Best Nursing Schools in Texas: 2025 NCLEX Results and How to Choose

Choosing a nursing school in Texas is not just about the name on the building.

It is about whether the program prepares students to graduate, sit for the NCLEX-RN, pass on the first try, and enter practice safely.

For this guide, NurseZee used our own criteria.

We did not use U.S. News rankings.

We started with the 2025 Texas Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN results, then looked at candidate volume, program type, approval and accreditation checks, cost considerations, clinical access, and how useful the program may be for different types of students.

How we chose the best nursing schools in Texas

We used a practical nursing-student lens.

The best program is not always the program with the highest one-year pass rate.

A school with 100% pass rate and 12 candidates may be strong, but the result is less stable than a school with 95% pass rate and 300 candidates.

A program with a high NCLEX pass rate may still have high attrition, high cost, limited clinical placement support, or a schedule that does not work for you.

So we used these criteria.

NurseZee criteria

1. 2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate

The NCLEX-RN pass rate is the starting point.

It answers a basic question:

Of the graduates who tested for the RN license exam for the first time, how many passed?

A high pass rate suggests the program is preparing graduates for entry-level RN practice.

It does not prove the program is easy.

It does not prove every student graduates.

It does not prove the program is affordable.

But it is one of the clearest outcome measures available.

2. Candidate volume

Candidate volume matters.

A pass rate from 30 candidates is useful.

A pass rate from 300 candidates is stronger evidence.

A school that keeps a 90%+ pass rate with a large cohort deserves attention because the result is harder to maintain.

3. Texas Board of Nursing approval

Texas nursing programs must be approved or regulated through the Texas Board of Nursing.

Before applying, check the program's current approval status on the Texas BON website.

Do not rely only on a school's marketing page.

4. Programmatic accreditation

For nursing, the common programmatic accreditors are:

• ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Accreditation can affect transfer options, graduate school eligibility, employer preference, and confidence in program quality.

State board approval and programmatic accreditation are not the same thing.

You should check both when possible.

5. Cost and debt risk

A lower-cost ADN program can be a smart path if it has strong outcomes and good clinical placements.

A BSN may be worth the higher cost if it gives you stronger hospital access, leadership preparation, public health content, or a better pathway to graduate school.

The right answer depends on your goals.

6. Clinical placement quality

A strong nursing program should be able to explain where students complete clinicals.

Ask about:

• Medical-surgical clinicals
• OB clinicals
• Pediatrics clinicals
• Mental health clinicals
• Community health clinicals
• ICU, ED, or specialty exposure
• Simulation lab quality
• Preceptor or capstone placement options

Clinical placement can make or break your learning experience.

7. Student support and NCLEX prep

A school with strong faculty support, skills lab access, tutoring, remediation, ATI/HESI/Kaplan style testing, and early NCLEX preparation may help students stay on track.

Ask what happens when a student fails a course or struggles on exams.

The answer tells you a lot.

Texas NCLEX-RN results for 2025

The Texas Board of Nursing's 2025 NCLEX-RN report covers first-time RN candidates educated in Texas during January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

The statewide numbers were strong.

What this means:

Texas nursing programs, as a group, performed above the national average in 2025.

But the statewide average hides big differences between programs.

Some schools were far above 90%.

Some were below 80%.

Some had large candidate groups.

Some had small candidate groups.

That is why you should compare both pass rate and candidate count.

Best nursing schools in Texas based on 2025 NCLEX results

The schools below stood out based on available 2025 NCLEX-RN data and our criteria.

This is not a list of every good program in Texas.

It is a practical shortlist of programs that deserve attention because of pass rate, candidate volume, program type, location, or student fit.

1. Blinn College - Associate Degree Nursing

Blinn College is one of the strongest ADN standouts in the 2025 Texas data.

A 98.25% pass rate is excellent.

The candidate count also helps.

This is not a tiny cohort result.

More than 100 first-time candidates tested, and almost all passed.

Best fit

Blinn may be a strong fit if you want a community-college ADN route in the Bryan/College Station region and plan to enter practice quickly.

What to verify

Ask about current admission points, prerequisite GPA, HESI or TEAS requirements, clinical sites, schedule format, and RN-to-BSN transfer options.

2. Del Mar College - Associate Degree Nursing

Del Mar College posted one of the strongest combinations of pass rate and candidate volume in the available 2025 ADN data.

A 97.08% pass rate with 137 candidates is a strong signal.

Best fit

Del Mar may be a good fit for students in the Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend region who want a lower-cost ADN pathway.

What to verify

Ask about clinical placements, simulation lab time, evening or weekend options, and how the program supports students preparing for the NCLEX.

