Best Nursing Schools in Texas 2025: LVN, ADN & BSN Programs Compared
Texas is one of the best states in the country to launch a nursing career. With a population of over 30 million and a rapidly growing healthcare infrastructure, the demand for nurses at all levels is enormous and persistent. Whether you're looking to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN — Texas uses this term instead of LPN), earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or complete a BSN program, Texas has options in virtually every major city.
Texas Nursing Job Market
Texas employs over 220,000 registered nurses, and the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies projects a shortage through 2032. Key salary ranges:
- LVN: $45,000–$58,000/year; experienced nurses in specialty settings can earn $65,000+
- RN (ADN/BSN): $62,000–$82,000/year; Houston and Dallas metro rates are among the highest in the South
- BSN premium: BSN-prepared nurses typically earn $5,000–$10,000 more annually than ADN nurses in equivalent positions
Top Nursing Schools in Texas
Houston Community College — Nursing Programs
Location: Houston, TX (multiple campuses)
Programs: ADN, LVN, Vocational Nursing, CNA
Tuition Estimate: ~$4,000–$9,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~85%
Website: hccs.edu/programs/nursing
HCC is one of the most accessible and affordable nursing programs in the greater Houston area. With multiple campuses and strong clinical partnerships with Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, and Texas Medical Center, graduates enter the largest medical complex in the world.
Lone Star College — Nursing and Health Sciences
Location: North Houston metro (multiple campuses)
Programs: ADN, LVN, LVN-to-ADN Bridge, CNA
Tuition Estimate: ~$4,000–$9,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~87%
Website: lonestar.edu/nursing
Lone Star College serves the rapidly growing North Houston suburbs and has excellent clinical placements at CHI St. Luke's, HCA Houston Healthcare, and other major systems. Their LVN-to-ADN bridge is one of the most popular in the region.
San Antonio College — Nursing Division
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: ADN, LVN, CNA
Tuition Estimate: ~$3,500–$8,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~86%
Website: alamo.edu/sac
SAC is part of the Alamo Colleges system and provides some of the most affordable nursing education in South Texas. Clinical placements include University Health, Baptist Health System, and Methodist Hospital.
Austin Community College — Nursing Programs
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: ADN, LVN, CNA, LVN-to-ADN Bridge
Tuition Estimate: ~$4,000–$9,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~85%
Website: austincc.edu/nursing
ACC's nursing programs serve Austin's rapidly expanding healthcare market. Clinical placements include St. David's HealthCare, Ascension Seton, and Dell Seton Medical Center at UT Austin.
Brookhaven College (DCCCD) — Nursing
Location: Farmers Branch, TX (Dallas metro)
Programs: ADN, LVN
Tuition Estimate: ~$4,000–$9,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~88%
Website: brookhavencollege.edu/nursing
Part of the Dallas College system, Brookhaven is one of the most respected nursing programs in the DFW metro. Clinical placements include major North Texas health systems like UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White, and Medical City.
Tarrant County College — Nursing Division
Location: Fort Worth, TX (multiple campuses)
Programs: ADN, LVN, CNA, EMT
Tuition Estimate: ~$4,000–$9,000
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~86%
Website: tccd.edu/nursing
TCC is the primary community college for Fort Worth and the western DFW suburbs. Their nursing programs connect to JPS Health Network, Texas Health Resources, and Cook Children's Medical Center.
El Paso Community College — Nursing
Location: El Paso, TX
Programs: ADN, LVN, CNA
Tuition Estimate: ~$3,500–$7,500
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~84%
Website: epcc.edu/nursing
EPCC is El Paso's primary nursing school and serves the border region's substantial healthcare needs. Bilingual nursing competencies are a significant advantage for El Paso graduates serving the large Spanish-speaking patient population.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) — Nursing
Location: Waco, Harlingen, and other campuses
Programs: Registered Nursing, Vocational Nursing, LVN-to-RN
Tuition Estimate: ~$6,000–$12,000/year
NCLEX Pass Rate: ~85%
Website: tstc.edu/programs/nursing
TSTC is best known for technical trades but also offers nursing programs at several campuses. Their Harlingen campus is particularly well-positioned to serve the Rio Grande Valley's underserved healthcare market.
LVN vs. RN in Texas: Which Path is Right for You?
Texas uses the title "Licensed Vocational Nurse" (LVN) instead of LPN used in other states. Both are the same role — they provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician. The key differences:
- LVN: 12–18 month program; starts working faster; typical salary $45,000–$58,000
- ADN-RN: 2-year program; broader scope of practice; typical salary $62,000–$75,000
- BSN-RN: 4 years (or 12-18 months if bridging from ADN); required for many hospital leadership roles; typical salary $70,000–$85,000
Many Texas nurses start as LVNs, work while completing an ADN bridge, then pursue BSN completion online — a three-step career ladder that maximizes earnings at each stage. Learn more in our LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge program guide.
Financial Aid for Texas Nursing Students
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year
- TEXAS Grant: For Texas residents at community colleges; covers most tuition at public schools
- TWC Workforce Training Funds: May cover vocational nursing programs for unemployed workers
- Hospital Tuition Reimbursement: Many Texas hospitals (HCA, Baylor Scott & White) offer $3,000–$5,000/year in tuition reimbursement for employed nurses pursuing degrees
See our RN career guide and explore Texas healthcare jobs.
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