Top Nursing Schools in Dallas, Texas for 2025

13 Min Read Published January 10, 2025
Top Nursing Schools in Dallas, Texas for 2025

If your goal is to advance your education as a registered nurse in the Dallas area, we are glad you’re here! We’ve gathered all the essential information you need to help you find the right nursing program for you.

While you are reading through this comprehensive list, keep in mind that even though an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum required education needed to become an RN, many hiring managers prefer graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing  (BSN). It may not always be required; however, it typically gives graduates an edge over candidates without a BSN.

Dallas is home to some of the top nursing programs in the United States.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 251,840 RNs in the state of Texas as of 2023.

Each nursing program in Dallas is unique, with different degree levels, program lengths, costs, and philosophies. Check out this list of top Dallas nursing programs to see if there are a few that may be a good fit for you!

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Dallas

Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard

In-State Annual Tuition
$53,890 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$53,890 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
Yes

Texas Christian University’s (TCU’s) Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an excellent nursing program for those who want to prepare for a career in various healthcare settings. 

TCU faculty includes accomplished educators, practitioners, and researchers with the experience and desire to promote the field of nursing.  The school's simulation and practice labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to arm nursing students with the highest quality simulation and clinical experience.

TCU offers a traditional track that is 29 weeks long. They also offer an accelerated track with the same number of courses and clinical hours for students to complete their program in a faster 19-month program. 

  • Bridge: No
In-State Annual Tuition
$5,616 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$15,408 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Texas Woman’s University spans three campuses: Dallas, Denton, and Houston.  

The university offers several pathways for aspiring nurses, including a traditional BSN, a BSN weekend/evening program, and an RN-BSN program. 

The university has a positive, long-standing reputation throughout the state with academic partnerships with UT Southwest Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, and Methodist Health System.  

  • Traditional: Yes
  • Bridge: Yes

 

In-State Annual Tuition
$4,050 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$6,000 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Dallas College’s El Centro Campus is located near the downtown Dallas Historic District. However, Dallas College also offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program at three additional campuses: Brookhaven, Mountain View, and North Lake. 

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: No

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

In-State Annual Tuition
$22,720 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$22,720 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
Yes

The Arizona College of Nursing in Dallas offers a 3-year BSN program. Students with qualified transfer credits may be eligible to earn their degree in less time. The location of the university is also excellent for aspiring nurses in Dallas because it is located near the “High Five” interchange.

The university website reports that the university fosters a close community for nursing students with many social events such as Welcome Week, Dinner With the Dean, and ice cream socials. Students also celebrate with a transition ceremony from general education to core classes.

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: No

In-State Annual Tuition
$23,400 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$23,400 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Southwestern Adventist University’s nursing programs offer small class sizes with highly experienced and dedicated professors.  The university website boasts that their nursing students enter the profession prepared to engage with other healthcare co-workers and able to optimize patient outcomes by addressing not just the physical but all aspects of their patient's health.

Southwest Adventist University offers two nursing bachelor's degree programs:  A traditional bachelor’s program, an LVN-BSN bridge program, and an RN-BSN bridge program. 

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: Yes 

In-State Annual Tuition
$9,206 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$26,778 per year
Online Options?
Yes
Accelerated Options?
Yes

The University of Texas at Arlington helps to prepare nursing students to become competent, self-directed nursing practitioners and create leaders in the profession. The program is competitive, and there are two start dates each year in January and June. 

The University of Texas, Arlington, sits about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.  The university offers several nursing pathways, including a campus-based BSN, an accelerated online BSN, a campus-based RN to BSN, and an accelerated online RN to BSN. 

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: Yes (RN to BSN)

In-State Annual Tuition
$51,738 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$51,738 per year
Online Options?
Yes
Accelerated Options?
Yes

The Louise Herrington School of Nursing program at Baylor University is located near downtown Dallas and is conveniently located near Baylor University Medical Center. 

In addition, the program boasts more than 150 professional nursing practice sites throughout Dallas communities.  The nursing program lies in a four-story facility that includes classrooms, state-of-the-art learning methodologies, common areas for students, and a large 24-hour learning resource center.

The university offers a traditional BSN, a 12-month fast-track BSN for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree, and an accelerated online BSN.