3. Austin Community College - Associate Degree Nursing

Austin Community College stands out because of scale.

A 95.17% pass rate is strong by itself.

Doing that with 331 first-time candidates makes the result more meaningful.

Large programs often have more varied student groups, more sections, and more logistical complexity.

Maintaining a high pass rate at that size matters.

Best fit

ACC may be a strong fit for Austin-area students who want an ADN program with large-program infrastructure and a strong 2025 NCLEX outcome.

What to verify

Ask about waitlist pressure, admission ranking, prerequisite sequencing, clinical site availability, and RN-to-BSN bridge partnerships.

4. Collin College - Associate Degree Nursing

Collin College is another large-cohort standout.

A 94.65% pass rate with 243 candidates is a solid result.

For students in North Texas, Collin can be worth a serious look.

Best fit

Collin may be a good fit for students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who want a community-college route to RN licensure.

What to verify

Ask about admissions competitiveness, clinical travel requirements, course repeat policies, and NCLEX remediation support.

5. Texas A&M International University - BSN

Texas A&M International University stands out as a BSN option with a strong reported 2025 NCLEX-RN result.

Its student achievement page reports a 98.37% 2025 Texas BON pass rate and shows several recent years of outcomes.

This matters because BSN applicants should look at more than a one-year number.

Best fit

TAMIU may be a strong option for students in South Texas who want a traditional BSN pathway and a university nursing environment.

What to verify

Ask about direct admission versus competitive upper-division admission, clinical placement locations, program completion rates, and financial aid.

6. Alvin Community College - Associate Degree Nursing

Alvin Community College posted a strong 2025 result.

The candidate count is moderate, and the pass rate is comfortably above 90%.

Best fit

Alvin may be a good fit for students south of Houston or in the Gulf Coast area who want a community-college ADN route.

What to verify

Ask about clinical sites, admissions testing, required support courses, and whether graduates commonly complete RN-to-BSN programs.

7. Angelina College - Associate Degree Nursing

Angelina College is a strong East Texas option based on the 2025 data.

The cohort is smaller than ACC or Collin, so you should also check multi-year outcomes.

Still, 56 of 58 candidates passing is a strong result.

Best fit

Angelina may be a good fit for East Texas students who want a regional ADN program.

What to verify

Ask about clinical travel distance, faculty availability, student support, and local employer relationships.

8. Central Texas College - Associate Degree Nursing

Central Texas College had a strong 2025 pass rate.

The cohort was small, so we would not rank it above larger high-performing programs on pass rate alone.

Still, it belongs on the shortlist for students near Killeen and Fort Cavazos.

Best fit

Central Texas College may be a good fit for local students, military-connected students, and applicants who want an ADN program in Central Texas.

What to verify

Ask about cohort size, acceptance rates, course schedules, clinical sites, and support for students balancing family or military obligations.

9. Cisco College - Associate Degree Nursing

Cisco College had a strong 2025 result with 33 of 34 first-time candidates passing.

This is a small-cohort standout.

Best fit

Cisco may be worth considering for students in the Abilene region who want an ADN path.

What to verify

Ask for the last three years of NCLEX pass rates, attrition, clinical placement details, and whether students can progress into a BSN completion program after licensure.

10. Dallas College - Associate Degree Nursing

Dallas College is not the highest pass-rate school on this list.

But it deserves attention because it cleared 90% with 200 candidates.

For Dallas-area students, access, cost, and location may make it a realistic option.

Best fit

Dallas College may be a good fit for DFW students who want a community-college ADN program with a large candidate group and a 90%+ 2025 pass rate.

What to verify

Ask about campus assignment, clinical travel, selection points, student support, and the school's most recent NCLEX trend.

Strong small-cohort programs to watch

Some programs had excellent 2025 outcomes with smaller candidate groups.

These schools may be very good options, especially for local students.

Just remember that small cohorts can swing more from year to year.

Use these programs as shortlist candidates, not automatic winners.

Ask for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 pass rates before you decide.

Large-cohort Texas nursing programs with strong 2025 results

Large candidate volume matters because it gives a better sense of how the program performs across a bigger student group.

If you are applying in a major metro area, these programs are worth comparing against nearby BSN options.

Programs with 2025 caution flags

A lower one-year pass rate does not automatically mean a school is a bad choice.

But it does mean you should ask harder questions.

The Texas BON report identified 18 professional programs below 80% that would need to submit a Self-Study Report.

Examples from the available 2025 data include:

These programs may have improvement plans, leadership changes, curriculum revisions, or cohort-specific issues.

Do not assume.

Ask.

