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Are you looking for the best nursing schools in Houston? Some of the very best include UH College of Nursing, UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing, SHSU Nursing, etc.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN, an RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, or even a nursing PhD, you should find a great program in Houston.
The schools on our list here have been consistently ranked among the best nursing programs in Houston and across Texas.
Our rankings consider factors like the average NCLEX pass rates from the last 4 years, typical federal debt upon graduation, reported alumni salaries, and the school’s overall reputation.
Below, we list what we consider to be the 7 very best nursing schools in Houston today. We also highlight the different programs they offer, their NCLEX-RN pass rates, alumni salary data, and students’ ratings.
Here’s a List of the 7 Best Nursing Schools in Houston
1. University of Houston- Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
The University of Houston (UH), located in Houston, Texas, is a public research university known for its dynamic and innovative nursing education through the Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing.
UH’s College of Nursing aims to build professional leaders and clinical experts from a diverse student population. They have locations in Sugar Land, Houston, and Katy.
UH’s nursing students get practical training in the state-of-the-art Simulation Centers located in Sugar Land and Katy. These centers replicate real-life hospital environments, improving patient safety and care training.
In terms of financial aid, applying for admission at UH usually also serves as your scholarship application. Some scholarships may require additional documentation and the FAFSA.
You can also explore more scholarships through Scholarship Universe, accessible through your UH student login.
According to federal data, UH nursing bachelor’s degree graduates usually have around $19,131 in federal student loan debt- making this school quite affordable among the best nursing schools in Houston.
List of UH College of Nursing Undergraduate Programs:
- Traditional BSN- junior and senior years at the Katy location
- Second Degree BSN- at the Sugar Land location
- RN to BSN Program- Online or at Sugar Land, Katy, or UH Main campus
List of UH College of Nursing Graduate Programs:
- MSN Program- Education, Administration, and Family Nurse Practitioner Tracks at the Katy location and online
- DNP Program- Administration and Family Nurse Practitioner Tracks at UH Main campus and online.
UH College of Nursing NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 97.85% | 98.35% |
Salary Data for UH College of Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $67,320 – $75,144 |
| Master’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $91,740 |
Overall UH College of Nursing Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.6/5 |
| GradReports | 3.6/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.7/5 |
2. Sam Houston State University- School of Nursing
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public research university based in Huntsville, Texas, with its School of Nursing located at The Woodlands, around 28 miles north of downtown Houston.
Founded in 1879, SHSU is one of the oldest public institutions in Texas and is part of the Texas State University System.
The mission of SHSU’s School of Nursing is to build a diverse and inclusive group of nursing professionals dedicated to improving health and healthcare disparities in local, state, national, and global communities.
The Woodlands location of SHSU’s nursing school is advantageously close to major healthcare systems such as Memorial Hermann and St. Luke’s Health, offering excellent clinical placement opportunities.
In terms of financial aid, work-study programs, scholarships, and grants are available, though scholarships are limited. But, as a state university, tuition fees are relatively low.
Based on federal data, bachelor’s degree graduates from SHSU’s nursing program usually have around $24,316 in federal student loan debt.
List of SHSU Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- BSN Program- Lab & classroom courses are held in The Woodlands Center. But Pre-nursing classes are held on the main campus at Huntsville, Texas.
- RN to BSN Program- held online
- LVN to BSN Program
SHSU NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 94.35% | 96.13% |
Salary Data for SHSU Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $67,300- $76,500 |
Overall SHSU Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.9/5 |
| GradReports | 4.2/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.8/5 |
3. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston- Cizik School of Nursing
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is a public academic health science center established in 1972. It’s located in the Texas Medical Center, home to the world’s largest children’s hospital and cancer hospital- a great location for clinical experiences!
As a student at UTHealth’s Cizik School of Nursing, you’ll have exceptional clinical opportunities with over 200 healthcare institutions in the Greater Houston area, including St. Luke’s Health and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Besides, the Simulation and Clinical Performance Laboratory (Sim Lab) at Cizik School of Nursing allows you to practice different clinical scenarios using high-tech patient manikins and virtual-reality simulators, helping you to develop your skills before you work with real patients.
