If you’re thinking about becoming a registered nurse in Texas, choosing the right Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an important first step. The Lone Star ⭐️ State has some excellent BSN programs with high NCLEX pass rates, setting up new nurses for long-term success in their careers.
NCLEX pass rates were verified on the Texas State Board of Nursing website. This link is a PDF of the NCLEX pass rates from the last five years of all the approved nursing programs in Texas, which is what was used to inform this post.
The 2023 national average pass rate for the NCLEX was 88.56%.
The average NCLEX pass rate for a graduate in Texas was 91.15%.
All BSN programs in Texas mentioned in this post are accredited at the time of writing. Because tuition rates fluctuate, links to the cost of attendance pages have been provided to see the most current and accurate rates. Some provide a per credit hour cost. Keep in mind, a BSN generally requires approximately 120-130 total credit hours (45-60 credit hours of general education requirements and 60-70 credit hours of core nursing courses).
Let’s look at three reputable traditional BSN programs, known for their strong academics and clinical training.
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3 High-Quality Traditional BSN Programs in Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI)
📍Location: Arlington, Texas (in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex)
✅ 2023 NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.34% (721 out of 826 people passed)
UT Arlington offers one of the largest nursing programs in Texas and the nation (over 800 graduates in 2023!), serving a diverse student body with both in-person and online options. The school has strong ties to local hospitals and healthcare providers in Dallas-Fort Worth, which gives students access to valuable clinical opportunities.
It’s a public university, so it is also one of the more affordable BSN programs in Texas. To view the current cost of attendance, click here. The school offers additional nursing-related degrees, many of which have won awards or have been highly ranked in some capacity (click here for a current list).
The nursing school is highly focused on innovation and evidence-based practice, with extensive support for both traditional and non-traditional (accelerated and online) nursing students. UTA also offers RN-to-BSN programs, allowing working nurses to advance their education.
Texas A&M University – College of Nursing
📍Location: Bryan-College Station, Texas (with additional sites in Round Rock, McAllen, and Lufkin)
✅ 2023 NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.25% (225 out of 229 people passed)
The whole “Texas A&M” situation can get a little confusing. Let me break it down. The Texas A&M College of Nursing is headquartered at the Health Science Center in Bryan-College Station. This is the main campus for the nursing program. However, Texas A&M also offers additional nursing education sites in Round Rock, McAllen, and Lufkin to provide access to clinical training and academic resources in other areas of Texas (because, well, Texas is massive).
The Texas A&M University System has multiple independent universities, each with its own nursing programs. These schools operate separately from the Texas A&M College of Nursing (in Bryan-College Station), though they share the A&M name.
The following Texas A&M universities all have accredited BSN programs with a 2023 NCLEX pass rate above 90% (as of the time of writing this):
- International (TAMIU in Laredo)
- Commerce (near Dallas)
- Corpus Christi
- Texarkana
All of these schools are public and offer competitive in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition is essentially doubled. You can view current costs of attendance here.
Texas A&M’s Health Science Center College of Nursing focuses on creating nurse leaders who are prepared for both rural and urban healthcare needs. The program emphasizes service learning, leadership development, and research-backed practice. Texas A&M students have access to clinical experiences across various settings, including rural health clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. With small class sizes and a strong mentoring culture, this program is ideal for students looking for a close-knit learning environment.
Texas Women’s University
📍Location: Main campus in Denton, additional locations in Dallas and Houston
✅ 2023 NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.57% (418 out of 442 passed)
TWU’s College of Nursing is one of the largest and most well-regarded in the country. It’s a public university and offers a wide range of nursing programs, including traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD). The nursing school focuses heavily on leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, preparing graduates to take on roles in both hospital and outpatient settings.
Quick note ➡️ Despite the name, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is not exclusively for women. It was originally founded in 1901 as a women’s college but became coeducational in 1972. Since then, both men and women have been admitted to all programs, including the College of Nursing.
Campuses and Facilities
- Denton: The main campus has modern facilities with simulation labs and faculty support services.
- Dallas: Located in the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences, this campus offers access to world-class hospitals and clinics in the Dallas area for clinical experiences.
- Houston: The TWU campus is in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, giving students unparalleled access to top-tier hospitals and clinical rotations.
In terms of cost, because it is a public school, it’s an affordable option for in-state tuition, similar to Texas A&M. You can see the latest cost of admission here.
More Affordable BSN Programs
Whether you’re a first-time student or a working professional, affordability is often a major concern. Fortunately, many BSN programs offer competitive tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid to make nursing school more accessible.
For those looking for affordable options, check out programs below or type in your ZIP to see what’s near you!
Why Choose a BSN Program in Texas?
Texas offers a unique combination of top-tier healthcare institutions, diverse clinical experiences, and excellent job prospects for new nurses. Many hospitals in Texas are Magnet-designated, meaning they prioritize hiring BSN-prepared nurses. Additionally, new grads in Texas benefit from strong networking opportunities in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where the demand for highly trained nurses continues to grow.
Choosing a program that meets your needs, both financially and academically, is key to setting yourself up for success on the NCLEX and beyond.
By providing both reputable and affordable options, I hope this guide helps you feel more confident as you take the next steps in your nursing education journey. Remember, investing in a BSN program isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about building a strong foundation for a rewarding and impactful nursing career.
FAQ: BSN Programs in Texas
How long does it take to become a BSN in Texas?
A traditional BSN program typically takes 4 years to complete if you’re attending full-time and starting as a first-time college student. This includes both general education and nursing core courses. However, if you already have some college credits or are an RN seeking a BSN, you may qualify for an accelerated or RN-to-BSN program, which can be completed in 12-24 months, depending on the school and your prior education.
How many BSN programs are there in Texas?
Texas is home to over 40 BSN programs offered by universities and colleges across the state. This includes both traditional on-campus programs and hybrid/online options. Schools like UT Arlington, Texas A&M, Texas Woman’s University, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are just a few of the well-known institutions offering BSN programs.
Can I get my BSN in 6 months?
No, it is not possible to earn a BSN in just 6 months. Even accelerated BSN programs (for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field) typically take 12-18 months. Nursing programs require a significant amount of clinical hours, coursework, and preparation to meet both state and national licensure requirements. Programs shorter than 6 months might be scams, so always verify with accredited schools and licensing boards.
What are Texas A&M’s nursing acceptance rates?
The Texas A&M College of Nursing is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 40-50% depending on the year and applicant pool. The program prioritizes applicants with strong academic records in prerequisite courses, healthcare experience, and leadership skills. Other Texas A&M campuses, like Corpus Christi and Texarkana, may have slightly different acceptance rates for their nursing programs.
Are there online BSN programs in Texas?
Yes! Several Texas universities offer online or hybrid BSN programs. These are often geared toward:
• RN-to-BSN students: Licensed RNs who want to complete their bachelor’s degree can do so online at schools like UT Arlington or Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
• Second-degree accelerated BSN programs: While not fully online, some schools incorporate online coursework with in-person clinical training.
Keep in mind that clinical hours must still be completed in person at approved healthcare sites, even for online programs.
More Resources
- Why RN to BSN Programs Online Could Be Your Next Best Career Move
- What is a BSN Program Like? A Nursing Student’s Perspective
- The Essential Difference Between ADN and BSN: Which Nursing Path is Right for You?
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