ADN vs BSN in Texas

Texas has many strong ADN and BSN options.

The right path depends on your budget, timeline, career goals, and local hospital expectations.

ADN programs

ADN programs are usually offered by community colleges.

They are often less expensive than university BSN programs.

They can help you become eligible for RN licensure faster.

Many students complete an ADN, pass the NCLEX, start working, and then complete an RN-to-BSN program later.

ADN may be a good fit if:

• You want a lower-cost route
• You need to stay close to home
• You want to enter the RN workforce faster
• Your local hospitals hire ADN-prepared new grads
• You plan to complete BSN later

ADN may not be ideal if:

• Your target hospital strongly prefers BSN-prepared nurses
• You want direct entry into some leadership, public health, military, or graduate pathways
• You want a traditional university campus experience

BSN programs

BSN programs are usually offered by universities.

They include RN preparation plus broader coursework in leadership, research, public health, community health, and systems-level thinking.

Some hospitals prefer BSN graduates for new grad residency programs.

A BSN is also the usual foundation for graduate nursing programs.

BSN may be a good fit if:

• You want a four-year university path
• You want a direct route to graduate school later
• You want stronger public health and leadership preparation
• You are targeting hospitals that prefer BSN-prepared nurses
• You can manage the cost and timeline

BSN may not be ideal if:

• The cost would create heavy debt
• You already have a local ADN option with excellent outcomes
• You need to work while in school and the BSN schedule is not flexible

Accelerated BSN programs

Accelerated BSN programs are built for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

They can be fast.

They can also be intense and expensive.

If you already have a degree, read NurseZee's accelerated BSN programs guide before applying.

Direct-entry MSN programs

Direct-entry MSN programs are for students who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and want a graduate-level nursing pathway.

They are not always the best first choice.

You need to understand cost, licensure timing, RN experience expectations, and whether the degree matches your career goal.

Read NurseZee's direct-entry MSN programs guide if you are comparing that route.

What counts as a good NCLEX pass rate?

A strong NCLEX pass rate is usually 90% or higher.

But context matters.

95% or higher

This is excellent, especially with a moderate or large candidate group.

Example:

95% pass rate with 300 candidates is a very strong signal.

90% to 94.99%

This is strong.

It is above the common 90% benchmark used in many public reports.

Example:

92% with 200 candidates is still a good outcome.

80% to 89.99%

This may be acceptable, but you should inspect trends.

Ask whether the program is improving, stable, or declining.

Below 80%

This is a caution zone.

Ask about state board action, self-study requirements, curriculum changes, and current approval status.

How to compare Texas nursing schools step by step

Use this process before you submit applications.

Step 1: Confirm the program type

Know exactly what you are applying to.

Common options include:

• ADN
• Traditional BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• LVN-to-RN bridge
• RN-to-BSN completion
• Direct-entry MSN

Do not assume every nursing program leads to RN licensure.

Some programs are completion-only.

Some are for current LVNs.

Some are for current RNs.

Some are graduate programs.

Step 2: Check Texas BON approval

Go to the Texas Board of Nursing education pages and confirm the program is approved.

You want to know:

• Is the program approved?
• Is the program new?
• Is the program on warning or conditional status?
• Has the program had recent NCLEX issues?
• Has the program closed or stopped admitting students?

Do not skip this.

Step 3: Check accreditation

Then check ACEN or CCNE accreditation.

Ask:

Is the nursing program itself accredited by ACEN or CCNE?
Is the college or university institutionally accredited?
Does this accreditation support transfer, employment, and graduate school goals?

Some employers and graduate schools care a lot about accreditation.

Step 4: Compare 2025 pass rate and three-year trend

One year matters.

Three years matter more.

Ask the program for 2023, 2024, and 2025 first-time NCLEX pass rates.

Look for stability.

Strong pattern:
2023: 91%
2024: 94%
2025: 95%

Caution pattern:
2023: 96%
2024: 88%
2025: 76%

A one-year dip may be explainable.

A multi-year decline needs more scrutiny.

Step 5: Ask about attrition

A program can have a high NCLEX pass rate because only the strongest students make it to graduation.

That is why attrition matters.

Ask:

How many students start each cohort?
How many graduate on time?
How many withdraw or fail out?
What support is available before a student fails?

Step 6: Compare total cost

Do not compare tuition only.

Compare total cost.

Include:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• Scrubs
• Shoes
• Lab supplies
• Background check
• Drug screen
• Immunizations
• CPR certification
• Testing packages
• Graduation fees
• NCLEX fee
• State licensure fees
• Parking
• Transportation to clinical sites
• Lost income if you reduce work hours

A cheaper program is not always better.

