Online BSN Programs in TX: Learning About Top Schools
This guide highlights the top online BSN nursing programs in Texas. They can help you become a first-time nurse or improve your earning power and career prospects as a current nurse. You’ll get answers to frequently asked questions, including those related to the types of programs available, indicators of a quality program, and benefits of completing a BSN program. Also, note the resources available throughout the guide to help you discover the right program and path.
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A Closer Look: Popular BSN Programs in Texas
Popular BSN programs in Texas offer many options for online learning, where some are entirely in-person, a few are hybrid, and others are 100% online. Many BSN programs allow LPNs and/or ADNs to earn their RN licenses and a bachelor’s degree simultaneously. Others are for individuals who do not have college experience and still need prerequisites in addition to required nursing courses. There are even programs for people with degrees in other fields.
BSN programs provide advanced nursing courses and preparation for the NCLEX-RN and, potentially, for graduate education. Compared to RN, BSN, and ADN programs, BSN programs teach a wider range of skills, including those needed for nursing leadership. BSN programs tend to have more flexibility with clinical requirements since most students already work as nurses. When looking for a program, consider the fit related to your college and work experience, schedule and program flexibility, and program focus. These exemplary schools offer insight into what you can expect in quality Texas BSN programs.
RN to BSN – Sam Houston State University
The online RN to BSN program at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) works well for nurses who have already passed the NCLEX-RN and possess unencumbered Texas RN licenses. The program is 100% online and includes 10 nursing courses. Full-time and part-time options are available. The program consists of 7.5-week classes in the fall/spring, a 3-week mini-semester, and 10-week courses in the summer session.
This RN to BSN program offers a joint admission option for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students enrolled at area colleges. Accessible and relatable faculty members teach SHSU’s program. Application is always open with starts in the fall/spring or summer.
Duration: One year
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $4614.20/semesterAdmissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered Texas RN license
- Cumulative, overall, and prerequisite GPA of 2.5
- Compliance with clinical readiness requirements
Curriculum:
- Older Adult Health Management
- Introduction to Research
- RN –to BSN Role Transition
- Community Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- RN –to BSN Capstone
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
- Informatics
- Rural Health Nursing
- Nursing Genetics and Genomics
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RN to BSN – Texas A&M University
The RN to BSN program at Texas A&M University is a 30-credit curriculum available 100% online. Registered nurses with ADNs are eligible for this program; new ADN graduates can be admitted but must pass the NCLEX-RN exam by the end of their first term in the program. Students must complete individual practicum experiences in person in their communities during the program. LVN to RN, paramedic bridge, and diploma students can enroll if they have the minimum amount of transferable credits. Transfer nursing coursework from previous RN to BSN programs is not accepted. Students are admitted in the spring and summer terms.
Duration: Three to four semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,775 per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.75 or higher GPA
- ADN
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- Prerequisite and nursing science GPA of 2.5
Curriculum:
- Nursing Dimensions and Informatics for the RN
- Application of Evidence-Based Practice for the RN
- Health Promotion Across the Lifespan for the RN
- Leadership and Management for the RN
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the RN
- Health Assessment for the RN
- Community Health for the RN
- Care of Older Adults
- Professional Practice Issues for the RN
RN to BSN Online – Lamar University
Lamar University’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Online program allows RNs to complete a bachelor’s degree quickly and with the flexibility to continue working as an RN while going to school. This 30-credit program results in the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to work as a high-level nurse.
Project-based practicum experiences help students master nursing tasks. The program offers online learning and flexible scheduling for practicums. It builds on existing nursing knowledge, equips nurses to pursue MSNs, and eliminates the stress of finding a preceptor or securing clinical placements. This RN to BSN program explores a wide range of nursing topics while preparing students for success with the NCLEX-RN.
Duration: 13 months
Mode: 100% Online
Cost: $10,356
Admissions Requirements:
- Admission to Lamar
- Admission to nursing program
- Current RN license
- Cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts
- AAS, ADN, or nursing diploma
Curriculum:
- Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
- Nursing Theories and Online Education
- Nursing Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice
- Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
- Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
- Nursing Practice: Synthesis in Professional Nursing
- Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States
Frequently Asked Questions for Online Texas BSN Students
Most students have similar queries about online BSN programs in Texas. Many common student questions are answered below, including key benefits of earning a BSN, qualities to look for in a program, and types of programs available. You’ll also learn about cost, financial aid, and program length, so take a look and see if your question is answered here.