Regarding financial aid, the Cizik School of Nursing offers various scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to full tuition, awarded every fall, spring, and summer.
According to federal data, bachelor’s degree graduates from UTHealth’s nursing program typically have around $15,000 in federal student debt.
Masters students usually have about $38,314 in federal student debt, while doctoral students have around $61,500 in federal student debt.
List of UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing Undergraduate Programs:
- Pacesetter Accelerated BSN
- RN to BSN Program
List of UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing Graduate Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Nursing Education Track
- Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- BSN to DNP Program:
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- DNP Program:
- Nurse Executive Track
- Nursing Informatics Track
- Nurse Anesthesia Track
- Nurse Practitioner/CNS Track
- BSN to PhD Program
- PhD Program
List of UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:
- Emergency/Trauma Care
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
- Nurse Practitioner Tracks
UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 91.55% | 93.70% |
Salary Data for UTHealth Cizik School of Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $69,090 – $81,067 |
| Master’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $104,660 – $124,152 |
| Doctoral | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $134,760 |
Overall UTHealth Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | N/A |
| GradReports | 4/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.7/5 |
4. Texas Lutheran University- Houston Nursing School
Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is a private institution established in 1891. Located in Seguin, Texas, TLU has a reputation for excellence and a rich tradition of providing high-quality education.
In 2022, TLU expanded by opening a new Nursing Campus in Houston, primarily offering an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, designed for individuals who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
As a student at TLU’s Houston Nursing Campus, you’ll be able to learn using patient simulators and gain real-world experience by working in regional care facilities. These placements can include hospitals and clinics, giving you a wide range of patient care experiences.
In terms of financial aid, if you have Federal Direct Loan eligibility, you can borrow via the Direct Loan program to cover your nursing tuition. However, there are no federal, state, or institutional grants available for this program, which is a pretty big downside.
According to federal data, nursing students graduating from TLU’s bachelor’s program typically have around $19,500 in federal student loan debt.
List of TLU Houston Nursing Campus Undergraduate Programs:
- Accelerated BSN Program
TLU NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 89.39% | 90.89% |
Salary Data for TLU Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $61,810 |
Overall TLU University Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.3/5 |
| GradReports | 4/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.7/5 |
5. University of St. Thomas- Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing
The University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston, Texas, is a private Roman Catholic institution, established in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers. UST’s Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing takes great pride in nurturing nursing students, focusing on their intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
They strive to create compassionate healers in line with the historic traditions of Catholic nursing education and service.
Being located near the highly-regarded Texas Medical Center, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for quality clinical placements. Also, this location could lead to potential job opportunities within well-respected healthcare systems and hospitals.
UST offers several financial aid options. If your scholarships and financial aid don’t completely cover your tuition and fees, you can set up an interest-free monthly payment plan with the university to cover the difference. This is a unique advantage offered by UST!
In addition, a range of scholarships are available to students.
As per the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, nursing students graduating from UST’s bachelor’s program have around $22,250 in federal student loan debt.
List of UST Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- Traditional BSN Program
- Accelerated BSN Program
List of UST Graduate Nursing Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare & Nursing Simulation
- Nursing Leadership
- DNP Program:
- Transformational Leadership
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
List of UST Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:
- Post-APRN and Post-master’s certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
UST NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 84.62% | 86.06% |
| ABSN | 78.82% | 85.57%¹ |
Source: Texas BON
Salary Data for UST Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $64,660 |
Overall HCU Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.6/5 |
| GradReports | 3.7/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.7/5 |
6. Houston Christian University- School of Nursing and Allied Health
Houston Christian University (HCU) is a private Baptist university in Houston, Texas. It’s linked with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It was formerly called Houston Baptist University.
In HCU’s School of Nursing and Allied Health, they teach students to care for people with compassion, just like Jesus did. Their mission is to create leaders who can work well in health teams and offer great services in different places.
For hands-on learning, HCU has ties with a number of clinical sites. These include big-name places like the Memorial Hermann Health Care System, as well as Texas Children’s Hospital. You can also gain experience in doctor’s offices and community places like churches.