But a very expensive program needs to justify the cost.

Step 7: Ask about clinical placements

Clinicals are where nursing school becomes real.

Ask specific questions.

Where are clinicals located?
How far do students travel?
Are clinicals guaranteed by the school?
Are students responsible for finding placements?
Do students get hospital-based med-surg experience?
Is there a final practicum or preceptorship?

Step 8: Ask about schedule reality

Nursing school schedules can be difficult.

Lecture, lab, simulation, clinical, skills checkoffs, care plans, exams, and study time may not fit neatly into a normal work schedule.

Ask for a sample weekly schedule before you apply.

Step 9: Compare admission difficulty

Some programs are affordable but extremely competitive.

Ask about:

• Prerequisite GPA
• Science GPA
• Entrance exam requirements
• Interview requirements
• Point system
• Healthcare experience points
• Reapplication rules
• Waitlist policy

A school can look perfect until you realize your application is not competitive.

Step 10: Match the school to your goal

Do not apply to a school only because it is famous.

Apply because it matches your goal.

Examples:

Goal: Become an RN quickly with low debt.
Possible fit: Strong ADN program with RN-to-BSN pathway.

Goal: Work in a large academic hospital and pursue CRNA later.
Possible fit: Strong BSN program with high-acuity clinical exposure.

Goal: Switch careers after a bachelor's degree.
Possible fit: Accelerated BSN, but only if the cost and pace are realistic.

Questions to ask every Texas nursing school

Use this list when you talk to admissions.

What was your 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
How many first-time candidates tested in 2025?
What were your 2024 and 2023 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates?
What percentage of admitted students graduate on time?
What percentage of students withdraw or fail a nursing course?
Is the program currently approved by the Texas Board of Nursing?
Is the program accredited by ACEN or CCNE?
Where do students complete clinical rotations?
Are clinical placements arranged by the school?
How many hours per week should students expect to study?
Can students work while enrolled?
What happens if a student fails one nursing course?
What NCLEX prep resources are included?
What is the total estimated program cost?
Are there scholarships, grants, or payment plans?
What percentage of graduates get RN jobs within 6 months?

How Texas nursing schools connect to NCLEX clinical judgment

The NCLEX is not just a memorization test.

It tests whether you can use nursing judgment.

NCSBN's clinical judgment model includes:

1. Recognize cues
2. Analyze cues
3. Prioritize hypotheses
4. Generate solutions
5. Take action
6. Evaluate outcomes

A strong nursing school should prepare you for that reasoning pattern.

You should not only ask:

Does this school have a high NCLEX pass rate?

Also ask:

Will this school teach me to think like a safe entry-level nurse?

For help with priority thinking, read NurseZee's NCLEX prioritization guide.

For broader exam planning, use the NCLEX prep guide.

You can also practice with NurseZee's question bank at practice.nursezee.com.

Red flags when choosing a Texas nursing school

Be careful if a school shows several of these signs.

Red flag 1: The school hides NCLEX data

A school should be able to tell you its NCLEX pass rate.

If the answer is vague, ask again.

Red flag 2: The school talks only about speed

Fast is not always better.

A fast program with poor support can become expensive very quickly if you fail or withdraw.

Red flag 3: The school cannot explain clinical placements

You need clinical experience.

If the school cannot clearly explain where clinicals happen, that is a problem.

Red flag 4: The school has a low pass rate and no clear improvement plan

A low pass rate can happen.

A weak explanation is the bigger concern.

Red flag 5: The school has high pressure admissions tactics

Be cautious if the school pushes you to enroll quickly, avoids cost details, or does not answer licensing questions directly.

Red flag 6: The program is not clearly approved for RN licensure

Never assume.

Check Texas BON approval yourself.

Texas nursing school shortlist by student type

Best route for low debt

Look first at strong ADN programs with high NCLEX pass rates and RN-to-BSN transfer options.

Good examples from 2025 data:

• Blinn College
• Del Mar College
• Austin Community College
• Collin College
• Alvin Community College

Best route for large-program stability

Look at programs with both high pass rates and larger candidate groups.

Good examples from 2025 data:

• Austin Community College
• Collin College
• Dallas College
• Del Mar College
• Blinn College

Best route for South Texas BSN students

Texas A&M International University deserves a close look based on its reported 98.37% 2025 Texas BON pass rate and its published outcome data.

Best route for students in smaller communities

Small-cohort programs can be strong, but verify multi-year trends.

Examples to investigate:

• Angelina College
• Central Texas College
• Cisco College
• Galveston College

Best route for career changers

If you already have a bachelor's degree, compare accelerated BSN programs carefully.