What are the key benefits of earning a BSN in Texas?
A BSN is not required to become a registered nurse in Texas, and many positions are available for people without BSNs. However, there are many benefits to earning a BSN. Suppose a registered nurse aspires to advance into an RN position with supervisory responsibilities or wants to eventually teach future nurses in academia. In that case, a BSN makes the process easier and faster. In addition, many healthcare facilities prefer BSN-trained nurses and hire them before looking at students without bachelor’s degrees. The most in-demand, well-paying jobs are usually open first to BSN nurses, with more potential for advancement and higher pay.
What qualities should I look for in a BSN program in Texas?
Texas’s demand for registered nurses is among the highest in all 50 states. To help meet this demand, many accredited and board-approved traditional and online BSN programs are available in Texas. Look for specific program characteristics to choose the right one; above all, ensure that the program is state-approved and nationally accredited. Also, you should look for a high NCLEX-RN pass rate – an indicator of a program’s ability to give you the knowledge needed for high-level nursing work. Robust financial aid offerings are another key indicator of a quality BSN program, as are flexible class offerings that meet various learning styles and schedule preferences.
What types of BSN programs are available in Texas?
Many types of BSN programs are available in Texas. Traditional BSN programs work well for students without nursing training or post-secondary academic experience, usually taking four years to complete. Accelerated BSN programs take two years or less to complete and work well for students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field. RN to BSN programs allow current RNs to earn their bachelor’s in nursing, usually in less than two years. There are also LVN to BSN programs for vocational nurses who want to become bachelor-trained RNs and continue working as nurses simultaneously. Finally, online BSN programs allow students flexibility to complete clinicals and take classes from home.
How much do BSN programs cost in Texas, and where can I find financial aid?
The cost of a BSN program in Texas depends on many factors, including whether you’re attending full-time or part-time, plus your educational and professional background before enrollment. Other variables include how much financial aid you can obtain and whether you choose a traditional or online program. Financial assistance through scholarships consists of those from private organizations and the nursing programs themselves. Student loans usually come from the federal government, but several student loan repayment programs in Texas are aimed at healthcare professionals who agree to work in underserved areas.
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Texas?
Earning a nursing degree from one of the many BSN programs in Texas can take one to four years; this depends on students’ prior work experience, educational background, and course load. The number of prerequisites you’ve earned before starting a program primarily impacts the length of your program. For instance, in an accelerated BSN program where the student is already an RN or already has a bachelor’s degree, graduating in one year is possible. However, someone straight out of high school who is enrolled in a direct-entry BSN program and attends class full-time can take four years to graduate. Bridge programs, like LVN to BSN and RN to BSN, usually fall somewhere in between.
Salary & Career Details for BSN Nurses in TX
Registered nursing is undoubtedly a worthwhile career, but you may be curious about the potential earnings after completing your studies. Nurses in Texas and across the country indeed earn a good living, as shown by the data below, so there's no need to worry. In Texas, nurses earn an average of $85,110, with the 10th percentile earning $64,580 and the 90th percentile earning $115,740. However, wages vary by region. For example, in the Austin-Round Rock area, the lowest nurse salary is $69,600, the average is $93,470, and the highest is $117,990. Additionally, the projected job outlook for nurses in the coming years is promising. In Texas, there will be 16,900 more nursing jobs added annually, representing a 14.60% increase. This is compared to a 5.60% increase in nursing jobs nationwide, with 193,100 more jobs being added to the profession each year.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Abilene, TX | $63,510 | $73,610 | $84,370 |
| Amarillo, TX | $64,830 | $80,680 | $105,890 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $69,600 | $93,470 | $117,990 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $62,600 | $80,180 | $102,330 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $52,430 | $72,830 | $94,750 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $63,290 | $80,300 | $94,640 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $61,050 | $79,840 | $100,190 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $66,560 | $93,300 | $117,390 |
| El Paso, TX | $60,570 | $77,950 | $113,690 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $67,810 | $93,330 | $115,460 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $62,400 | $85,380 | $109,410 |
| Laredo, TX | $59,090 | $74,650 | $91,240 |
| Longview, TX | $60,720 | $78,160 | $99,900 |
| Lubbock, TX | $63,790 | $76,780 | $98,920 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $59,180 | $76,160 | $93,270 |
| Midland, TX | $63,530 | $81,790 | $102,740 |
| Odessa, TX | $58,330 | $80,850 | $103,870 |
| San Angelo, TX | $63,720 | $77,690 | $93,850 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $63,480 | $83,740 | $108,660 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $65,750 | $77,710 | $95,900 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $51,660 | $75,220 | $101,510 |
| Tyler, TX | $63,230 | $78,050 | $94,690 |
| Victoria, TX | $61,620 | $80,900 | $96,130 |
| Waco, TX | $62,650 | $79,740 | $104,060 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,700 | $83,820 | $85,460 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online BSN Programs in Texas
The ranking below of the best online BSN programs in Texas includes only accredited schools with BSN programs with at least one online component. These programs also have ample academic counseling and career placement services. Schools are weighted based on the number of online programs and whether they are partially or fully online. Other factors include the percentage of online students, tuition, available institutional aid, and student/faculty ratio. Click on the About the Rankings hyperlink below for more details.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University:
- The program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working nurses.
