Compare costs, NCLEX outcomes, and flexible schedules for Irving-area nursing programs.
Over 60,000 registered nurses work in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, and Irving sits at the heart of this job market with major employers like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Irving and Medical City Las Colinas.
While no nursing school operates within Irving proper, a network of accredited programs within commuting distance offers BSN, ADN, and RN-to-BSN options.
Students compare net price, NCLEX pass rates, and clinical placement quality: data points directly linked to licensure success and early earnings. Given that area hospitals increasingly prefer BSN graduates, selecting a program with strong clinical rotations and a history of NCLEX success is a pragmatic decision.
While no nursing school is located directly in Irving, this ranking identifies the top Texas programs accessible within a reasonable commute or through online delivery. From affordable associate degrees to renowned BSN programs, these schools offer pathways to RN licensure with strong graduate outcomes and flexible formats.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $20,000/yr | Ambitious students seeking a flagship BSN | |
The University of Texas at Austin offers a highly selective Bachelor of Science in Nursing that prepares students for leadership roles through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experiences. Admission is competitive, and graduates boast strong NCLEX pass rates and high earning potential. Although located in Austin, the program's prestige attracts aspiring nurses from the Irving area and beyond.
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| #2 | Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, TX | $2,000 – $5,000/yr | Cost-conscious learners pursuing an ADN | |
Brazosport College provides an affordable entry into nursing with its Associate Degree Nursing program and an LVN-to-ADN bridge, both campus-based in Lake Jackson. The ADN track is designed for students who want a swift, cost-effective path to RN licensure, with a focus on clinical skills and patient care. Generous financial aid and low tuition make it a practical choice for budget-minded Irving residents willing to relocate or commute.
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| #3 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | $13,000 – $40,000/yr | Traditional college experience with a BSN | |
Texas A&M University's Traditional BSN in College Station combines a strong foundational curriculum with extensive clinical practice, preparing graduates to excel on the NCLEX-RN. The university's high retention and graduation rates signal robust student support. Its reputation and alumni network are particularly beneficial for nursing students seeking long-term career growth.
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| #4 | Rio Grande Valley College | Pharr, TX | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Rio Grande Valley College in Pharr offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that emphasizes patient-centered care and clinical reasoning over a 45-week, intensive schedule. The program is designed to move students quickly into the workforce as RNs, with a curriculum aligned to the NCLEX-RN exam.
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| #5 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $10,000 – $23,000/yr | ||
The University of Houston's nursing program includes a Traditional BSN track at the Katy campus and an accelerated Second Degree BSN for those with a previous bachelor's. Both options stress cultural sensitivity and evidence-based practice, with close proximity to the Texas Medical Center for clinical rotations. Irving residents can commute or use public transportation to access these urban opportunities.
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| #6 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | $35,000 – $40,000/yr | ||
Texas Christian University in Fort Worth provides a BSN with both traditional 29-month and accelerated 19-month tracks, taught in state-of-the-art simulation labs. TCU's emphasis on ethical leadership and small student-faculty ratio offers a personalized educational experience, just a short drive from Irving.
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| #7 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $0 – $5,000/yr | ||
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers multiple BSN pathways: a traditional four-semester campus program, a second-degree option, and a fully online RN-to-BSN completion track. The online RN-to-BSN is especially convenient for Irving-area working RNs seeking to advance their credentials without relocating.
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| #8 | Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant, TX | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northeast Texas Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program in Mount Pleasant delivers a rigorous 60-credit curriculum with hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Its small class sizes and supportive faculty make it a good fit for students who thrive in a close-knit learning environment.
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| #9 | Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | $29,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio offers both an ADN and a three-year campus-based BSN, with multiple start dates per year and a clinical-focused curriculum. The school's high graduation rate and supportive services appeal to students who want a streamlined, career-oriented education.
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| #10 | University of St Thomas | Houston, TX | $19,000/yr | ||
The University of St. Thomas in Houston features a CCNE-accredited BSN that blends patient-centered care with a holistic healing approach. The hybrid format offers some flexibility, and the school's commitment to serving diverse student populations makes it an inclusive option for Irving residents.
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Is a BSN mandatory for nursing jobs in Irving, or do hospitals hire ADN-prepared nurses? The short answer: you can launch your career with either degree, but your long-term prospects differ significantly. Irving’s major healthcare employers, including Baylor Scott & White, Medical City, and Texas Health Resources, widely accept Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates for entry-level staff RN roles. Yet they consistently express a preference for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) holders, especially for advancement, leadership, and specialty positions.
These figures are based on 2024 data for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, where most Irving residents would attend. Community colleges and state universities in the area offer both options, often at different price points.
