compares tuition, net price, and long-term earnings for nursing programs at Texas institutions, including several with campuses in the Houston area. Net price is the average amount students pay after financial aid, and median earnings reflect income 10 years after starting. All figures come from the latest available federal data.
School
Degree
Format
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Net Price
Grad Rate
Median Debt
Median Earnings
Dallas College
Bachelor's
Online
4662
6900
3214
32.3
9500
41714
Texas A & M International University
Bachelor's
Campus
7894
19454
3637
46.5
15000
48386
Tarrant County College
Associates
Campus
3537
8370
4337
34.3
9104
42727
Brazosport College
Associates
Campus
3286
4711
4732
56.2
5641
45910
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor's
Campus
9799
19645
4831
50.9
12950
49620
McLennan Community College
Associates
Campus
4200
5910
5051
38.9
10500
39163
Northeast Texas Community College
Associates
Campus
4468
5620
6706
55.9
10946
37870
Lee College
Associates
Campus
4665
5045
6879
52.8
7500
42178
The University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor's
Campus
9544
25502
9403
50.2
18000
50923
Texas Woman's University
Bachelor's
Campus
8640
18480
11963
49.1
19218
56544
Hallmark University
Bachelor's
Campus
12513
66.3
25438
40183
The University of Texas at Tyler
Bachelor's
Campus
9512
24512
13323
54.1
17137
57053
The University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor's
Campus
11950
29582
13951
54
17527
63199
University of Houston
Bachelor's
Campus
9717
22547
14276
64.6
18194
62377
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Bachelor's
Hybrid
8346
22290
15563
51.6
17831
59004
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Houston
Houston’s healthcare employers increasingly expect nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree, which means the type of nursing program you choose shapes your early career opportunities.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs, often found at community colleges, are the fastest and most affordable route to becoming a registered nurse. These two-year programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level practice. In Houston, ADN programs are widely available and can cost significantly less than university options. However, many area hospitals now prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, so some ADN graduates later enroll in RN-to-BSN bridge programs.
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The traditional BSN is a four-year university degree that combines nursing theory, clinical rotations, and a broader liberal arts education. This path has become the entry-level standard for most Houston healthcare systems looking for Magnet status or higher-level practice. The bulk of nursing schools in our Texas rankings, including the University of Houston, offer BSN programs that meet this demand.
Accelerated BSN and Direct-Entry MSN: For Career Changers
If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, accelerated programs let you pivot quickly. Houston offers several targeted options:
UTHealth Houston’s Pacesetter Accelerated BSN completes in 15 months with a hybrid format and 900 clinical hours.
University of Houston’s Second Degree BSN finishes in just 12 months as a full-time, face-to-face program starting each spring.
Texas Lutheran University’s Houston Campus launched a Direct-Entry MSN in 2025, a two-year program with over 900 clinical hours designed for students seeking a master’s-level entry into nursing.
RN-to-BSN: Advancing from the Associate Level
Current registered nurses with an ADN can enroll in online or part-time RN-to-BSN programs to earn their bachelor’s degree while working. These programs typically take one to two years and are widely available through Houston-area universities. They focus on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, and often have flexible schedules to accommodate working nurses.
Passing the NCLEX-RN is the final hurdle before becoming a licensed registered nurse. A program’s first-time pass rate provides a clear measure of how well it prepares students for the licensing exam. Consistently high rates suggest strong curriculum alignment and effective clinical training, while lower rates may signal gaps in preparation.
Texas and National Benchmarks
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) publishes aggregate NCLEX outcomes each quarter. In Q1 of fiscal year 2026, the statewide first-time pass rate for RN candidates was 84.82%.1 By comparison, national pass rates have typically fallen between 82% and 88% in recent years, placing Texas near the middle of that range.2
Checking School-Specific Rates in Houston
Although comprehensive school-level data for every Houston program is not yet available in this dataset, the Texas BON provides online access to program reports. Prospective students can look up individual schools, such as UTHealth Houston, University of Houston, and Houston Community College, to compare recent first-time pass rates. Keep in mind that a single year’s data may not fully capture a program’s long-term quality, so reviewing several years of pass rates can provide a clearer picture. Because performance can shift from year to year, verifying the latest figures directly with the BON or the school itself is a smart step when evaluating best nursing schools in Texas.