- The curriculum includes specialized courses that enhance career advancement opportunities.
- The program provides access to experienced faculty with expertise in nursing education.
Program Details
- AccreditationSFA
- Average In-State Tuition$7,842
- Average Institutional Aid$4,600
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award52%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas Permian Basin:
- The program offers flexible online learning with six start times per year.
- The RN to BSN program includes optional certification as a Nurse Manager for enhanced career prospects.
- Clinical courses are conducted with a chosen preceptor, providing personalized professional development opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,577
- Average Institutional Aid$5,077
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award40%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Why We Selected West Texas A & M University:
- The program offers a strong focus on community engagement and diverse healthcare settings.
- WTAMU provides a comprehensive curriculum with faculty expertise in nursing scholarship.
- The program ensures eligibility for the NCLEX exam upon completion, enhancing job prospects.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,211
- Average Institutional Aid$2,702
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Why We Selected Sam Houston State University:
- The program offers flexible scheduling with full and part-time options.
- The RN to BSN program is fully online, accommodating busy nurse schedules.
- Joint admission options are available for students in select community college ADN programs.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,856
- Average Institutional Aid$4,393
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- % of Students Receiving an Award54%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Why We Selected Texas A & M University-College Station:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to finish in 3 or 4 semesters.
- The ASCEND track provides a unique partnership with Blinn College, enabling students to earn a BSN within 1 or 2 semesters after their ADN.
- The program is delivered asynchronously online, accommodating working nurses' schedules and responsibilities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,578
- Average Institutional Aid$7,398
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course42%
- % of Students Receiving an Award81%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Why We Selected Lamar University:
- The program offers a provisional admission option, allowing students to start courses before passing the NCLEX exam.
- Lamar University's online RN to BSN program eliminates the need for clinical placements, reducing logistical stress for students.
- The program provides a flexible, project-based practicum experience, allowing students to master industry-relevant tasks at their own pace.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,228
- Average Institutional Aid$6,229
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award33%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
- The RN-BSN program offers a 100% online format, allowing students to work full-time while studying.
- Courses with clinical components are completed through class projects and capstone projects with a preceptor.
- The program allows for flexible scheduling with 7-week courses, accommodating working professionals' needs.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,616
- Average Institutional Aid$3,849
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course75%
- % of Students Receiving an Award43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Tyler:
- The program offers a flat tuition rate of $9,895 for the entire RN-BSN track.
- The program allows flexible completion options, enabling students to finish in as little as 12 months.
- Clinical experiences are arranged at students' workplaces or nearby sites, enhancing practical learning.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,020
- Average Institutional Aid$4,758
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley:
- The UTRGV RN to BSN program offers a flexible online format, enhancing accessibility for working professionals.
- UTRGV's nursing programs feature advanced simulation labs, providing students with realistic clinical training experiences.
- The program emphasizes community engagement, fostering strong connections with diverse healthcare settings and populations.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,857
- Average Institutional Aid$2,116
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, Texas
Why We Selected Texas A&M University-Central Texas:
- The program offers rigorous clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings.
- Faculty expertise and support enhance student success and NCLEX preparation.
- Strong connections with local healthcare facilities provide valuable networking opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,593
- Average Institutional Aid$3,437
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course90%
- % of Students Receiving an AwardN/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
