2023 Best ADN Programs in Texas
Scouring through the 121 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs offered in Texas poses a challenge for many prospective students. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has accredited 54 of these schools, further narrowing the options. How, then, does one find the best ones to apply to?
Start by focusing on the ACEN-accredited schools. These institutions meet strict national standards for nursing education, offering a critical mark of quality.
Next, scrutinize the NCLEX passing rates of these accredited institutions. In Texas, the average range lies between 50.00% and 100.00%. Schools with passing rates on the higher end of this spectrum indicate a strong curriculum and faculty committed to student success.
Consider the duration of the program, as well. Typically, an ADN takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. Balancing this time commitment with other responsibilities, such as work or family, will help ensure a successful nursing school journey.
Lastly, look into the school’s resources, clinical opportunities, and student support services. Schools that excel in these areas often lead to better student outcomes.
Choosing the right ADN program is a personal decision, based on a variety of factors. By considering accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program duration, and support services, students can find the program that best fits their needs.
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Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Texas

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Texas?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Texas and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
- Laredo College
- Blinn College
- Mountain View College
- El Paso Community College
- Amarillo College
- Central Texas College
- Brookhaven College
- Wharton County Junior College
- Temple College
- Alvin Community College
- Lamar State College-Port Arthur
- Tyler Junior College
- Midland College
- Austin Community College District
- Weatherford College
- Lamar State College-Orange
- Galen College of Nursing
- Victoria College
- Hill College
- South Plains College
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Laredo College
Pass Rate

- West End Washington St, Laredo, TX - 78040-4395
- (956) 721-5140

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 170
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,300
Book and Supplies: $5,748
Percent Received Aid: 85%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,606
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 3,325%
- State Rank:
- Global Rank:
- Total # of School in State : 121
- Grade:
- Percent Score (ADN or BSN):
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Blinn College
Pass Rate

- 902 College Ave, Brenham, TX - 77833-4098
- (979) 830-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.15%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 394
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,020
Book and Supplies: $10,530
Percent Received Aid: 66%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,333
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 9%
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Mountain View College
Pass Rate

- 4849 West Illinois Ave., Dallas, TX - 75211-6599
- 2148608680
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.91%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
El Paso Community College
Pass Rate

- 9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, TX - 79925-6507
- (915) 831-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.43%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 413
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,274
Book and Supplies: $1,134
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,323
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 23%
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Amarillo College
Pass Rate

- 2011 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX - 79109
- (806) 371-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.02%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 187
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,136
Book and Supplies: $4,704
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,784
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Central Texas College
Pass Rate

- 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX - 76549-4199
- (254) 526-7161
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.79%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 185
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,850
Book and Supplies: $7,440
Percent Received Aid: 71%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,487
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 15%
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
Brookhaven College
Pass Rate

- 3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX - 75244-4997
- 9728604700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.59%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
#8 Associate Degree in Nursing
Wharton County Junior College
Pass Rate

- 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX - 77488
- (979) 532-4560
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.47%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 185
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,400
Book and Supplies: $4,872
Percent Received Aid: 66%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,202
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 18%
Wharton County Junior College is located in Wharton, Texas.  They offer a vocational nursing program, an ADN program and an LVN to ADN program; the LVN to ADN program is designed to be finished in one year, with students doing back-to-back semesters.
#9 Associate Degree in Nursing
Temple College
Pass Rate

- 2600 S 1st St, Temple, TX - 76504-7435
- (254) 298-8282
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.41%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 131
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,736
Book and Supplies: $6,432
Percent Received Aid: 79%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,690
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 15%
#10 Associate Degree in Nursing
Alvin Community College
Pass Rate

- 3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, TX - 77511-4898
- (281) 756-3500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.11%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 113
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,706
Book and Supplies: $4,010
Percent Received Aid: 59%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,466
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 30%
Alvin Community College is located in Alvin, Texas. Â They offer a vocational certificate, an ADN degree and 1 year LVN-RN transition program. Â The LVN-RN program takes only 10-20 students each June, whereas the ADN program takes 40 students twice yearly.
#11 Associate Degree in Nursing
Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Pass Rate

- 1500 Proctor St, Port Arthur, TX - 77640
- (409) 984-6342
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.43%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 60
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,400
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 85%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,067
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
#12 Associate Degree in Nursing
Tyler Junior College
Pass Rate

- 1400 East Fifth Street, Tyler, TX - 75701
- (903) 510-2200

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.37%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 319
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,962
Book and Supplies: $5,482
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,633
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
#13 Associate Degree in Nursing
Midland College
Pass Rate

- 3600 N Garfield, Midland, TX - 79705
- (432) 685-4500

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.24%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 134
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,940
Book and Supplies: $5,880
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,887
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
#14 Associate Degree in Nursing
Austin Community College District
Pass Rate

- 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX - 78752
- (512) 223-7000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.77%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 618
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,550
Book and Supplies: $10,590
Percent Received Aid: 61%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,731
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 12%
Austin Community College is located in Austin, Texas. Â They offer a vocational nursing program, a traditional AD program and a career mobility program. Â The career mobility program is an LVN to RN option - they also offer this program to students with other healthcare experience, such as students coming from the disciplines of:Â Paramedic, Dental Hygiene, Radiology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, and Surgical Technology
#15 Associate Degree in Nursing
Weatherford College
Pass Rate

- 225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX - 76086-5699
- (800) 287-5471

