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20 Best ABSN Programs in Houston, TX – 2026 Update

ByCharlene Farwell March 31, 2024July 22, 2026

Houston is a major hub for healthcare education, with many excellent accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs to choose from. As a leading education expert, I have researched and compiled this updated list of the top 20 ABSN programs in Houston for 2024 admissions.

1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Cizik School of Nursing

Rating: 4.8 stars
Address: 6901 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12-18 months

UTHealth offers an excellent ABSN program with clinical rotations at world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice and prepares nurses to deliver compassionate, quality care.

Unique Features: State-of-the-art simulation center, interprofessional education, options for RN-to-BSN pathway

Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions

2. Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing

Rating: 4.7 stars
Address: Northwest Houston Center, 9449 Grant Rd. Houston, TX 77070
Estimated Program Cost: $
Program Length: 16 months

Prairie View A&M‘s ABSN program is an affordable, accelerated option with quality instruction from expert faculty. Students get hands-on clinical experience in world-class Texas Medical Center hospitals.

Unique Features: Small class sizes, NCLEX pass rates consistently above 90%

Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions

3. University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing

Rating: 4.6 stars
Address: 911 W Lowden St, Arlington, TX 76010
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12 months

UT Arlington‘s ABSN program is an intensive 12-month curriculum with advanced simulation labs and clinical rotations in Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals. Graduates consistently score above national averages on the NCLEX exam.

Unique Features: Competency-based learning approach, interprofessional simulation training

Application Deadlines: April 1 and October 1

4. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA)

Rating: 4.5 stars
Address: 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

UTHSCSA‘s ABSN program uses cutting-edge simulation labs and expert faculty to deliver an innovative 15-month curriculum focusing on today‘s healthcare challenges.

Unique Features: State-of-the-art simulation training, advanced DNP program pathway

Application Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) / October 1 (Spring)

5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Rating: 4.3 stars
Address: 3601 4th Street STOP 6262, Lubbock, TX 79430
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12 months

The TTUHSC School of Nursing offers an accelerated BSN program that can be completed full-time in just 12 months. Students have access to high-tech simulation labs and highly skilled faculty.

Unique Features: NCLEX pass rates consistently above 95%, low student-faculty ratio

Application Deadlines: April 15 and October 15

6. Texas Tech University School of Nursing

Rating: 4.2 stars
Address: 1718 Flint Ave, Lubbock, TX 79405
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

Texas Tech Nursing offers an on-campus ABSN with clinical rotations across Lubbock healthcare facilities. Small class sizes and an NCLEX pass rate above 92% set graduates up for success.

Unique Features: Option to specialize in rural/underserved communities, study abroad options

Application Deadlines: March 1 and September 15 each year

7. University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Nursing

Rating: 4.1 stars
Address: 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

UH-Clear Lake‘s ABSN program offers learners access to advanced simulation labs and expert faculty. Small classes facilitate lots of one-on-one guidance. Optional Remote Immersion Distance Learning available.

Unique Features: Remote Immersion Distance Learning option, NCLEX pass rates over 90%

Application Deadlines: Fall – May 1; Spring – Oct. 1

8. Chamberlain University

Rating: 4.0 stars
Address: 677 S Fry Rd Ste 400, Katy, TX 77450
Estimated Program Cost: $$$
Program Length: 12-24 months

Chamberlain offers personalized instruction and advanced simulation training for clinically confident graduates. Five start times per year and online coursework provide flexibility.

Unique Features: Five start times per year, online course options

Application Deadlines: Ongoing – applicant can choose preferred start date

9. University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing

Rating: 3.9 stars
Address: 11937 US Hwy 271, Tyler, TX 75708
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

UT Tyler‘s ABSN uses evidence-based curriculum to prepare excellent nurse generalists. Students have access to high-quality simulation labs and have above-average NCLEX pass rates.

Unique Features: Evidence-based curriculum, high NCLEX pass rates

Application Deadlines: March 1 (Summer admission), September 1 (January admission)

10. Galen College of Nursing

Rating: 3.8 stars
Address: 2210Lee Dr, Pearland, TX 77581
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12-18 months

With campuses in San Antonio and Austin in addition to Houston, Galen College of Nursing prepares nurses through expert instruction and hands-on clinical training. Many graduates continue at Galen for higher degrees.

