2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Texas
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Texas? This list ranks 403 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 78 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Texas
Explore the best-value schools below:
Lamar State College Port Arthur earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Texas. Located in Port Arthur, TX, Lamar State College Port Arthur is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,770, with out-of-state students paying around $8,070. Students borrow a median of $33,385 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,120. That is a strong return on a $33,385 median debt. Get the full Lamar State College Port Arthur report
Amarillo College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Texas. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Amarillo College
Galveston College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Texas. Set in Galveston, TX, Galveston College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,726, with out-of-state students paying around $6,176. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,183. Galveston College alumni report median earnings of $37,233 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Galveston College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jacinto Community College earned it the #4 place in Texas. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Out of the 78 schools in Texas in this year's value ranking, Collin County Community College District landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in McKinney, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Students borrow a median of $9,716 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Collin County Community College District
Alvin Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Graduates carry a median of $8,600 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,762. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Panola College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. See the full Panola College profile
College Of The Mainland came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
El Centro College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,557. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full El Centro College report
Tarrant County College District placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. The median Nursing program debt is $15,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,727. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tarrant County College District
El Paso Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. El Paso Community College Nursing students take on a median of $8,542 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Paso Community College
Wharton County Junior College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. The median Nursing program debt is $10,916. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wharton County Junior College profile
Lamar State College Orange placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Set in Orange, TX, Lamar State College Orange is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,832, while out-of-state students pay about $13,824. Students borrow a median of $18,506 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $36,587 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,506 median debt. Read more about Lamar State College Orange
South Texas College landed the #14 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. South Texas College Nursing students take on a median of $6,868 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,788 ten years out. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Texas College report
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $14,869 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Victoria College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. Victoria College Nursing students take on a median of $10,910 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,382. Set against $10,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Victoria College
Clarendon College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Clarendon College Nursing students take on a median of $14,789 in debt. Clarendon College alumni report median earnings of $38,696 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,789 median debt. Read more about Clarendon College
South Plains College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Plains College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville landed the #19 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,148 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. The University Of Texas At Brownsville Nursing students take on a median of $10,058 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Northeast Texas Community College landed the #20 spot for value in Texas this year. Northeast Texas Community College is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,980, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. Northeast Texas Community College Nursing students take on a median of $15,089 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Texas Community College
Lone Star College System landed the #21 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. Read more about Lone Star College System
Houston Community College landed the #22 spot for value in Texas this year. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,223 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,223 median debt. Get the full Houston Community College report
Temple College landed the #23 spot for value in Texas this year. Located in Temple, TX, Temple College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, compared with $7,524 for out-of-state students. Temple College Nursing students take on a median of $16,617 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,678. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Temple College
Odessa College placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Based in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,688, compared with $4,926 for out-of-state students. Odessa College Nursing students take on a median of $9,087 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,026 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,087 median debt. Get the full Odessa College report
Lee College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Lee College Nursing students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lee College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Texas
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Del Mar College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Del Mar College Nursing students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,656 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. More on Del Mar College
Angelina College placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. This public school is set in Lufkin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,430, compared with $6,490 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $7,828. Median earnings reach $37,301 ten years out. Set against $7,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Angelina College
Mclennan Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $5,910. The median Nursing program debt is $11,598. Median earnings reach $39,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mclennan Community College report
Navarro College placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Set in Corsicana, TX, Navarro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,008, while out-of-state students pay about $6,578. Navarro College Nursing students take on a median of $13,781 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,716 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Navarro College
North Central Texas College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Gainesville, TX, North Central Texas College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $5,739. Graduates carry a median of $15,965 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,809. That is a strong return on a $15,965 median debt. Get the full North Central Texas College report
Howard College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Howard College is a public school based in Big Spring, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Students borrow a median of $14,242 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,382 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt. Get the full Howard College report
Grayson College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Grayson College Nursing students take on a median of $11,627 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Grayson College
Central Texas College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,750, compared with $7,500 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,290 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,995 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,290 median debt. Get the full Central Texas College report
Laredo Community College landed the #34 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Weatherford College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Weatherford College is a public school based in Weatherford, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $10,860. The median Nursing program debt is $14,099. Median earnings reach $42,397 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Weatherford College profile
Vernon College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $12,513 in student loans. Vernon College alumni report median earnings of $40,464 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,513 median debt. More on Vernon College
Kilgore College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,160, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,975 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kilgore College
Texarkana College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Texarkana, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,476, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Students borrow a median of $11,686 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,647. That is a strong return on a $11,686 median debt. More on Texarkana College
Southwest Texas Junior College landed the #39 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Uvalde, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,646, compared with $6,294 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,157 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,563. Set against $7,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southwest Texas Junior College
Midland College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Midland, TX, Midland College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,180. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Midland College
Ranger College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Ranger, TX, Ranger College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $9,066. Students borrow a median of $12,749 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,552 ten years after entry. Set against $12,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ranger College profile
Texas A And M International University landed the #42 spot for value in Texas this year. Texas A And M International University is a public school based in Laredo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,894, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $15,095. Texas A And M International University alumni report median earnings of $48,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,095 median debt. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
Trinity Valley Community College placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Based in Athens, TX, Trinity Valley Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,970 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $12,323. Median earnings reach $38,567 ten years out. Set against $12,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Trinity Valley Community College report
Blinn College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Brenham, TX, Blinn College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,370. Blinn College Nursing students take on a median of $16,465 in debt. Blinn College alumni report median earnings of $46,318 a decade after entry. Set against $16,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Blinn College profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Texas State Technical College placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Set in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. Graduates carry a median of $12,953 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,916. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Texas State Technical College report
St Philips College placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. St Philips College is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,412, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. St Philips College Nursing students take on a median of $15,653 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,224 ten years out. Set against $15,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Philips College
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Tarleton State University placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Tarleton State University Nursing students take on a median of $23,222 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. That is a strong return on a $23,222 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Angelo State University placed #50 among the best-value Nursing schools in Texas. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,237. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. Set against $21,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Angelo State University profile
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 78 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 403 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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