Demetrius Burns

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Georgia

Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. According to Georgia.org, its 10-year growth rate of 14.4% is more than 1.5 times that of the U.S. population growth rate. Due to this, there’s an ever-increasing need for nurses in Georgia. Additionally, there are many different nursing programs to choose from for a nurse who wants to advance their career or for a prospective nurse.  

In this article, we will explore:

• Common nursing degrees
• Top nursing schools in Georgia
• How to choose the right program
• Ranking methodology

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Common nursing degrees

Some of the more common degree types are: 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

However, accelerated degree programs and bridge programs are offered to nursing students that can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in school.

Choosing a nursing program may feel stressful and confusing. To help, we’ve created a list of the best nursing programs in Georgia.  

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To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition costs (based on in-state tuition, attending the maximum number of credits; mandatory fees not included)

Georgia’s top nursing program:

1. Georgia College & State University
2. Georgia State University
3. Augusta University
4. Emory University
5. Georgia Southern University 

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1. Georgia College & State University – Score 92

NCLEX pass rate: 96.15%

Tuition per year: $9,524

Georgia College & State University is designated as Georgia’s Liberal Arts college. The school is located 2-hours from Atlanta in the town of Milledgeville. With approximately 6,000 undergraduate students, the campus gives students a small-town vibe. Given the small student population, the school boasts an impressive 17:1 student to faculty ratio. The nursing program offers students everything from a BSN all the way to a DNP degree.

2. Georgia State University – Score 84

NCLEX pass rate: 92.91%

Tuition per year: $8,948

Georgia State University is located in the booming metropolis of Atlanta. The school has six different campuses and over 52,000 students Some of their credentials include: 

• 70+ study abroad programs
• 84 research centers 
• 400+ student organizations

The nursing program provides clinical offerings at over 200 different locations. Nurses have an opportunity to help with diverse, urban populations. 

3. Augusta University

NCLEX pass rate: 85.5%

Tuition per year: $8,864

Augusta University is located in Augusta, Georgia, which is the second largest city in the state. The school provides students with an intimate learning environment, with approximately 10,000 undergraduate students in attendance. Augusta University is dedicated to research and has received over $180 million in research awards. 

4. Emory University 

NCLEX pass rate: 85.5%

Tuition per year: $53,070

Emory University is a private research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. The college has two different campuses–one located in Atlanta and the other in Oxford. The college enrolls just over 7,500 students. According to U.S. News & World Reports, it’s the #2 nursing master’s program in the nation. If you’re interested in a small, private school with a reputation for graduating leaders in the healthcare field, this is the school for you!

5. Georgia Southern University

NCLEX pass rate: 87.59%

Tuition per year: $5,464

Georgia Southern University is the second largest university on our list. The school is located in Statesboro, Georgia and has over 26,000 students. Additionally, the school boasts a 21:1 student to faculty ratio. This is a good ratio for a larger school. Last, the school is listed as the number one online university in the nation according to Learn.org. 

How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may be stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. Some of the things you should consider when choosing a school are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program to which you can easily commute. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map that shows where each school is located.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up absorbing a massive amount of student debt from their years of college. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt. 

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is critically important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

The last factor that you should consider when choosing a nursing program is the graduation rate. A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University webpages
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, Georgia’s Board of Registered Nursing)
• The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1 and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of 10 for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools California

California is home to the highest number of registered nurses in the nation with over 457,000 in the state alone. As the elderly population in the state advances in age, there’s going to be even more need for nurses in the coming years. Additionally, California is the highest paying state for registered nurses as they make over $120,560 per year. 

Many of the registered nurses in California want to advance their careers by going back to school to obtain a higher degree. There are many different options for nurses to choose from when it comes to nursing degree types. 

Some of the more common degree types are: 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

However, there are also accelerated degree programs and bridge programs offered to nursing students that can greatly reduce the amount of time spent in school. 

California has many options for nurses seeking to advance their careers. Fortunately, we have created a list of the best nursing schools in the state to help make it easier. 

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In this post we will explore the following: 

• Top nursing programs in California
• How to choose the right nursing program
• Ranking methodology

To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition costs (based on in-state tuition, attending the maximum number of credits; mandatory fees not included)

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California’s top nursing program:

1. Cal State University, Long Beach
2. California State, Fullerton
3. San Diego State University
4. California State University, Stanislaus
5. California State University, San Marcos 
6. California State University, Sacramento
7. California State University, Chico
8. University of California, Irvine
9. California State University, Channel Islands
10. California State University, Fresno

1. Cal State University, Long Beach – Score 96

NCLEX pass rate: 99.25%

Tuition per year: $5,742

Cal State University, Long Beach, is located just 30 minutes from the ocean and boasts one of the more prestigious schools in the nation. Its nursing programs have received national and international recognition. 