When it comes to paying for your education, HCU offers Graduate Assistantships and scholarships. These awards are usually based on merit, financial need, and community service.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, nursing students who graduate from HCU’s bachelor’s program typically have about $21,750 of federal student loan debt.
List of HCU Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- BSN Program
- BSN Program- For Honors College Students
- RN to BSN Program- Online
List of HCU Graduate Nursing Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Family Nurse Practitioner- Online
- Nurse Education- Online
- Nursing Leadership- Online
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Online
HCU NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 80.43% | 78.04% |
Salary Data for HCU Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $70,210 – $79,573 |
Overall UST Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.0/5 |
| GradReports | 3.4/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.8/5 |
7. Prairie View A&M University- College of Nursing
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), one of the oldest historically Black colleges and universities in the United States, is a public university located in Prairie View, Texas. It’s a member of the Texas A&M University System and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
PVAMU’s College of Nursing, which was established in 1918, is situated in the renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston. This gives you great opportunities to gain hands-on experience during your studies and find a job after you graduate.
The College’s mission is to help its students become great nurses who can work in diverse settings. They want their students to be leaders who are accountable and responsive to the health needs of our complex society.
When it comes to financing your education, PVAMU has many scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help you.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, if you graduate from PVAMU’s bachelor’s nursing program, you’ll typically have around $22,958 in federal student debt.
If you graduate from their MSN program, you’ll usually have about $37,430 in federal student debt.
List of PVAMU Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- BSN Program
- RN to BSN Program
- LVN to BSN Program
List of PVAMU Graduate Nursing Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Education
- Nursing Administration
- DNP Program
PVAMU NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 80.00% | 86.38% |
Salary Data for PVAMU Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $70,430 – $84,269 |
| Master’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $87,110 – $107,361 |
Overall PVAMU Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.7/5 |
| GradReports | 3.8/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.6/5 |
Nurse Salary in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area
| Nursing Profession | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $42.73 | $88,880 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $100.58 | $209,210 |
| Nurse Midwives | $46.36 | $96,420 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $64.80 | $134,780 |
Why Consider Best Nursing Schools in Houston?
Texas is facing a critical shortage of nurses, with fewer than 10 nurses for every 1,000 people.
Predictions suggest that by 2032, the Texas Gulf Coast, including Houston, will be short by over 21,000 full-time registered nurses. This would leave almost 22% of the region’s nursing needs unmet.
However, hospitals are getting creative to attract and retain nurses. For example, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake launched a wellness program in 2022 for their nursing staff.
Nurses can take a break and enjoy activities like yoga, gym workouts, relaxation in a Zen Lounge, or even massages.
So, this is an excellent time to consider joining one of the best nursing programs in Houston. Not only will you contribute to tackling this nursing shortage, but you can also benefit from innovative efforts like these to improve nurses’ work-life balance and prevent burnout.
Your skills and dedication are needed now more than ever.
FAQs
To become a Registered Nurse in Houston, it usually takes 2-3 years with an ADN. If one pursues a traditional BSN, it typically requires 4 years. For those seeking a quicker route, an accelerated BSN program in Houston can take from 12 to 16 months, depending on the specific curriculum and prerequisites.
To become an RN in Houston:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a nursing degree (ADN, BSN, or ABSN) from an accredited nursing school.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Apply for an RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing.
To get into the University of Houston Nursing School:
- For the traditional BSN, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum natural sciences GPA of 2.75 is required.
- For the Second-Degree BSN, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA in natural and behavioral sciences is expected.
- For the RN to BSN program, a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5, and 2.5 or above GPA in natural, physical, and behavioral sciences is required.
- For the MSN program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework is necessary.
- For the DNP program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework is required.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area earn an annual mean wage of $88,880.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area earn a mean hourly wage of $42.73.
In Houston, an RN with a BSN earns, on average, $85,791 per year or $41 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. However, the salary range can vary widely, with figures reported between $88k and $133k according to Glassdoor.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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