What Houston Nursing Graduates Earn After Graduation
Program-level earnings immediately after graduation are not yet available for these schools, but federal data provides a longer-term view. The chart below shows median earnings 10 years after students first enrolled. For context, the national median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How to Become a Nurse in Houston, Texas
The path to becoming a registered nurse in Houston follows a clear sequence of education, licensure, and examination. Here is what you can expect from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Nursing Schools
As you explore nursing education in Houston, common questions often arise about costs, top programs, and flexible learning options. We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
What is the best nursing school in Houston?
The best nursing school depends on your goals, but UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing is consistently top-ranked for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. It boasts high NCLEX pass rates and strong clinical partnerships. Other excellent options include Texas Woman's University and the University of Houston, each with unique strengths.
How much does nursing school cost in Houston, TX?
Tuition for nursing programs in Houston varies widely. Public university BSN programs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 total for Texas residents, while private schools may exceed $60,000. ADN programs at community colleges are the most affordable, often under $10,000. Financial aid and net price calculators can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs.
Are there accelerated nursing programs in Houston?
Yes, several Houston schools offer accelerated BSN and MSN entry pathways for students with a prior bachelor's degree. These programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. UTHealth, University of Houston, and Houston Christian University are notable examples. Admission is competitive and requires specific prerequisites.
Which Houston nursing programs have the highest NCLEX pass rates?
NCLEX pass rates are a strong indicator of program quality. UTHealth Houston and the University of Houston have historically reported first-time pass rates above 95%, well above the national average. Texas Woman's University and Houston Baptist also show strong performance. Always check the Texas Board of Nursing for the latest annual data.
Can I complete a nursing degree online in Houston?
While the hands-on clinical component requires in-person attendance, many Houston schools offer hybrid or online options for didactic coursework. RN-to-BSN programs are commonly available fully online. For pre-licensure BSN or MSN degrees, some theory courses can be taken online, but labs and clinicals remain on-campus or at local healthcare facilities.
More Nursing Schools in the Houston Area
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Texas offers a wide range of additional nursing schools worth exploring. This directory covers programs from associate degrees to BSN pathways across the state, with on-campus, online, and hybrid options to fit different goals and schedules.
Lee College's Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through campus-based instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in the Houston-Galveston region. A fast-track LVN-to-RN transition is also available.
UHCL's RN-to-BSN program is a HyFlex option that allows working nurses to earn their bachelor's in 2-3 semesters, with small classes and dedicated faculty support.
Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Houston, TX · Hybrid
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
UTHealth Houston's BSN offers Pacesetter (accelerated) and RN-to-BSN tracks, with hybrid options, clinical hours from the first semester, and access to the Texas Medical Center.
UT Arlington's BSN program provides campus-based learning with simulation in the Smart Hospital and a competitive admission process that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.
Dallas College's online RN-to-BSN program is an affordable, flexible option for working nurses, completable in as few as 12 months with dedicated faculty support.
TWU's BSN program offers campus options in Denton, Dallas, and Houston, with hands-on externships, interprofessional learning, and strong hospital partnerships.
Tarrant County College's ADN program delivers campus-based training in Fort Worth with a fast-track option for LVNs and military medics, and a high NCLEX pass rate.
LeTourneau's BSN in Longview boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and job placement, combining 122 credit hours with hands-on clinicals in a faith-based environment.
UT Tyler's BSN can be completed in as little as 16 months across multiple campuses, featuring a year-round curriculum and a focus on generalist nursing preparation.
Baylor's Traditional BSN track in Waco spans two years after prerequisites, blending liberal arts with nursing sciences and emphasizing evidence-based practice.
Texas State's BSN program in San Marcos boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate, with a traditional campus track and an online RN-to-BSN option for registered nurses.
TAMIU's campus-based BSN in Laredo focuses on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and leadership, with admission that requires a HESI exam and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
TTUHSC's Traditional BSN in Lubbock is a four-semester campus program using patient simulators, with admission requiring a 3.0 GPA and CCNE accreditation.
UTEP's Traditional BSN offers a four-year degree plan with a state-of-the-art simulation lab, a high NCLEX pass rate, and a diverse faculty in El Paso.
Western Tech's BSN in El Paso is a full-time, face-to-face program completed in under three years, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and clinical rotations in local hospitals.