The school offers four nursing programs: 

• ADN to RN 
• RN to BSN 
• MSN
• DNP

Each program prepares students to enter into nursing well prepared to excel in their profession. 

The graduate program has partnered with the Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian to allow graduate students an opportunity to enroll in courses offered on the hospital campus. 

2. California State, Fullerton – Score 90

NCLEX pass rate: 96.55%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State Fullerton’s nursing program has provided nurses with exceptional education for over 40 years. 

Their program offers the following degrees: 

• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP 

The school partners with several prominent healthcare providers such as Kaiser Permanente. Cal State, Fullerton, takes great pride in helping students transition from the classroom to the medical unit. 

3. San Diego State University – Score 88

NCLEX pass rate: 93.91%

Tuition per year: $8,136 (includes student fees)

San Diego State University’s nursing program has educated students since 1953 and is one of the more distinguished nursing programs in the nation. The program is accredited by the CCNE and the California Board of Registered Nursing. 

The program offers its students several options when it comes to nursing programs. They currently offer the following degrees: 

• LVN to RN
• RN to BSN
• BSN
• MSN

The school also offers a study abroad program for its nursing students. 

4. California State University, Stanislaus – Score 88

NCLEX pass rate: 98.21%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University, Stanislaus, is located in Turlock, California, home to more than 11,000 students. As one of the more premier nursing programs in the country, the school offers a bevy of programs for its nursing students. 

The primary nursing programs offered include:

• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN
• ABSN
• MSN

This program goes out of its way to help students learn how to provide patient-centered and evidence-based care. 

5. California State University, San Marcos – Score 86

NCLEX pass rate: 97.66%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University, San Marcos, is located in Southern California, about a ten-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean. The university enrolls over 14,000 students. Their nursing program offers a wide variety of programs for its students, including an online RN to BSN program. 

The full catalog of nursing programs includes:

• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN
• BSN
• ABSN
• MSN

6. California State University, Sacramento – Score 85

NCLEX pass rate: 98.53%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University, Sacramento, is home to over 31,000 students and is located in the capital of California. The nursing program is both affordable and convenient for students. 

The school offers the following degree programs: 

• LVN to RN 
• RN to BSN
• BSN
• MSN 

7. California State University, Chico – Score 83

NCLEX pass rate: 97.33%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University, Chico, is located in northern California and has provided educational services to students for over 130 years. The school has over 16,000 students and an average class size of 32 students, giving it a cozy atmosphere. 

The school’s nursing program offers students with the following degree programs:

• RN to BSN
• BSN
• MSN 

8. University of California, Irvine – Score 82

NCLEX pass rate: 98.98%

Tuition per year: $15,737.23 (includes students fees)

University of California, Irvine, is a distinguished school known for producing three Nobel laureates since its founding. The school has over 37,000 students enrolled and offers 222 different degree programs. The nursing school, in particular, is impressive given its rigor and the flexibility it offers students. 

Their nursing program offers the following degrees: 

• BSN
• Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
• DNP  

9. California State University, Channel Islands – Score 80

NCLEX pass rate: 96.72%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University, Channel Islands, is located in Camarillo, California and was established in 2002. The school sits between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles and is relatively close to the Pacific Ocean. With just over 7,000 students enrolled, the school prides itself on feeling like an extended family for students. 

The nursing program seeks to teach students how to utilize evidence-based practices to provide care to patients. 

Currently, the school provides students with the following nursing program options: 

• RN to BSN
• MSN 

10. California State University, Fresno – Score 79

NCLEX pass rate: 93.08%

Tuition per year: $5,742

California State University Fresno, home of the Bulldogs, is located in central California and has over 24,000 students enrolled at their school. The nursing program provides its students with a great opportunity given the proximity to the numerous schools within the valley. 

Their nursing program offers the following degrees:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP 

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How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may feel stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a school are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program that you can easily commute to. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map that shows where each school is located.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up absorbing a massive amount of student debt from their years of college. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt. 

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is critically important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

The last factor that you should consider when choosing a nursing program is the graduation rate. A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University webpages
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, California’s Board of Registered Nursing)
• The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1 and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of ten for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

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More California nursing resources

• Best Hospitals to Work for in California
• A Guide to Nursing in California

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Florida

Florida is home to gators, beaches, Disney World, and a handful of excellent nursing schools to choose from. For nurses seeking to advance their careers or start in the field, Florida is an excellent state to live in.

Some of the more common degree types are: 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

However, accelerated degree programs and bridge programs are offered to nursing students that can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in school.

Choosing a nursing program may feel stressful and confusing. To help, we’ve created a list of the best nursing programs in the state of Florida. 

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In this post, we will explore the following: 

• Top nursing schools in Florida
• How to choose the right program
• Ranking methodology

To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition (based on in-state tuition, attending the maximum number of credits; mandatory fees not included.