Unique Features: Option to enroll in MSN program after BSN, 5-semester options

Application Deadlines: April 15, July 15, October 15, January 15

11. Angelo State University Department of Nursing

Rating: 3.7 stars
Address: 2333 Vanderventer Ave, San Angelo, TX 76909
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12 months

Angelo State University offers an accelerated, affordable pathway to earn a BSN in just 12 months. Small class sizes ensure lots of personalized faculty attention and support.

Unique Features: Competitive tuition rates, excellent NCLEX pass rates

Application Deadlines: July 15 (Fall Start)

12. University of Texas at El Paso Helen of Troy School of Nursing

Rating: 3.6 stars
Address: 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968
Estimated Program Cost: $
Program Length: 15 months

UTEP offers an accelerated BSN program focused on promoting health equity and meeting the needs of underserved border communities. Graduates consistently achieve excellent NCLEX pass rates.

Unique Features: Focus on health equity and border health, 4 campus simulation labs

Application Deadlines: April 1 for Fall admission

13. Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing

Rating: 3.5 stars
Address: 4450 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Beaumont, TX 77710
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

Lamar University offers an accelerated hybrid/blended curriculum BSN program blending online and on-campus elements. Starts in January or June each year.

Unique Features: Hybrid program model, high NCLEX pass rates

Application Deadlines: Spring – August 1; Summer – February 1

14. University of the Incarnate Word Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing

Rating: 3.4 stars
Address: 4301 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12 months

UIW offers an accelerated second-degree BSN program focused on providing compassionate, culturally competent care. Hands-on clinical practice starts early.

Unique Features: Early clinical placements, study abroad options

Application Deadlines: Fall – February 1; Spring – September 1

15. West Coast University

Rating: 3.3 stars
Address: 770 Smorefield Rd, Houston, TX 77024
Estimated Program Cost: $$$
Program Length: 12-24 months

West Coast University offers year-round admissions to their accelerated nursing pathway programs, so students can start sooner. Faculty have clinical experience caring for diverse patients.

Unique Features: 5 start dates per year, culturally diverse patient care focus

Application Deadlines: Rolling; applicant chooses preferred start date

16. Southern Careers Institute

Rating: 3.2 stars
Address: 9388 Fort Point Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 12 months

SCI offers a fast-track 12 month pathway to become a registered nurse. Their program model focuses on clinical judgment and hands-on skills for competent bedside nurses.

Unique Features: 12-month model, heavy focus on clinical skills

Application Deadlines: Vary by location – rolling admissions

17. Houston Baptist University

Rating: 3.1 stars
Address: 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 15 months

At Houston Baptist University, ABSN students receive a faith-based education focused on ethics and compassionate care through challenging liberal arts coursework and clinical training.

Unique Features: Only faith-based ABSN program in Houston, ethical/compassion focus

Application Deadlines: Summer – February 15; Fall – May 15

18. Houston Community College

Rating: 3.0 stars
Address: Coleman College, Houston, TX 77076
Estimated Program Cost: $
Program Length: 12 months

Houston Community College delivers affordable, accelerated BSN training focused on transitioning into nursing practice quickly. Small classes and simulation labs develop clinical skills.

Unique Features: Low cost public college option, high NCLEX pass rates

Application Deadlines: Vary by campus – rolling admissions

19. Lone Star College

Rating: 2.9 stars
Address: 1200 Lee Dr, Pearland, TX 77581
Estimated Program Cost: $
Program Length: 15 months

With five campus locations around Houston, Lone Star College delivers an affordable 15-month ABSN. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide lots of personalized support.

Unique Features: Multiple campus locations, strong community partnerships for clinicals

Application Deadlines: Vary by campus – rolling admissions

20. American Sentinel University

Rating: 2.8 stars
Address: Online accredited university based in Aurora, CO
Estimated Program Cost: $$
Program Length: 10-24 months

American Sentinel University offers an accredited online ABSN program with flexible pacing options to fit your schedule. There are multiple start dates per year.

Unique Features: Flexible online format, choose your own pace

Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions – start any quarter