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The Best Nursing Schools in Houston in 2018

Choosing the right nursing school can make or break your career. No pressure. Seriously, though–you need a school with a teaching style that works for you, high NCLEX pass rates, a reasonable teacher-to-student ratio, and tuition that won’t break the bank. And those are just a few of the factors you have to consider when you’re planning to pursue your BSN. To make it a little easier, we’ve scoured the nation’s top nursing schools–the schools that offer the most value while turning out successful nurses who consistently perform at the top of their game and make their career goals a reality. Then we’ve narrowed it to nursing schools surrounding the Houston, Texas area, so you can explore options that work for you without moving across the country.

Texas is home to a huge variety of exceptional nursing schools, from small programs that are highly selective (and successful) to huge nursing programs at internationally-recognized universities. Chances are good you’ll find the perfect choice here. Read on to find out more about the best nursing schools in Houston and surrounding areas!

Most convenient nursing schools in Houston for residents.

These schools are perfect for Houston residents who don’t want to commute outside of the Houston city limits.

1. The University of Texas Health School of Nursing

It’s a mouthful, but the Cizik School of Nursing, part of the campus of the University of Texas, has a lot to offer. Located in Houston, the UT Health School of Nursing has one of the state’s highest NCLEX pass rates–and remarkably affordable tuition. A variety of BSN Bridge programs make it possible to pursue your BSN on your timetable. UT Health School also offers several master’s programs in nursing, if you feel called to specialize further once you earn your BSN. Find out more about their nursing programs here.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.6%
  • In-State Tuition: $14,174
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

2. Texas Woman’s University Houston Center

The Texas Woman’s University nursing program has three locations: Denton, Dallas, and Houston. In Houston, you can choose between a full BSN program, a BSN weekend program, or an RN to BSN program. The TWU Houston Center is an entire campus in one building, giving students easy access to all labs, simulation centers, lecture halls, and more in central Houston. It’s also one of the most affordable programs in the state of Texas, while retaining high academic and professional standards. Definitely worth your consideration!

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
  • In-State Tuition: $6,450
  • Accredited: Yes

 

3. Prairie View Texas A&M University

Prairie View Texas A&M is a historically Black university with an outstanding BSN program as well as graduate and doctorate-level nursing programs. A beautiful campus, vibrant student life, and great location make it a tempting choice for those who want to stay in the city of Houston. Plus, they have over 100 years of experience training Texas nurses.

  • NCEX Pass Rate: 88%
  • In-State Tuition: $11,639
  • Accredited: Yes

 

4. University of St. Thomas – Texas

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university in Houston with Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program that caters to nurses at many points in their careers. State-of-the-art facilities, a relatively small program size, and an emphasis on the nurse as a healing presence in every space they work sets them apart from many larger public institutions.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.5%
  • In-State Tuition: $12,193 (after average financial aid received)
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

5. Houston Baptist University

A private Christian university, Houston Baptist is a little pricier than some of the other nursing schools in Houston, but a significant amount of financial aid is available to offset those costs. Their Department of Nursing offers both BSN and BSN-honors programs and include general classes in their nursing degree plans. A significantly higher-than-average NCLEX pass rate and a low student-to-teacher ration speak highly of the faculty’s engagement with students.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 86.8%
  • In-State Tuition: $30,480
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

6. Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a three-year BSN degree with RN to BSN or Military to BSN options. Their on-site Simcare Center allows nurses to practice clinical skills under the eye of experienced nurses and educators, and accelerated programs help students enter the workforce as quickly as possible by attending school full-time through the summer, if desired. Solid NCLEX pass rates and relatively low tuition makes Chamberlain an attractive choice for many students.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 78.4%
  • In-State Tuition: $16,200
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

Nearby Nursing Schools

These schools aren’t actually in the Houston city limits, but they’re an easy commute from the city. You’ll find schools with spellbinding grounds, dedicated faculty, and academically rigorous schools in this neck of the woods.

1. University of Houston School of Nursing

The University of Houston School of Nursing consistently boasts extremely high NCLEX pass rates–100% for each of the last three years, which puts them among the top 5% in the nation. They offer both an RN to BSN and a first degree BSN program, they have a beautiful state-of-the-art simulation center, and their staff and professors are known for going above and beyond for their students. The UH School of Nursing is just down the road from Houston in Sugar Land.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • In-State Tuition: $11,989
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

2. Stephen F. Austin State University

About two hours up the road in the heart of the hill country, you’ll find a picturesque little town called Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches is home to Stephen F. Austin State University, a hidden jewel of a state school. The nursing program at Stephen F. Austin is small but mighty, turning out well-prepared nurses every year. A remarkably strong NCLEX pass rate and a high level of support for nursing students at every level of their education set Stephen F. Austin apart from the crowd.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
  • In-State Tuition: $10,288