Florida’s top nursing program:

1. Florida Gulf Coast University
2. University of South Florida
3. Florida International University
4. University of Tampa
5. The University of Miami

1. Florida Gulf Coast University – Score 86

NCLEX score: 100%

Tuition rate per year: $6,118

Florida Gulf Coast University is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and offers nursing students a great opportunity to learn and grow into the role of a nurse. The undergraduate nurses spend their time in clinicals gaining hands-on experience with patients. Graduate students have a chance to work in primary care settings and participate in internships. Additionally, the school has a high-fidelity and assessment lab for students. 

The school offers the following programs to nursing students:

• BSN
• MSN
• BSN to DNP
• MSN to DNP

2. University of South Florida – Score 85

NCLEX pass rate: 94.04%

Tuition rate per year: $6,410

The University of South Florida is located in Tampa, Florida, and is home to one of the most prestigious nursing programs in the nation. Its nursing program is ranked in the top 50 on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools list. The nursing program itself has just over 1,400 students and 250 faculty members. This provides students with an intimate learning environment where they can develop the necessary skills to become a nurse. 

The school offers the following programs for nursing students:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

3. Florida International University – Score 78

NCLEX score: 92.74%

Tuition per year: $6,168

Florida International University is located in Miami, Florida. Their program is the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences and prides itself on providing evidence-based practice and research. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and strives to provide technology and simulation education to recreate real-world teaching scenarios. 

The school offers the following nursing programs for students:

• BSN
• MSN
• Post-MSN to DNP
• Post-BSN to DNP

4. University of Tampa – Score 76

NCLEX score: 100%

Tuition rate: $29,162

The University of Tampa is located in central Florida. In seven of the past eight years, University of Tampa students have received a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN on the first try. It’s one of the few schools in Florida to achieve this. The program allows nursing students to get global, hands-on experience in places like the Dominican Republic and Ghana. 

The school offers the following nursing programs for students: 

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP

5.  The University of Miami – Score 73

NCLEX pass rate: 98.51%

Tuition rate: $53,112

The University of Miami is one of the most recognizable schools in the nation. This school offers one of the best nursing programs. The school provides a 41,000-square-foot Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education, which is a worldwide destination for simulated education, research, and life science technology and innovation.

The school offers the following nursing programs for students:

• BSN-DNP
• MSN to DNP
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
• Family Nurse Practitioner

How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may feel stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. When choosing a school, some of the factors you should consider are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program that you can easily commute to. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map that shows where each school is located.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up incurring a massive amount of student debt from their years of education. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt. 

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is critically important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

The last factor that you should consider when choosing a nursing program is the graduation rate. A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University websites
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, Florida Board of Registered Nursing)
• The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1, and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of ten for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Texas

Texas is one of the largest states in the nation and it boasts the second-highest population of registered nurses with over 219,330 in the state. Given that, there are many different nursing programs to choose from for a nurse who wants to advance their career or for a prospective nurse.  

Accelerated degree programs and bridge programs are offered to nursing students that can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in school.

Choosing a nursing program may feel stressful and confusing. To help, we’ve created a list of the best nursing programs in the state of Texas. 

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In this post, we will explore the following: 

• Top nursing schools in Texas
• How to choose the right program
• Ranking methodology 

To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition costs (based on in-state tuition and maximum credits)

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Texas’s top nursing program:

1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
2. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
3. Texas A&M University – Texarkana
4. University of Texas at Austin
5. University of Houston
6. Texas State University
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
8. Texas Woman’s University
9. University of Texas at El Paso
10. University of Texas at Tyler
11. University of the Incarnate Word

1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Score 98

 NCLEX pass rate: 98.98%

Tuition per year: $11,925

The University of Texas Health Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing is a highly respected program for nursing. Their master’s and doctorate programs have been ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school has approximately 4,372 students, which leads to small class sizes and more individualized instruction. 

The school offers the following programs for nursing students:

• RN-BSN
• RN-FNP
• RN-MSN
• BSN-DNP
• DNP
• Ph.D. in Nursing

2. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – Score 90

NCLEX pass rate: 98.28%

Tuition per year: $19,279

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s nursing program is widely recognized as a top program not only in the state of Texas but in the nation. Their DNP program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Students have an excellent opportunity to practice clinicals in the surrounding community as a way to gain real-world experience. 

The school offers the following programs to nursing students: 

• BSN
• ABSN
• BSN-DNP
• MSN
• Ph.D. in Nursing

3. Texas A&M University – Texarkana – Score 86

NCLEX pass rate: 100%

Tuition per year: $7,868

Texas A&M University – Texarkana is a great nursing program in Texas for students seeking a smaller, more intimate campus experience. The school has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. It’s also a CCNE accredited program. 

