Best Online Master’s in Nursing in Texas

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An online master’s in nursing degree provides you with the knowledge base and educational requirements to pursue or advance your career in nursing and nursing administration. Online degrees are a convenient and affordable way for nurses to advance professionally without disrupting their lives or careers.

Finding a master’s in nursing in Texas helps Texans find the most affordable programs at colleges and universities they and employers know and trust.

An online master’s in nursing degree prepares students for a variety of advanced careers in nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, or nurse educator. These programs require students to have varying levels of field experience under their belts, and build on existing knowledge. Students engage with advanced topics in courses such as biochemistry, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and medical ethics. Many programs include some kind of concentration for students to pursue specialized career paths, including anesthetics, nursing administration, midwifery, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

Nationally, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $113,930, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Texas, the 50% of nurse anesthetists earn over $160,000 annually, and enjoy a job growth rate of nearly 26%, much faster than the national average of 5% for all occupations.

Like other healthcare workers, nurses must be licensed, with licensure varying by state and specific practice. At a minimum, nurses in Texas must hold licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing. Depending on the specific practice, nurses must also hold certifications through bodies including the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, the American Midwifery Certification Board, or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

Nurse Practitioners Career Prospects in Texas
Job Growth by 2026 29%
Annual Job Growth 3.7%
Average Wage (Mean):
$111,059
Entry Level Wage:
$82,288
Median Wage:
$108,658
Experienced Wage:
$125,445
Sources: the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market Information Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Report and the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market Information Employment Projections 2016-2026 Report

Find your online masters degree in nursing in TX

Study confidently at a quality institution in Texas where you know you will receive training relevant to Texas laws and regulations, and with attention to current affairs in Texas. Finding an online degree at a regionally accredited college or university will help ensure not only the acceptance of your degree by hiring professionals, but it will enable you to pursue an advanced degree should you someday want to take your education to the next level.

Here’s our list of online master’s degrees in nursing offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities in Texas. Sort to find the best, most affordable, and best value online colleges for nursing degrees.

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    1. Texas A&M University

      College Station, TX

      Program Score

      99

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 68,726 (3% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 13
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $12,153 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nursing Administration 31 2-3 years
      See TAMU’s full list of online degrees!

    2. Texas Christian University

      Fort Worth, TX

      Program Score

      96

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 11,024 (2% fully online)
      Public or Private Private Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs 17
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $49,250 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN/CN L - Clinical Nurse Leader 33 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing Administration and Leadership 36 2-3 years
      MSN - Nurse Educator 34 2-3 years
      See TCU’s full list of online degrees!

    3. Baylor University

      Waco, TX

      Baylor University’s school logo

      Program Score

      96

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 18,033 (7% fully online)
      Public or Private Private Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs 22
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $47,364 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nursing Leadership and Innovation 36 2-3 years
      See BU’s full list of online degrees!

    4. University of Houston

      Houston, TX

      Program Score

      92

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 46,148 (4% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 23
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $9,221 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
      Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Nursing Administration 36 2-3 years
      See UH’s full list of online degrees!

    5. University of Texas at Arlington

      Arlington, TX

      Program Score

      91

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 48,635 (39% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 34
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $11,040 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #9 Best Texas Online CollegeA Most Affordable Texas Online College A Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner 46 3-4 years
      MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 41 2-3 years
      MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 41 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing Administration 36 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing Education 39 2-3 years
      MSN - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 45 3-4 years
      MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 41 2-3 years
      RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner 75 4-5 years
      RN to MSN - Registered Nurse to Nursing 71 4-5 years
      See UTA’s full list of online degrees!

    6. University of Texas at Tyler

      Tyler, TX

      Program Score

      85

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 9,617 (27% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 27
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,742 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #9 Most Affordable Texas Online College#9 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Nursing Administration 36 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing Education 36 2-3 years
      MSN to MBA - Nursing/Business Administration 63 3-4 years
      See UTT’s full list of online degrees!

    7. West Texas A&M University

      Canyon, TX

      Program Score

      84

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 9,970 (34% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 59
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,135 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #10 Best Texas Online College#6 Most Affordable Texas Online College#5 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Nursing: Comprehensive 39 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing: Nurse Practitioner 46 2-3 years
      See WTAMU’s full list of online degrees!

    8. Stephen F. Austin State University

      Nacogdoches, TX

      Program Score

      84

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 12,969 (12% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 41
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,844 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #10 Most Affordable Texas Online College#8 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner 46 3-4 years
      See SFASU’s full list of online degrees!

