2027 Best Nursing Schools in Austin

Rankings help nursing students objectively compare programs based on outcomes. Registerednursing.org is creating the Best Nursing Schools in Austin rankings, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion. This data-driven approach identifies programs that effectively prepare graduates for licensure. Learn more about our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

The average pass rate increased by 27.7 percentage points from 2023 to 2024. Student counts decreased by 9 over the same period.

  • 2024: 86.67% average pass rate (30 students)
  • 2023: 58.97% average pass rate (39 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

Total nursing graduates in the Austin area decreased from 39 in 2023 to 30 in 2024, a decline of 9 students.

  • 2024: 30 graduates
  • 2023: 39 graduates

Biggest Improvements

South University-Austin's pass rate improved by 27.7 percentage points from 58.97% in 2023 to 86.67% in 2024.

  • South University-Austin: +27.7 percentage points (from 58.97% to 86.67%)
#1

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX - Public 4-Year - utexas.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at UT Austin is a four-year, full-time program that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings. Students develop critical thinking and clinical judgment through a curriculum integrating nursing, biological, behavioral sciences, and humanities. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and diverse nursing careers, from bedside care to leadership roles. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study. Admission is competitive, with direct entry into upper-division courses once enrolled. Freshmen and transfer applicants can apply for fall entry only, and no entrance exams like HESI or TEAS are required. An honors program offers undergraduate research opportunities. Ranked #31 nationally by U.S. News, this BSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional ethics, and interprofessional collaboration to produce skilled, compassionate nurses.

  • No entrance exam required
  • 4-Year program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts fall
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment
  • Prepares for diverse clinical settings
  • Foundation for graduate nursing degrees
  • Clinical experiences in hospital and community
#2

Austin Community College District

Austin, TX - Public 4-Year - austincc.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Austin Community College's online RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to advance their careers. The curriculum covers health policy, health promotion, community health, leadership, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Through a mix of fully online lecture courses and hands-on clinical experiences in central Texas, you'll develop the skills needed for higher-level nursing roles. The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with courses delivered in an 8-week format for flexibility. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions, further education, and improved patient outcomes. Accredited by ACEN, the program prioritizes ACC ADN graduates and requires an active Texas RN license.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Complete in in as little as 12 months
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Fully online lecture courses
  • Clinical courses in central Texas
#3

Concordia University Texas

Austin, TX - Private 4-year - concordia.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Concordia University Texas's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program combines a Christ-centered education with rigorous clinical training. With three tracks—Traditional, Direct Entry, and Accelerated—you can choose the path that fits your goals. The curriculum covers sciences and humanities in the Pre-Nursing sequence, followed by professional nursing courses and hands-on clinical rotations at Austin-area hospitals. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers as registered nurses in pediatrics, critical care, public health, and more. The program emphasizes compassionate leadership, ethical care, and personal attention from faculty. Whether you're starting college or transitioning from another field, Concordia's supportive, faith-infused community equips you to make a real difference in healthcare.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • 3 concentration options
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 4-Year program
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Three distinct tracks offered
#4

Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX - Private 4-year - stedwards.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Traditional BSN at Saint Edward's University is a four-year, full-time program that blends rigorous nursing science with a social-justice mindset. You'll explore patient care, healthcare leadership, and special topics through a competency-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Practical experience comes alive in the Simulation Learning and Resource Center, where you'll practice real-world scenarios with pre-briefing and debriefing. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure. Faculty are both teachers and mentors who guide you through active learning strategies. With rolling admissions, no entrance exams required, and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5, the program is accessible. CCNE accreditation ensures a quality education that opens doors to diverse nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • No entrance exam required
  • 4-Year program
  • Rolling admissions
  • Starts fall
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Simulation Learning and Resource Center
  • Competency-based curriculum
  • Social-justice mindset
#5

Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus

Round Rock, TX - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu

Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen's 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students new to nursing who want to launch their career with a bachelor's degree. The accelerated, campus-based program combines nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences in modern learning labs. You'll build a strong foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, preparing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become a registered nurse. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, and have a pathway to pursue graduate nursing degrees. With four start times per year, free application, and personalized support including academic advising and on-demand tutoring, Galen makes it possible to earn your BSN in just three years. Scholarships, grants, and federal aid are available to help finance your education.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Year program
  • 4 start dates per year
  • $0 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Personalized academic advising throughout program
  • Clinical learning labs for hands-on practice
*Data derived from the 2025 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Austin, TX

Entry-level nursing programs, meaning those that do not require a prior nursing degree or nursing license, are options for those in and around Austin. Direct-entry pathways can be found for Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), and even some Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

ADN Programs

The quickest and most basic RN program is the Associate's Degree in Nursing. These 2-year programs are usually offered through community colleges and technical schools. Students take courses in foundations of nursing, adult health, and more. Austin Community College, for example, offers an ADN with an estimated total cost of $6,868 for in-district students.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

With many employers requiring BSN degrees for nurses, many students are opting for this pathway. This traditional 4-year degree is offered at many universities in Austin. Texas State University offers a BSN degree with courses in research and ethics, community-based nursing, pediatric nursing, and more.

Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Though not a traditional option, some schools in Austin have begun offering direct-entry MSN programs for those who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in a non-nursing discipline. The University of Texas at Austin offers such a degree, which they call the Alternate-Entry Master of Science in Nursing. The program offers specialization tracks such as Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Leadership in Diverse Settings.

Find out more about Texas Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Austin, TX

RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs often referred to as "bridge programs" are available in Austin for those who already hold a nursing diploma or ADN degree. These programs take into consideration the RN's previous education and knowledge, making them shorter than traditional pathways.

RN to BSN

Sometimes called "ADN to BSN" programs, this pathway helps a nurse achieve the highly desired bachelor's degree in nursing. The program is comprised of a mix of didactic learning and clinical experiences. The University of Texas at Austin offers an ADN to BSN program that requires just 12 units of upper-division nursing courses (once prerequisites are satisfied). Full and part-time schedules are offered, and some courses are available online as well.

Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs

 

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We've gathered a comprehensive list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs across the country. Each school entry includes its city and state, key program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. This table makes it easy to compare your options and find the right fit for your nursing career. Explore the schools below to learn more.

Austin, TX

Saint Edward's University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Small classes with expert nurse faculty
    • Online, in-person, or hybrid options
    • Active RN license required
    • Prepares for nurse leadership roles
*Dataset: IPEDS 2025, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Austin, TX

Advanced nursing programs in Austin include MSN degrees, post-master's certificate programs, and DNP degrees. These programs generally allow students to choose from a variety of nurse practitioner specialties, which makes it a great pathway for those who wish to practice in a niche area of nursing.

MSN Programs

Those looking for a traditional, 2-year MSN degree program, the Austin area has a number of contenders. A variety of specialized pathways may be available, from adult-gerontology to pediatric to psychiatric-mental health.

Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

These programs are designed especially for MSN-educated nurses who wish to pursue a new specialty (for example, an FNP who wants to specialize as a Pediatric NP). These programs are generally shorter and less costly than a traditional 4-year degree program, saving time and money for these advanced nurses. The University of Texas at Austin offers a plethora of post-graduate certificates in many different popular APRN specialties.

Find out more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Ph.D. in Nursing degrees are the highest degree types a nurse can achieve. In roughly 5 semesters (depending on degree and specialty type), the doctoral RN candidate will graduate with the ability to be hired into the most prestigious nursing positions. The University of Texas at Austin offers a DNP degree with a 45-hour curriculum consisting of essential nursing courses, specialization courses, and clinical practice hours.

Find out more about Texas DNP Programs

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Austin

Austin offers a range of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) programs at the MSN, DNP, and NP levels. The table below lists schools with their location, program highlights, and direct links to each program page. We've gathered these options to help find the right fit. Explore the details to compare curricula, clinical requirements, and specializations. Each link provides more information on admissions and program structure.

Austin, TX

Concordia University Texas

  • MSN to DNP - BSN-to-DNP

    Online Learning - Website

    • $800 per credit
    • 36-Month program
    • Locked tuition rate
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Capstone required
    • Two-day summer colloquium
    • Scholarly project instead of dissertation
    • Healthcare policy and advocacy curriculum

The University of Texas at Austin

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • 5-Semester program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Monthly on-campus Friday/Saturday sessions
    • Ranked #16 among public DNP programs
    • Ranked #1 among top Texas DNP programs
    • On-demand information session available

Round Rock, TX

South University-Austin

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Administrator

    Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program.
    • Nurse Administrator specialization.
    • 44 credit hours.
    • Requires BSN degree.
    • 2.5 GPA minimum.
    • Active RN license needed.
    • Includes practicum courses.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
  • BSN to MSN - RN to Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • RN to MSN program.
    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialization.
    • Hybrid learning format.
    • Community-based care focus.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Flexible online options.
    • Available at Austin campus.
    • Builds on RN experience.
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2025. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Austin, TX

Below is a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Austin, Texas. The table shows each school's city and state, highlights of their nursing programs, and direct links to the program pages. This collection is designed to help prospective students compare options quickly. We have organized the information clearly, so anyone can explore degree levels, specializations, and unique offerings. Take a look to find the nursing program that matches your goals and start your journey in healthcare.

Austin, TX

Austin Community College District

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Complete in in as little as 12 months
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prerequisite courses required

Concordia University Texas

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 3 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 4-Year program
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Saint Edward's University

  • Bachelor's - Traditional BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • 4-Year program
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts fall
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Simulation Learning and Resource Center

The College of Health Care Professions-Austin

  • Associate - Nursing AAS Degree LVN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 20-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • 384 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • No entrance exam required
    • 4-Year program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts fall
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Ranked #31 in BSN programs
    • Focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment

Round Rock, TX

Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus

  • Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • 4 start dates per year
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
*IPEDS 2025 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/