The program offers the following degree programs for nursing students:

• BSN
• ADN- BSN
• MSN

4. University of Texas at Austin – Score 84

NCLEX pass rate: 94.83%

Tuition per year: $12,040

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the more well-known schools in Texas, and it is also one of the more prestigious nursing programs. Unlike some of the other schools on this list, this school has a lot more students enrolled. 

With that, there is naturally more money for research and equipment, so you get a bit of a trade-off there. The school has received more than $20 million in extramural funding (federal and non-federal grants for research and academic activities). 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• BSN
• ADN-BSN
• MSN
• DNP 
• Alternate Entry MSN
• Alternate Entry PhD
• Ph.D. in Nursing

5. University of Houston – Score 82

NCLEX pass rate: 98.68%

Tuition per year: $15,052

The University of Houston is home to more than 45,000 students making it one of the largest schools included on the list. In 2017, the school had an 87% employment rate for RN-BSN & second-degree BSN graduates. Similar to the University of Texas at Austin, this means more grant money and opportunities for research. Overall, it’s a great option for nursing students. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students:

• RN-BSN
• BSN
• MSN
• DNP

6. Texas State University – Score 81

NCLEX pass rate: 100%

Tuition per year: $11,860

Texas State University is located in Round Rock, Texas, and is home to more than 38,000 students. The school boasts one of the best NCLEX pass rates of all the schools we analyzed, with a 100% pass rate for 2019. 

The nursing program, St. David’s School of Nursing, accepts 100 students a year for its BSN program. Given the tuition rate and the stellar NCLEX pass rate, this school provides a great combination of value and quality for students. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• BSN 
• MSN 
• RN to MSN

7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Score 79

NCLEX pass rate: 91.07%

Tuition per year: $9,345

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is located in Lubbock, Texas, and has a small student population that fosters an engaging learning environment. In total, the school offers 22 different programs for nursing students. One of the more exciting features of the program is the online MSN. 

Another important factor when considering this school is the low tuition rate. It’s one of the most affordable nursing programs in Texas. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP

8. Texas Woman’s University – Score 78 (tied with University of Texas at El Paso)      

NCLEX pass rate: 96.25%

Tuition per year: $6,789

Texas Woman’s University is located in Denton, Texas, and enrolls over 15,000 students. It is one of the most affordable schools on our list and has an excellent NCLEX pass rate. One of the convenient aspects of the program is that it offers students a completely online R.N. to BSN program. 

The school also provides students an opportunity to attend classes at three different campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Last, the school has a Center for Global Nursing, which allows students to travel worldwide, providing essential nursing services. Overall, this nursing program is an excellent option for a potential nurse or someone looking to further their education. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• BSN
• RN-BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• Ph.D. in Nursing Science
• DNP to the Ph.D. bridge program

8. University of Texas at El Paso – Score 78 (tied with Texas Women’s University) 

NCLEX pass rate: 97.64%

Tuition per year: $8,300

The University of Texas at El Paso is one of the premier Hispanic serving institutions with over 80 percent Hispanic population. With over 25,000 students enrolled, it is a sizable campus. Given its high NCLEX pass rate and low tuition, it’s a great bargain and value for students. The school offers a fully online R.N. to BSN program for students to complete within 2.5 semesters. Additionally, their MSN program is offered online as well. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• RN-BSN
• BSN
• MSN
• DNP

9. University of Texas at Tyler – Score 76

NCLEX pass rate: 94.86%

Tuition per year: $7,200

The University of Texas at Tyler is one of the premier nursing programs in Texas. It ranks as the second most affordable school on our list and provides students with a chance to develop practical skills within nursing. Their BSN program is offered year-round and can be completed within 18 months once a student finishes their prerequisites. Their graduate nursing programs allow students to meet online, hybrid, and in-person courses. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students: 

• BSN
• RN-BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• BSN-PhD

10. University of the Incarnate Word – Score 72 

NCLEX pass rate: 97.87%

Tuition per year: $31,800

The University of the Incarnate Word is a private, Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas. It is the largest Catholic university in Texas. The school has over 5,000 undergraduate students in attendance for the Fall 2021 semester. This makes for smaller class sizes for nursing students, which some prefer. 

The Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions has a heart for global outreach and the military community. Specifically, the school has gone to Mexico and South Africa for medical trips and received a $1.9 million, three-year grant to study pregnancy and birth outcomes in military women and pregnancy. 

The school offers the following degree programs for nursing students:

• BSN
• ABSN
• MSN
• DNP

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How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may feel stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. When choosing a school, some of the factors you should consider are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program that you can easily commute to. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map of the selected schools.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up absorbing a massive amount of student debt from their years of college. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt. 

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is critically important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University webpages
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, Texas Board of Registered Nursing)
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1 and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of ten for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

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