Top Nursing Schools in Houston, Texas for 2025
If you are interested in becoming a nurse and want to attend a program in Houston, Texas, you’ve come to the right place!
According to ZipRecruiter, BSN-trained nurses in the state of Texas earn about $82,599 annually or $40/hr. But landing your dream job in the nursing profession requires choosing the right educational pathway for you.
In a career as demanding as nursing, education is an essential component to showing you’re qualified to succeed in the profession.
Houston has some of the top nursing programs in the country, and each one has various nursing degrees and pathways. This article will highlight the features and benefits of the top nursing schools in the greater Houston area.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Houston
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.
The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center is one of the top nursing schools in Houston and the entire state of Texas.
The university offers several programs for aspiring nurses, including a “pacesetter” BSN and an RN to BSN program. The pacesetter BSN is an accelerated entry-to-practice program that allows students to finish their program in just 15 months.
The university website boasts unparalleled classroom and clinical opportunities with 600 hours of clinical experience that starts in the first year.
- Traditional: No
- Accelerated:
- Bridge: Yes
The Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing at the University of St Thomas emphasizes holistic nursing that engages with the patient's mind, body, and spirit. The university aims to help students develop “process skills” that include speaking articulately, writing clearly, developing good critical thinking skills, and making good decisions.
The university offers two options for nursing students, including a traditional 4-year BSN and a 2nd degree 12-month accelerated BSN.
- Traditional: Yes
- Bridge: No
The University of Houston’s mission includes providing innovative, dynamic, and nationally competitive nursing education to students, according to its website.
The university offers a traditional BSN, a 12-month-long accelerated BSN for students with a prior non-nursing degree, and an RN to BSN bridge program.
- Traditional: Yes
- Bridge: Yes
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
It is Prairie View A&M’s nursing program's 100th birthday creating successful nursing graduates who contribute to the profession throughout Texas and beyond.
For those looking for an active social college experience, you may be excited to hear that the university was voted #1 for best Homecoming by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and also has 150 student organizations on campus.
The university has three pathways for prospective nursing students: a traditional BSN, an RN-BSN, and an LVN-BSN concentration.
- Traditional: Yes
- Bridge: Yes
Nursing students at Chamberlain College of Nursing, Houston campus, can earn a BSN in as quickly as three years of full-time study.
Other benefits of the nursing program include no waitlists and no prerequisite requirements before starting the nursing program. This gives aspiring nursing students a faster start to completing their studies and starting their nursing careers.
The University also provides hands-on clinical experience in its SIMCARE CENTER and on-site clinical setting. The SIMCARE CENTER offers simulated nursing experience with practice on high-tech patient manikins.
- Bridge: Yes
Alvin Community College’s ADN program has a 93% job placement and transfer rate. The university website reports that upon acceptance, nursing students focus on nursing theory, ethics, patient care technology, developing care plans, and leadership skills.
- Traditional: ADN Yes
- Bridge: No
San Jacinto Colleges offers several educational pathways for prospective nurses: an ADN program, an RN-BSN program, and an LVN/paramedic to ADN transition.
San Jacinto College has ADN programs at both its Central and North campuses, which serve the greater Houston area. Students who decide to continue their education with the 3-semester RN to BSN program continue their education at the Central campus.
- Traditional: Yes
- Bridge: Yes
There are two nursing pathways to earn an ADN at LSC-Montgomery. These include an ADN transition program for paramedics and LVNs and a two-year basic track ADN for students with no nursing or paramedic education.
Tuition at this university depends on residency and the number of credit hours taken per semester. A full-time in-district student taking 15 credits per semester would pay about $1,440 per semester for tuition. However, an out-of-state student taking 15 units per semester would pay $4,035.
- Tuition: In-district $96/credit hour, Out-of-district $214/credit hour, Out-of-state $269/credit hour
- Bridge: Yes
9. Lee College
Lee College offers four unique nursing programs:
- A traditional LVN program
- An evening and weekend LVN program
- A two-year ADN program
- An LVN to ADN transitional program
The university recently renovated and expanded its classroom and clinical lab spaces and added a state-of-the-art, five-room simulation center.
- Traditional: Yes (ADN)
- Bridge: Yes
Formerly known as Houston Baptist University, Houston Christian University offers academics with a Christian worldview.
The university offers a traditional BSN program and a fully online RN to BSN program. The BSN degree courses have clinical experiences in all of the major Houston hospitals. In addition, many hospitals in the area offer opportunities for students to be selected for work-study nursing programs. Approximately ten students per school are selected for a work-study nursing program.
- Bridge: No
Houston Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
Here are the stats according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Texas nurses earn an annual mean wage of $84,320, which is significantly higher than the national average
- Houston has a location quotient of 0.92, meaning it employs fewer nurses per 1,000 workers than the national average
- Houston is also a large employer of nurses, with over 58,620 nurses currently employed and working.
Applying to Houston Nursing Schools
After reviewing prospective nursing programs in Houston and choosing a few that look like a good fit, it’s a good idea to contact each school to ensure that you understand their admission requirements.
Many programs want students to have their admission requirements completed or at least partially completed before applying. However, every school is unique and has different requirements.
It is a good idea to submit applications to more than one college in case one school decides to give you an unbeatable financial aid package. Plus, it never hurts to have more options to choose from!
Here is a more detailed look at the steps:
- Contact each school’s admissions office. The admissions office helps applicants learn more about requirements and application details. Reach out to each school's admissions office to learn more.
- Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Make sure you are eligible for your prospective nursing programs. In addition to college admissions requirements, you must meet the requirements for the nursing program.
- Ensure that you have completed the required prerequisite courses. You must always ensure you meet the minimum grade requirements for acceptance consideration.
- Submit your application(s). After you've completed your research and prepared your application materials, the final step is to submit your applications! Pay special attention to application deadlines as they vary from school to school. Late applications likely won’t be considered.
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 Houston
After applying to schools, keep an eye out for acceptance letters. Your final task is to select a college that best fits your personal needs and professional goals.
Factors to consider when comparing nursing schools include:
- Tuition and ancillary program costs
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- Cost of living on-campus or in-town
- School and nursing program acceptance rate
- NCLEX pass rate and job placement
- Direct entry vs. separate application for the nursing program
- Commutes to school and hospitals
- Length of program
- Accreditation (regional and national)
Getting a Nursing License in Houston
Houston 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 the home state and in other eNLC states.
To get a license in Houston, 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
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Next Steps
Working in Houston as a nurse is a lifelong dream for many people, and it is within reach!
There are so many unique universities and educational pathways to choose from. And keep in mind that you don’t have to stop with an ADN or BSN. There are many advanced-level nursing programs in Houston and the state of Texas to help you create the nursing career you desire.
