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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Texas

78 Schools Ranked
$41,833 Average Earnings
$25,184 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.

The Best Nursing Schools in Texas ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 78 schools in Texas to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Texas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, Texas
516 Total Awards
$53,325 Average Earnings
$47,265 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Texas Wesleyan University to be the best school for nursing students in Texas. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 516 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $47,265 in student loans.After graduating from Texas Wesleyan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,325 during the early years of their career.

Full Texas Wesleyan University Report

#2

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
20,117 Total Awards
$57,177 Average Earnings
$29,452 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Texas A&M University - College Station helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Texas. Located in College Station, Texas, the large public school handed out 20,117 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,452 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $397 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Texas A&M College Station, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,177 during the early years of their career.

Full Texas A&M University - College Station Report

#3

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas
3,190 Total Awards
$54,873 Average Earnings
$29,452 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Texas Christian University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and it awarded 3,190 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,452 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $732. Once they receive their degree, TCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,873 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Texas Christian University

17,432 Total Awards
$53,632 Average Earnings
$33,145 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Texas at Austin. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. UT Austin is located in Austin, Texas and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 17,432 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UT Austin accumulate an average of $33,145 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $326 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Austin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,632 during the early years of their career.

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#5

Northeast Texas Community College

Mount Pleasant, Texas
705 Total Awards
$38,602 Average Earnings
$15,122 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Northeast Texas Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Texas. This small public school is located in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and it awarded 705 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,122 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NTCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,602 during the early year of their career.

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13,900 Total Awards
$48,602 Average Earnings
$24,934 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, The University of Texas at Arlington did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. UT Arlington is located in Arlington, Texas and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 13,900 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,934 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Arlington graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,602 during the early year of their career.

Full The University of Texas at Arlington Report

#7

Hallmark University

San Antonio, Texas
356 Total Awards
$38,381 Average Earnings
$25,456 Avg Student Debt

Hallmark University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Hallmark is a private not-for-profit institution located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 356 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,456 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $128 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Hallmark graduates make an average of $38,381 annually.

Read full report on Hallmark University

#8

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
10,913 Total Awards
$38,417 Average Earnings
$13,877 Avg Student Debt

El Centro College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. El Centro College is a public institution located in Dallas, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10,913 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from El Centro College accumulate an average of $13,877 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from El Centro College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,417 during the early years of their career.

Full El Centro College Report

411 Total Awards
$44,006 Average Earnings
$31,597 Avg Student Debt

Lubbock Christian University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 411 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,597 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, LCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,006 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Lubbock Christian University

#10

Weatherford College

Weatherford, Texas
1,036 Total Awards
$40,099 Average Earnings
$10,800 Avg Student Debt

Weatherford College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #10 on the list. Weatherford College is a public institution located in Weatherford, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,036 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,800 in student loans.After graduating from Weatherford College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,099 during the early years of their career.

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#11

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
11,449 Total Awards
$36,839 Average Earnings
$10,174 Avg Student Debt

Lone Star College System landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. North Harris Montgomery is located in The Woodlands, Texas and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 11,449 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,174 in student loans. During the early years of their career, North Harris Montgomery graduates make an average of $36,839 annually.

Read full report on Lone Star College System

#12

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
5,616 Total Awards
$29,327 Average Earnings

South Texas College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in McAllen, Texas, the large public school awarded 5,616 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, South Texas College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,327 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on South Texas College

#13

Baylor University

Waco, Texas
5,700 Total Awards
$42,980 Average Earnings
$38,321 Avg Student Debt

Baylor University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Waco, Texas, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 5,700 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $38,321 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $830.After graduating from Baylor, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,980 during the early years of their career.

Full Baylor University Report

#14

Panola College

Carthage, Texas
897 Total Awards
$39,120 Average Earnings

Panola College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Texas ranking. Panola College is located in Carthage, Texas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 897 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, Panola College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,120 during the early year of their career.

Full Panola College Report

#15

Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas
2,380 Total Awards
$37,621 Average Earnings
$16,385 Avg Student Debt

Amarillo College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Texas ranking. Amarillo College is a public institution located in Amarillo, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,380 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Amarillo College accumulate an average of $16,385 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Amarillo College graduates make an average of $37,621 annually.

Read More…

#16

University of Houston

Houston, Texas
10,852 Total Awards
$48,769 Average Earnings
$28,047 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. University of Houston is a large public school located in Houston, Texas that handed out 10,852 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $28,047 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $266, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UH graduates make an average of $48,769 annually.

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1,881 Total Awards
$37,840 Average Earnings
$20,162 Avg Student Debt

Texas A&M International University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Texas A&M International University is located in Laredo, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,881 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $20,162 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Texas A&M International University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,840 during the early years of their career.

Full Texas A&M International University Report

#18

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, Texas
1,202 Total Awards
$41,756 Average Earnings
$38,183 Avg Student Debt

Abilene Christian University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Abilene, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,202 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Abilene Christian accumulate an average of $38,183 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Abilene Christian, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,756 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Abilene Christian University

2,953 Total Awards
$47,518 Average Earnings
$22,356 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas at Tyler ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. Tyler, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,953 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,356 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $190, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Tyler graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,518 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Tyler

7,128 Total Awards
$42,119 Average Earnings
$21,063 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This large public school is located in Edinburg, Texas, and it awarded 7,128 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UT Rio Grande Valley accumulate an average of $21,063 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59. During the early years of their career, UT Rio Grande Valley graduates make an average of $42,119 annually.

Full The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Report

#21

Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, Texas
1,886 Total Awards
$40,941 Average Earnings
$6,385 Avg Student Debt

Del Mar College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,886 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from DMC accumulate an average of $6,385 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, DMC graduates make an average of $40,941 annually.

Full Del Mar College Report

#22

Texas Woman's University

Denton, Texas
4,319 Total Awards
$44,718 Average Earnings
$30,091 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Texas Woman’s University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Texas Woman’s University is a fairly large public school located in Denton, Texas that handed out 4,319 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $30,091 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $118, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from TWU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,718 during the early years of their career.

Full Texas Woman’s University Report

#23

Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas
2,895 Total Awards
$37,354 Average Earnings
$25,432 Avg Student Debt

Stephen F Austin State University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Stephen F Austin State University is a fairly large public school located in Nacogdoches, Texas that handed out 2,895 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,432 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $261, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SFASU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,354 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Stephen F Austin State University

7,243 Total Awards
$39,063 Average Earnings
$12,611 Avg Student Debt

Austin Community College District landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This large public school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 7,243 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Austin Community College District accumulate an average of $12,611 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Austin Community College District, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,063 during the early years of their career.

Full Austin Community College District Report

#25

Houston Baptist University

Houston, Texas
990 Total Awards
$43,485 Average Earnings
$34,136 Avg Student Debt

Houston Baptist University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Texas list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Houston, Texas, and it awarded 990 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $34,136 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from HBU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,485 during the early years of their career.

Full Houston Baptist University Report

Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

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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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