If caring for others is a gift you have and desire to make a difference in people’s lives is something you value then becoming a nurse may be a career where those talents and dreams can become a daily reality. Nursing is an expanding career that is expected to increase over the decade by another 15%, meaning that finding employment after completing a degree will be the easiest part. With many quality nursing schools in Texas, prospective nurses have many options on where they start their education.
Nursing is a very general term that encompasses licensed practicing nurses, registered nurses, RN’s holding a BSN degree, and even nurse practitioners with an MSN degree. It is very important to know what type of nurse you desire to become and what education will be required for you to reach that goal. It is becoming more common however, for hospitals and clinics to require a BSN degree for those that are practicing as registered nurses. Keeping that in mind we have compiled the most affordable nursing schools in texas.
The average BSN holding registered nurse in Texas earns approximately $70,000 per year. With increasing opportunities for educated and experienced nurses, those seeking this career will find many opportunities for recession proof employment as well as opportunities for future growth.
Higher education is an investment that is worth making, especially in the field of nursing. Prospective nurses must take courses to learn the medical terminology, anatomy, skills, procedures, and so much more that goes into this profession. Higher education does not have to break the bank, there are nursing programs from accredited schools that are quite affordable.
We have researched the 14 most affordable nursing programs in the Lone Star State of Texas so you don’t have to!
1. Angelo State University
Established in 1928, San Angelo State University is a public institution that is a member of the TExas Tech university system. Angelo State provides a track for students seeking to become nurses with a BSN degree. Whether you are a first time college student, a returning student, a registered nurse, or a bachelor degree holding professional seeking to make a career change there is a track for you to earn a BSN at Angelo State. All students have access to the high fidelity simulation lab to gain essential skills. Students learn at the hands of professional nurses that have had extensive experience as nurses in a variety of clinical settings.
At A Glance
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Tuition: $2,757 Per Semester
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus
2. Texas A&M University Commerce
Texas A&M University Commerce is a larger institution for higher learning and provides a few paths for students seeking to earn a BSN or more advanced nursing degree. There are two tracks for students desiring a BSN, the traditional four year track and an accelerated RN to BSN track. Those wishing to apply for the accelerated route will need to have a RN degree or certificate prior to applying. Graduates will demonstrate high levels of knowledge integrated with skills and nursing theory. Students seeking an advanced degree will also find an MSN degree at Texas A&M University Commerce.
At A Glance
- Location: Commerce, Texas
- Tuition: $4,479 Per Semester
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On campus
3. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers a BSN degree through their college of nursing. Students that currently hold a RN certification can apply for the accelerated RN to BSN degree path. The traditional BSN program takes four years to complete. Students can opt for a hybrid delivery method where coursework can be taken online while the clinical and skills portion will be done on campus in state of the art labs. Students can apply for scholarships to decrease the cost of their education, along with federal and state grants students will have help in creating a plan for them to afford college. With two BSN tracks students can choose what is right for them and apply today.
At A Glance
- Location: Odessa, Texas
- Tuition: $6,328 Per Semester Resident
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On campus and Hybrid are available
4. Texas Woman’s University
Graduates of Texas Woman’s University will learn the art of caring balanced with science and nursing theory. Texas Woman’s University has ranked among the top institutions for nursing in the nation. Those seeking to earn a BSN degree can choose from a traditional track, a weekend program, and the RN to BSN track. There are three locations to serve the great numbers of students that desire to enroll, one in Dallas, Denton, and Houston. Graduate programs in nursing are also available at Texas Woman’s University.
At A Glance
- Location: Denton, Texas
- Tuition: $6,789 Per Semester
- Financial Aid:
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus and Online
5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education in a variety of learning formats including online and distance learning. We offer over 20 different nursing degree options and specialties. TTUHSC School of Nursing currently provides 4 options to earn a BSN degree. Those options include the traditional BSN pathway, the 100% online RN to BSN option, the accelerated Second Degree BSN pathway, and unique the Veteran to BSN program. TTUHSC School of Nursing also offers many MSN tracks and specializations, as well as post-master’s certifications, BSN to DNP pathways, and a post-master’s DNP option.
TTUHSC School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is recognized by the National League for Nursing – Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
At A Glance
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
- Tuition: Current tuition information can be found here: http://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/tuitionestimates.aspx
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus, Online, Hybrid
6. Texas A&M University Texarkana
Texas A&M University Texarkana currently provides two tracks for students seeking to earn a BSN degree, a traditional BSN pathway and RN to BSN fast track. The RN to BSN program is a completion program where students will need either an associate degree in nursing or a RN certificate prior to applying for the program. STudents of the traditional BSN program will have the knowledge to sit for the NCLEX exam upon completing the program. Graduates of these programs are knowledgeable and accountable leaders in the ever evolving world of healthcare. Those seeking advanced degrees will also find an MSN program available to Texas A&M Texarkana.