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.95%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 135
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,660
Book and Supplies: $7,800
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,780
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 1,725%
Weatherford College is located in Weatherford, Texas. Â They offer both a vocational nursing program and an ADN program. Â This college has been existence since 1869. Â Since its inception, it has gone through a variety of name changes and organizational changes and will be continuing to expand - it will have expansions and renovations in the near future.
#16 Associate Degree in Nursing
Lamar State College-Orange
Pass Rate

- 410 Front St, Orange, TX - 77630
- (409) 883-7750
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.26%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 41
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,192
Book and Supplies: $800
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,856
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
#17 Associate Degree in Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing, San Antonio Campus - Associate Degree Nursing
Pass Rate

- 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX - 78229
- (210) 733-3056

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.22%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 82
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $2,250
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,304
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 56%
#18 Associate Degree in Nursing
Victoria College
Pass Rate

- 2200 E Red River, Victoria, TX - 77901
- (361) 573-3291
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.16%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 91
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,568
Book and Supplies: $4,872
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,842
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 19%
#19 Associate Degree in Nursing
Hill College
Pass Rate

- 112 Lamar Dr, Hillsboro, TX - 76645
- (254) 659-7500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.02%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 90
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,382
Book and Supplies: $3,382
Percent Received Aid: 85%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,200
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
#20 Associate Degree in Nursing
South Plains College
Pass Rate

- 1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, TX - 79336
- (806) 894-9611
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.88%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 259
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,260
Book and Supplies: $4,276
Percent Received Aid: 84%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,126
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
South Plains College is located in Levelland, Texas.  They offer a vocational nursing program, an ADN program and an LVN to RN transition program.  The LVN to RN transtion program allows the LVN advanced placement into the ADN program, if certain prerequisites are met.
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You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Texas Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 103
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 21
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 7
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 7
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
- CNL: 6
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Nurse Educator: 2
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Midwife: 1
- Nursing Informatics: 1
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
Texas Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: 8
- The University of Texas at Arlington: 8
- Texas Woman’s University: 7
- The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing: 7
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio: 6
- The University of Texas at El Paso: 5
- The University of Texas at Austin: 4
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: 4
- University of the Incarnate Word: 4
- Texas State University San Marcos and St. David School of Nursing: 4
Additional Texas ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Texas Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
89.36 | Trinity Valley Community College | 25 | ADN |
89.34 | Panola College | 26 | ADN |
89.30 | Grayson College | 27 | ADN |
88.61 | Paris Junior College | 28 | ADN |
88.40 | Texarkana College | 29 | ADN |
88.26 | Lee College | 30 | ADN |
87.93 | Collin College | 31 | ADN |
87.82 | Vernon College | 32 | ADN |
87.34 | Tarrant County College District | 33 | ADN |
86.85 | College of the Mainland | 34 | ADN |
86.46 | Angelina College | 35 | ADN |
86.41 | South Texas College | 36 | ADN |
86.25 | Houston Community College | 37 | ADN |
84.68 | Kilgore College | 38 | ADN |
84.22 | San Antonio College | 39 | ADN |
84.13 | McLennan Community College | 40 | ADN |
83.81 | Clarendon College | 41 | ADN |
83.40 | Brazosport College | 42 | ADN |
81.51 | Northeast Texas Community College | 43 | ADN |
80.27 | Ranger College | 44 | ADN |
79.39 | Cisco College | 45 | ADN |
79.38 | Galveston College | 46 | ADN |
76.55 | Coastal Bend College | 47 | ADN |
76.22 | St Philip's College | 48 | ADN |

2023 Best ADN Programs in Texas
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Texas Nurses
Pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Texas can be a financially challenging endeavor. So, what resources are available to help these students manage their expenses?
Financial aid for Texas ADN students comes in several forms, including Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. A pivotal step in securing any of these aid options is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It helps determine the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and school-based financial aid. Students can access and fill out the FAFSA here.
Apart from federal aid, Texas offers state-specific resources. The College for All Texans site provides a wealth of information on aid programs available to Texan students.
ADN Scholarships for Texas Nurses
Now, let’s look at some scholarships available to Texas ADN students:
- Good Samaritan Foundation Nursing Scholarship: Serving nursing students in the Texas Gulf Coast Region, this scholarship provides aid to students enrolled in an ADN program. A unique aspect of this scholarship is that it gives priority to students pursuing higher degrees. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: March.
- Texas Nurses Association District 9 Scholarship: The association supports Texas students enrolled in a nursing program at an accredited institution. A unique feature of this scholarship is the student membership requirement. Award Amount: $1,000. Application Deadline Month: April.
- Texas Student Nurses Association Scholarship: Open to student members of the association currently enrolled in an accredited ADN program in Texas. This scholarship sets itself apart by requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Award Amount: $500-$2,000. Application Deadline Month: February.
- Parkland Health & Hospital System Scholarship: Offered to employees or dependents of employees at the Parkland Health & Hospital System. This scholarship distinguishes itself by catering to the hospital’s community. Award Amount: $1,000. Application Deadline Month: May.
- Texans Caring for Texans Scholarship: Available to state employees or their dependents enrolled in a nursing program. This scholarship stands out for its focus on those who serve Texans in public service. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: April.
These are just a few examples of the financial aid options available to Texas ADN students. Navigating financial aid can be overwhelming, but remember: resources are available to support your journey.
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Texas Resources for ADN
Prompt – Create a brief introductory paragraph and then list and describe the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) state and organizational resources in Texas in markdown format, use a bolded name and a description, text link the name provide the 25 to 50 word description after the name like: Name – Description. Create a brief title and description for the section and use the Shrunk and White Style guide. Include: the board of nursing for Texas, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator (text link: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=wy) for Texas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (text link: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm) for Texas.
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.