While ADN nurses can secure jobs at local hospitals, a growing number of DFW facilities are adopting BSN-preferred or even BSN-required policies for new hires. Many set a timeline for ADN nurses to enroll in an RN-to-BSN program after hire. This aligns with national trends toward the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation of an 80% BSN-prepared workforce. In Irving, starting with an ADN followed by an employer-supported RN-to-BSN bridge is a common, cost-effective strategy.
Your choice hinges on timeline, finances, and career goals. If you need to start working quickly and minimize debt, the ADN offers a fast lane. If you aim for magnet hospitals, management, or graduate study, the BSN provides a stronger foundation. Both paths lead to RN licensure; the right one depends on where you see yourself in five years.
The net price below represents the average amount in-state students pay after grants and scholarships, though individual costs vary. Median graduate debt shows typical borrowing for nursing majors at each institution, highlighting the gap between sticker price and long-term financial impact.
Accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and clinical experiences are three concrete measures of a nursing program’s quality and its ability to prepare you for a license. Accreditation confirms that the curriculum meets national standards, directly affecting your eligibility for the NCLEX-RN and future graduate studies. Pass rates show how well a school’s graduates perform on the licensing exam, while clinical placements connect classroom theory to bedside care in real healthcare settings.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) requires graduates to complete a program approved by a recognized accreditor, most commonly the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both agencies set rigorous standards, but CCNE typically accredits bachelor’s and graduate programs, while ACEN accredits all levels including associate degree and diploma programs. Attending a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program ensures your degree is accepted for licensure in Texas and makes you eligible for federal financial aid. It also smooths the path if you later apply to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Each year the Texas BON publishes NCLEX-RN pass rates for every program in the state.2 These numbers offer a direct look at how well a school’s curriculum translates into exam readiness. For example, Chamberlain College of Nursing’s Irving campus reported a pass rate of 82.35% for first-time test-takers in 2024.1 While that figure is a useful benchmark, it’s only one data point. When comparing programs, look at multi-year trends, consistent pass rates above 85-90% often signal strong preparation. Many BSN programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex post rates in that range, though exact figures vary by year and cohort.
Hands-on training near Irving typically takes place at major regional healthcare systems. Schools with strong clinical partnerships arrange rotations at Medical City Irving, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving, and Texas Health Resources facilities. These sites expose students to medical-surgical units, critical care, obstetrics, and community health settings. Proximity to such high-volume hospitals means you’re more likely to encounter diverse patient populations and modern technology, building confidence before you ever take the NCLEX.
To sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for a Texas nursing license, the BON verifies that your program is accredited and that you completed required clinical hours. Programs with lower pass rates or probationary accreditation status can delay your ability to test. Always confirm a school’s accreditation directly through the CCNE or ACEN website and review its most recent NCLEX data before committing. When you choose an accredited program with solid clinical sites and a consistent pass rate, you set yourself up for a smooth transition from student to licensed registered nurse.
The nursing job market in Irving offers promising opportunities, but new graduates should understand how entry-level pay compares to the broader median figures often cited.
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area employs over 60,000 registered nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for RNs in the region is $77,990, with typical earnings ranging from $60,820 at the 10th percentile to $100,410 at the 90th percentile. This local average sits below the national median of $93,600 (2024), a gap largely explained by Texas's lower cost of living. Across the state, RN wages mirror this pattern, with urban centers like Irving offering competitive but not premium salaries relative to coastal markets.
Major healthcare employers in the Irving area include Medical City Irving, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving, and Texas Health Resources. These systems, along with numerous clinics and long-term care facilities, are expanding to meet demand fueled by rapid population growth and an aging patient base. Nationwide, the BLS projects 5% job growth for registered nurses between 2024 and 2034, a rate that keeps pace with the average for all occupations and translates into roughly thousands of annual openings in the metro area.
Program-level earnings data for recent nursing school graduates in Irving is not yet available from federal sources, but salary exhibits offer a helpful reference. Nationally, the bottom 10th percentile of RNs earned $53,410 in 2020, while the 25th percentile reached $61,630. In the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, the lower end of the salary band starts at $60,820, suggesting that new BSN-prepared nurses typically launch careers in the low-to-mid $60,000s. With two to three years of experience, earnings climb closer to the regional mean, and specialized certifications or advanced degrees can push compensation above $90,000. Understanding this trajectory helps new grads budget realistically and negotiate confidently.
Prospective nursing students in Irving have many questions about program quality, costs, and outcomes. Below are answers to some of the most common queries to help you choose the right path.
Beyond the top 10 ranked nursing schools, numerous other accredited programs across Texas serve Irving students. The directory below highlights additional options grouped by region, including key details like format, location, and net price to aid your decision. Each program offers a distinct path to a nursing career, from ADN to BSN and RN-to-BSN completion.