At A Glance
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Tuition: $215 Per Credit Hour Resident, $331 Per Credit Hour Non-Resident
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus
7. University of Houston-VIctoria
The University Houston-Victoria is a diverse institution and a designated Hispanic serving institution. Students seeking a BSN will find the RN to BSN program offered by UHV to be rigorous and helpful in advancing their career. This program is designed for those currently holding a RN certificate that is up to date. Graduates for this program are able to synthesize knowledge from teh sciences to provide appropriate and culturally sensitive care to their patients. Graduates demonstrate leadership skill and advocacy related to clinical and professional issues.
At A Glance
- Location: Victoria, Texas
- Tuition: $8,068 for 30 Nursing Credits
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
Delivery Method: Traditional and Online
8. Texas A&M University Central Texas
Originally a branch of the Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University Central Texas became its own entity of higher education and a member of the Texas A&M system in 1999. The nursing program is a degree completion program where students must have a RN degree or certificate in order to apply. They will build upon the knowledge of the education they received for becoming a registered nurse as they earn their BSN. This completion program is entirely online, students can choose to attend full-time or part-time. Practicums for this program are integrated into assignments to guarenatte students are learning the skills necessary for a BSN.
At A Glance
- Location: Killeen, Texas
- Tuition: $254 Per Credit Hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: Online
9. The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley has a School of Nursing that is a ranking school that provides nursing degrees at every level. First time students can enroll in the traditional BSN program that takes approximately four years to complete while those with prior education can choose from a more accelerated program. Students with an RN license can enroll in the RN to BSN program while those with a bachelor degree in another field can enroll in the second degree BSN program. Faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students learn and succeed in their education and future healthcare career.
At A Glance
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
- Tuition: $277 Per Credit Hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus and Online
10. Texas A&M International University
As one of the eight nursing programs offered through the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M International University also happens to be home to a top-ranking program in various areas. It is number one for student retention, third for highest mobility rate, and fifth for affordability. Those all add up to a great program at an affordable rate for students seeking to earn a nursing degree. Students can apply to one of two pathways, either a completion degree (RN to BSN) or the traditional four-year BSN degree track. Boasting a 10 to 1 faculty to student ratio for every clinical ensures that students receive personal attention and learn correct nursing skills and procedures.
At A Glance
- Location: Laredo, Texas
- Tuition: $8,995 for 32 hours of nursing
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: ACEN
- Delivery Method: Online
11. Tarleton State University
A nursing degree from Tarleton State University is an affordable option that will allow students to pursue a career in nursing in various settings. Tarleton State offers two tracks for students seeking a BSN degree. They have a pre-licensure track, which is for students that have no prior education or certification in nursing. The second track they offer is a post-licensure track which is for students that have a RN certificate and have completed an associate degree in nursing. Graduates will have a broad knowledge of nursing theory, practices, skills, ethics, policies and more. Students will be mentored by expert and caring faculty. Those seeking advance nursing education can earn an MSN degree at Tarleton as well.
At A Glance
- Location: Stephenville, Texas
- Tuition: $432 Per Credit Hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus and Online
12. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio integrates interdisciplinary learning with clinical and research opportunities to ensure graduates of the nursing program are prepared to become leaders in an evolving career in healthcare. Students receive hands-on experience through clinical rotations at various participating clinics within the area. Prospective nurses can choose one of two tracks to earn their BSN degree. The first is a traditional four year degree in which students will prepare for and take the NCLEX-RN exam and earn their BSN. The second is an accelerated pathway where students that currently have a RN license can apply for the RN to BSN program.
At A Glance
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Tuition: Calculate Fees Here
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus
13. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University has ranked a number of times on college review lists for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The nursing program is accredited and prepares graduates to meet the challenges of providing quality healthcare in an evolving healthcare system. Providing a student centered education where students are engaged, graduates are able to demonstrate evidence based nursing practice and become leaders within the healthcare community. There are two tracks fro student seeking a BSN degree. The first is a pre-licensure track for students with no prior education or experience in nursing. The second track is an RN to BSN program that is accelerated.
At A Glance
- Location: Canyon, Texas
- Tuition: Calculate Tuition Here
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus
14. The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso has been educating students in nursing for years and has been ranked among the top institutions for nursing in the nation. UTEP offers high quality instruction and hands-on experience where students gain the necessary skills to be leaders in the healthcare industry. Students can pursue a nursing degree at teh bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels at UTEP. There are two tracks available for those seeking to earn a BSN. There is the traditional four year track for new students as well as an accelerated RN to BSN for students that already have an RN license.
At A Glance
- Location: El Paso, Texas
- Tuition: $336 per Credit Hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Accredited: CCNE
- Delivery Method: On Campus and Online
Though there are many other institutions in Texas that provide nursing degrees not all are created equal. Every one of the programs listed is accredited and affordable. These nursing schools in Texas will adequately instruct, prepare, and mentor students to become success leaders within the field of nursing in the healthcare community.
Schools are ranked according to cost and being the most affordable in Texas. Every school listed is accredited by the CCNE for the nursing programs they deliver.