 

3. Texas A&M HSC School of Nursing

Texas A&M is one of the state’s largest schools, yet it consistently turns out some of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state. A student-to-faculty ratio of 1:10, a relatively small program size, and beautifully equipped, recently updated state-of-the-art facilities mean you’re learning from dedicated teachers in the best possible environment. The Texas A&M HSC School of Nursing is located about an hour and a half from Houston–not a bad drive.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%
  • In-State Tuition: $11,237

 

4. Texas Lutheran University

Located in Seguin, Texas, a little over two and a half hours away from Houston, Texas Lutheran University offers a perfect NLEX pass rate, a beautiful campus, and an attractive location. This private Lutheran university isn’t as expensive as many of its other private university counterparts, making it a great value for the education you’ll receive. TLU’s nursing program features small classes and even smaller clinical groups of just 6-8 students facilitate a warm, supportive learning environment with room for building relationships with highly qualified teachers. TLU offers a pre-licensure BSN as part of its ample Health Sciences School.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • In-State Tuition: $18,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

5. University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing

The UTMB School of Nursing has a 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate, and it’s near the beach. What more could you want? How about exceptional faculty, a vision to become the best nursing school in the U.S., and exceptionally high student reviews? You’ve got it.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
  • In-State Tuition: $17,242
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

6. East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University is a relatively small, private liberal-arts university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Their nursing program is small but mighty, with dedicated faculty, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and plenty of opportunities to shine. ETBU offers a B.S. in nursing, a prelicensure BSN, and an RN to BSN program.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • In-State Tuition: $21,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

7. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston is just over an hour from the city of Houston, and its nursing program has plenty to recommend it. A strong NCLEX pass rate, a long history of success and tradition, and a dedication to growth are just a few qualities that make Sam Houston’s program unique. Sam Houston offers a pre-nursing program, a B.S. in Nursing, an RN to BSN program, and an LVN to RN program, so no matter where you are in your career, chances are you can find a fit that works for you.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
  • In-State Tuition: $13,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

8. Lamar University

Located about an hour up the road in Beaumont, Lamar University offers both in-residence and online classes, including a nursing program with completely online coursework. A strong NCLEX pass rate and the flexibility for students to build an academic schedule that fits their lives make Lamar an attractive choice for many students. Lamar offers an RN to BSN program, an RN to MSN, and a couple of other MSN degrees for those planning to take their nursing education to the next level.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
  • In-State Tuition: $13,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

9. University of Texas at Arlington

Another UT School, The University of Texas nursing program at Arlington is also a great choice with its own set of perks. UT Arlington offers a pre-licensure BSN, an RN to BSN program, and an accelerated program with part of the classes completed online. They also offer a competitive Honors Degree Program that offers more scholarships, priority clinical placement, extended library privileges, internships and research apprenticeships, and opportunities for independent study, among others.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%
  • In-State Tuition: $14,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

10. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers a comprehensive nursing program including an ADN to BSN track and a BSN track, as well as master’s and doctorate-level training. The program was recently awarded a prestigious professional nursing education award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and they maintain a consistently high NCLEX pass rate. Students love their caring faculty–and the school’s recently renovated classrooms and facilities.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
  • In-State Tuition: $18,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

 

11. University of Mary-Hardin Baylor

The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor is one of the highest-ranking Christian universities in the state of Texas, and its nursing program is one of the oldest in the state. UMHB’s Scott & White School of Nursing offers students a state-of-the-art simulation center and beautiful facilities, opportunities to study abroad and serve others, and excellent faculty–but they’re also one of the most expensive schools on this list. UMHB offers a BSN and RN to BSN program, as well as graduate and doctoral programs in nursing. UMHB is about three hours from Houston center.

  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 80%
  • In-State Tuition: $24,000
  • Accreditation: Yes

Didn’t find what you were looking for here? Find out about other incredible nursing schools in other parts of Texas (or the nation!) by continuing your search here.

Ranking Methodology

The programs listed here include the best Texas nursing programs within about 3 hours of Houston. Schools are ranked according to their NCLEX pass rates (found here)  and their cost of tuition, which we researched and listed as closely as possible to the average price paid after financial aid per year of school. Of course, these prices vary depending on the amount of financial aid you receive, your residence status, and the year in which you apply and enroll. Please realize, too, that there’s more to a school than their tuition costs and NCLEX pass rates. The amount of financial aid you qualify for might make a more “expensive” school the most affordable option for you, and a lower NCLEX pass rate doesn’t necessarily mean that school offers lower-quality instruction.

Note to Schools

If you’d like to make a correction to the information listed about your school on this page, please contact us to let us know! We do everything in our power to list the most accurate, up-to-date information possible.

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