Do not choose only by speed.

Ask about cost, clinical placement, attrition, and NCLEX outcomes.

Sample school comparison worksheet

Copy this into a spreadsheet.

School:
Program type:
Location:
Texas BON approval status:
ACEN or CCNE accreditation:
2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
2025 candidates tested:
2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
2023 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
On-time completion rate:
Attrition rate:
Total estimated cost:
Clinical locations:
Schedule format:
Entrance exam:
Minimum GPA:
Average admitted GPA:
Work-friendly schedule? yes/no:
RN-to-BSN pathway:
New grad employment support:
Main advantage:
Main concern:
Decision:

Example: how to compare two Texas nursing programs

Program A

2025 NCLEX pass rate: 99%
Candidates: 18
Total cost: $48,000
Attrition data: not provided
Clinical sites: vague
Accreditation: unclear

Program B

2025 NCLEX pass rate: 94%
Candidates: 220
Total cost: $14,000
Attrition data: provided
Clinical sites: clearly listed
Accreditation: verified

Better choice for many students

Program B may be the safer choice, even with the lower pass rate.

Why

Program B has strong NCLEX results with a much larger candidate group, lower cost, clearer clinical placement information, and more transparent outcomes.

That is how you should think.

Do not chase one number.

Compare the full risk picture.

Frequently asked questions about the best nursing schools in Texas

What is the best nursing school in Texas based on 2025 NCLEX results?

There is no single best nursing school for every student. Based on available 2025 NCLEX-RN data, strong standouts include Blinn College, Del Mar College, Austin Community College, Collin College, and Texas A&M International University. The best choice depends on program type, cost, location, admission fit, clinical access, and your long-term goals.

Did NurseZee use U.S. News rankings for this list?

No. This guide uses NurseZee's own criteria based on 2025 NCLEX-RN results, candidate volume, approval and accreditation checks, cost, clinical access, and student fit. We did not use U.S. News rankings.

Is NCLEX pass rate the most important nursing school factor?

It is one of the most important outcome measures, but it is not the only factor. You should also check attrition, graduation rate, total cost, clinical placements, faculty support, accreditation, and state board approval status.

What NCLEX pass rate is considered good?

A 90% or higher first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is generally strong. A 95% or higher rate is excellent, especially with a moderate or large candidate group. Below 80% should trigger closer questions about improvement plans and approval status.

Why does candidate volume matter?

A high pass rate from a larger cohort is usually more stable evidence than a high pass rate from a tiny group. For example, 95% with 300 candidates tells you more than 100% with 10 candidates.

Are ADN programs in Texas worth it?

Yes, many Texas ADN programs are strong and affordable. An ADN can be a smart path if the program has strong NCLEX outcomes, good clinical placements, and a clear RN-to-BSN pathway if you want or need a BSN later.

Is a BSN better than an ADN?

A BSN may offer broader preparation and better alignment with some hospital, leadership, public health, military, and graduate school goals. An ADN may be faster and less expensive. The better choice depends on your situation.

Should I avoid a school with a pass rate below 80%?

Not automatically, but you should ask direct questions. Find out what caused the low pass rate, whether the Texas BON required a Self-Study Report, what changes the school made, and what the most recent cohort results show.

How do I check if a Texas nursing school is approved?

Use the Texas Board of Nursing education pages. Confirm that the exact program you plan to attend is approved and check whether there are any status concerns.

How do I check nursing school accreditation?

Search the ACEN and CCNE accredited program directories. Make sure you are checking the nursing program, not just the college or university as a whole.

Are accelerated BSN programs in Texas a good option?

They can be a good option for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, but they are intense. Compare cost, clinical placement, attrition, and NCLEX outcomes before enrolling.

Can I work while attending nursing school in Texas?

Some students work part time, but full-time nursing school is demanding. Ask each program for a sample weekly schedule before assuming you can work the same hours as before.

What should I ask before applying to a Texas nursing school?

Ask for the 2025 NCLEX pass rate, candidate count, three-year trend, completion rate, attrition rate, total cost, clinical locations, accreditation, approval status, and NCLEX support plan.

Where can I practice NCLEX-style questions?

Use a question bank with rationales and clinical judgment practice. NurseZee has NCLEX-style practice questions for students preparing for the exam.

Final thoughts

Texas has many nursing programs.

That is good for access.

It also means you need to compare carefully.

Start with 2025 NCLEX-RN results.

Then go deeper.

Check approval.

Check accreditation.

Check cost.

Check clinical placements.

Check attrition.

Ask what happens when students struggle.

A strong nursing school should not only help you pass NCLEX.

It should help you become a safe new nurse.