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Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

75 Schools Ranked
$14,473 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,612 Avg Student Debt

Today's nursing students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 75 schools in the Southwest Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Aspen University

Phoenix, Arizona
1,636 Total Awards
$6,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,431 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Aspen University the best school in the Southwest Region for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Aspen University is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 1,636 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Aspen University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $6,500. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Aspen University accumulate an average of $17,431 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Aspen University. In 2020-2021 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Aspen University

#2

Ottawa University - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
146 Total Awards
$13,341 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,495 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Ottawa University - Phoenix. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Ottawa University - Phoenix is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 146 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Phoenix is $13,341. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,495 in student loans.

Ottawa University - Phoenix does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Ottawa University - Phoenix

#3

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
13,536 Total Awards
$12,605 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,464 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Texas A&M University - College Station is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in College Station, Texas, the large public school awarded 13,536 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $12,605 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Texas A&M College Station. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $40,139. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,464 in student loans.

Texas A&M College Station does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

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580 Total Awards
$7,363 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,469 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Texas A & M University - Central Texas. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This small public school is located in Killeen, Texas, and it awarded 580 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend Texas A & M University - Central Texas full time pay an average of $7,363 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,155. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Texas A & M University - Central Texas accumulate an average of $19,469 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Texas A & M University - Central Texas does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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10,374 Total Awards
$19,662 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 75 schools in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, The University of Texas at Austin landed the # 5 spot on the list. This large public school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 10,374 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UT Austin accumulate an average of $19,662 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UT Austin does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 54% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#6

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
8,187 Total Awards
$11,088 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,916 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Skysong came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Scottsdale, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 8,187 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ASU - Skysong is $11,088. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,358. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ASU - Skysong accumulate an average of $21,916 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, ASU - Skysong is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Skysong

#7

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
14,092 Total Awards
$17,205 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,469 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Grand Canyon University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Phoenix, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 14,092 students in 2021-2022.

Grand Canyon University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $17,205. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,469 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Grand Canyon University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Grand Canyon University

#8

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas
2,529 Total Awards
$53,980 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,838 Avg Student Debt

Texas Christian University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Fort Worth, Texas is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,529 students in 2021-2022.

TCU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $53,980. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,838 in student loans.

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#9

Hallmark University

San Antonio, Texas
162 Total Awards
$30,981 Avg Student Debt

Hallmark University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Hallmark is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in San Antonio, Texas. It awarded 162 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $30,981 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Hallmark does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 54% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

8,415 Total Awards
$11,727 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,487 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas at Arlington landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. This large public school is located in Arlington, Texas, and it awarded 8,415 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UT Arlington is $11,727. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $29,299. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,487 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UT Arlington does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 60% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas
4,237 Total Awards
$8,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,586 Avg Student Debt

Sam Houston State University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. This large public school is located in Huntsville, Texas, and it awarded 4,237 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,960 in tuition and fees if they attend SHSU full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,752. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,586 in loans while pursuing their degree.

SHSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

4,858 Total Awards
$10,110 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,537 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Stillwater, Oklahoma is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 4,858 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Oklahoma pay an average of $10,110 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend OSU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,630. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from OSU accumulate an average of $20,537 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at OSU. In 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma
2,424 Total Awards
$8,234 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,323 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, University of Central Oklahoma did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, the fairly large public school awarded 2,424 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Oklahoma who attend UCO full time pay an average of $8,234 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,121. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,323 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at UCO, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#14

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, Oklahoma
1,299 Total Awards
$7,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,202 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,299 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,400 in tuition and fees if they attend NSU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $16,385. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NSU accumulate an average of $19,202 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NSU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, Texas
308 Total Awards
$26,300 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,010 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Lubbock Christian University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 308 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at LCU is $26,300. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from LCU accumulate an average of $23,010 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that LCU does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 30% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lubbock Christian University

#16

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell, Oklahoma
366 Total Awards
$7,634 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,495 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma Panhandle State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list. This small public school is located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, and it awarded 366 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Oklahoma pay an average of $7,634 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend OPSU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,385. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,495 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OPSU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

14,986 Total Awards
$11,618 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,127 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Tempe ranked #17 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. ASU - Tempe is a large public school situated in Tempe, Arizona. It awarded 14,986 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arizona pay an average of $11,618 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ASU - Tempe. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $30,592. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ASU - Tempe accumulate an average of $21,127 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ASU - Tempe does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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729 Total Awards
$6,738 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,582 Avg Student Debt

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. ENMU - Main Campus is a public institution located in Portales, New Mexico. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 729 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from New Mexico pay an average of $6,738 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ENMU - Main Campus. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,718. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,582 in loans while pursuing their degree.

ENMU - Main Campus does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Report

#19

Baylor University

Waco, Texas
3,698 Total Awards
$23,124 Avg Student Debt

Baylor University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list. Baylor is located in Waco, Texas and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,698 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Baylor accumulate an average of $23,124 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Baylor does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Baylor University Report

#20

University of Phoenix - Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona
11,763 Total Awards
$37,858 Avg Student Debt

University of Phoenix - Arizona ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. UOPX - Arizona is a private for-profit institution located in Phoenix, Arizona. The school has a large population, and it awarded 11,763 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $37,858 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UOPX - Arizona. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Arizona

#21

Oklahoma Christian University

Edmond, Oklahoma
340 Total Awards
$25,148 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,729 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma Christian University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. OC is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Edmond, Oklahoma. It awarded 340 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at OC is $25,148. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,729 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at OC. In fact, around 37% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Oklahoma Christian University Report

#22

University of Houston

Houston, Texas
8,140 Total Awards
$9,699 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,354 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. Houston, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 8,140 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Texas who attend UH full time pay an average of $9,699 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,891. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UH accumulate an average of $20,354 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UH does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 73% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, Oklahoma
856 Total Awards
$8,130 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,180 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Oklahoma State University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This small public school is located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and it awarded 856 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SWOSU is $8,130. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,240. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from SWOSU accumulate an average of $20,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at SWOSU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#24

East Central University

Ada, Oklahoma
587 Total Awards
$7,405 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,395 Avg Student Debt

East Central University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in Ada, Oklahoma, the small public school handed out 587 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Oklahoma who attend ECU full time pay an average of $7,405 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $16,555. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ECU accumulate an average of $19,395 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at ECU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on East Central University

#25

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
475 Total Awards
$32,744 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,816 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma City University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 475 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $32,744 to cover tuition and fees at OCU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,816 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OCU does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 23% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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