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: No

In-State Annual Tuition
$3,402 per year
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$8,235 per year
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Tarrant County College’s primary nursing program results in an ADN. However, the university also offers a “Nursing Field of Study” program for students who intend to take their prerequisite and core curriculum courses at the community college and transfer them to another teaching institution. 

Students interested in earning a BSN may be interested in this option. The university website notes that students should consult with an advisor regarding transferring credits to another college or university.

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: No

In-State Tuition
$7,620 estimated total cost
Out-of-State Annual Tuition
$12,120 estimated total cost
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Located 30 miles from Dallas’s city center, Collin College offers several nursing tracks. These include an ADN program, RN to BSN program, and an LVN-RN bridge program. Collin College is also accredited by the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and is one of only a handful of community colleges in the nation to receive that accreditation.

Traditional: Yes

Bridge: Yes

Tuition
N/A
Traditional?
Yes
Online Options?
No
Accelerated Options?
No

Trinity Valley Community College offers a variety of nursing pathways, including ADN, LVN to ADN, Paramedic to ADN, and RN to BSN. Some of the benefits of attending this nursing program are that they have a high acceptance rate, and it is more affordable than most other nursing schools in the state of Texas. In addition, the program also has a higher-than-average- NCLEX pass rate for the state!

Bridge: Yes

Dallas Nurse Salary 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas nurses earn a mean annual wage of $90,210, which is significantly higher than the national average. 

Applying to Dallas Nursing Schools

After reviewing prospective nursing programs in Houston and choosing a few that look like a good fit, it is a good idea to contact each school to ensure that you understand their admission requirements. Most programs want students to have their admission requirements completed or at least nearly completed before applying.

It is a good idea to submit applications to more than one college so you have several options to choose from!

Here are the next steps in detail:

  • Contact each school’s admissions offices. The admissions office helps applicants learn more about requirements and application details. Before you start your applications, contact each school's admissions office to learn more.
  • Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. In addition to college admission requirements, you must meet the requirements for the nursing program. 
  • Ensure that you have completed the required prerequisite courses. Nursing schools typically require that you earn a B or above in your nursing prerequisites. Contact your prospective school(s) to learn about specific prerequisite requirements.
  • Submit your application(s). After you've completed your research and prepared your application materials, the final step is to submit your applications! Make sure you submit applications by the school's deadline. 

Materials you'll likely need for your application include:

  • High school transcript (GPA)
  • ACT and/or SAT scores
  • College entrance essay(s)
  • Letter(s) of recommendations
  • Volunteer experience (healthcare preferred)

Comparing Nursing Schools in Dallas

Your final task is to select the college that best fits your personal needs and professional goals.

Factors to consider when comparing schools include:

  • Tuition and ancillary program costs 
  • Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
  • Cost of living on-campus or locally in the area
  • School and nursing program acceptance rate
  • School’s NCLEX pass rate and job placement
  • Direct entry vs. separate application for the nursing program
  • Commutes to school/hospitals
  • Length of program
  • School’s accreditation (regional and national)

Getting a Nursing License in Dallas

Dallas is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). This allows RNs and LVNs to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice in their home state as well as other eNLC states. 

To get a license in Dallas, you'll need to:

  • Study at an accredited institution
  • Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
  • Pass a criminal and mental health background check
  • Apply through Houston’s Board of Nursing website

Then you get to start your first nursing job and make your career a reality! Many healthcare facilities will hire new nursing graduates with the contingency that they pass their NCLEX on the first try.

Your initial Texas license will be valid for six to 29 months, depending on your birth month and year. You will also need to complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) after your first renewal.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Next Steps

It is possible to achieve your dream nursing job in Dallas, but you’ll have to explore all nursing program options in detail first!

Keep in mind that there are even more higher-education options for nurses now than ever before. For example, nurses with an ADN can apply to bridge programs such as an ADN to BSN or ADN to MSN to further their education and enhance their careers. Nurses with a BSN can easily continue their educational journeys with a master's degree, and some even earn a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). The sky’s the limit!

Sarah Jividen
RN, BSN
Sarah Jividen
Nurse.org Contributor

Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions, LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), National University - Los Angeles Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Journalism, California State University - Chico

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