    9. Angelo State University

      San Angelo, TX

      Program Score

      84

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 10,568 (14% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 39
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $7,637 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #4 Most Affordable Texas Online College#4 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner 49 3-4 years
      MSN - Nurse Educator 39 2-3 years
      See ASU’s full list of online degrees!

    10. Lamar University

      Beaumont, TX

      Program Score

      82

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 15,460 (54% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      Number of Online Programs 43
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,494 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #7 Most Affordable Texas Online College#7 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nursing Education 37 2-3 years
      MS - Nursing Administration 37 2-3 years
      MS - RN To Nursing 300 4-5 years
      See LU’s full list of online degrees!

    11. Hardin-Simmons University

      Abilene, TX

      Hardin-Simmons University’s school logo

      Program Score

      82

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 2,324 (6% fully online)
      Public or Private Private Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs 10
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $30,140 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nursing - Hybrid 58 3-4 years
      See HSU’s full list of online degrees!

    12. University of Texas at El Paso

      El Paso, TX

      University of Texas at El Paso’s school logo

      Program Score

      81

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 25,177 (9% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 20
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $9,161 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College A Most Affordable Texas Online College A Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MS - Nurse Practitioner 46 3-4 years
      MS - Nursing Administration Management 33 2-3 years
      MS - Nursing Education 33 2-3 years
      See UTEP’s full list of online degrees!

    13. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

      Edinburg, TX

      Program Score

      73

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 29,113 (9% fully online)
      Public or Private Public
      USDE Special Government Status Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs 41
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $8,132 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Nursing Administration 36 2-3 years
      MSN - Nursing Education 36 2-3 years
      See UTRGV’s full list of online degrees!

    14. ECPI University - San Antonio

      San Antonio, TX

      ECPI University - San Antonio’s school logo

      Program Score

      66

      TX Relative Cost

      Key Facts Answers
      Total Enrollment 13,487 (23% fully online)
      Public or Private Private For-Profit
      Number of Online Programs 33
      Accreditation Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition $16,639 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      A Most Affordable Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Degree Credits Needed Completion Time1
      MSN - Nursing 36 2-3 years
      See ECPIUSA’s full list of online degrees!

    Published: .


    An institution’s program specfic score is calculated with seven data points: (1) its student-to-faculty ratio, (2) its number of degrees an institution awards in the program's field each year, (3) its the graduation rate, (4) its the retention rate, (5) its the percentage of online students, (6) its concentrated Influence (a measure of the academic importance of a school), and (7) its desirability (a measure of how many students chose to go to an institution).
     
    For each data point, we score schools based on where they fall in the percentile distribution for that data point. Because our scores are based on local data and not tied to irrelevant national data, they accurately reflect an institutions’s value to the Texas student. Institutions with missing data receive a zero for that data point.
     
    We weigh each data point and calculate an institution’s raw score. Then we create an adjusted raw score by combining a schools's score with a base score of 50. Finally, we score and rank institutions based on their adjusted score’s percentile rank.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.

    We weren’t able to get all the data we needed for this institution. This score is based on the information they have reported.
     
    An institution’s program specfic score is calculated with seven data points: (1) its student-to-faculty ratio, (2) its number of degrees an institution awards in the program's field each year, (3) its the graduation rate, (4) its the retention rate, (5) its the percentage of online students, (6) its concentrated Influence (a measure of the academic importance of a school), and (7) its desirability (a measure of how many students chose to go to an institution).
     
    For each data point, we score schools based on where they fall in the percentile distribution for that data point. Because our scores are based on local data and not tied to irrelevant national data, they accurately reflect an institutions’s value to the Texas student. Institutions with missing data receive a zero for that data point.
     
    We weigh each data point and calculate an institution’s raw score. Then we create an adjusted raw score by combining a schools's score with a base score of 50. Finally, we score and rank institutions based on their adjusted score’s percentile rank.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.

    Focused on online colleges in TX, our relative cost score compares the average in-state tuitions of Texas schools. In general, Texas is slightly cheaper than the national average of $9,970 (according to The National Center for Education Statistics) for a degree at a public 4-year college or university. However, Texas is home to some of the most affordable colleges and universities in the US, and it’s most expensive schools are tens of thousands cheaper than the most expensive schools in the country.
     
    Check out our detailed methodology here.