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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

179 Colleges in the Southwest Region
42,378 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$71,362 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #3 in popularity, nursing is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 179 schools in the Southwest Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of nursing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 42,378 degrees in nursing during the 2021-2022 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region The nursing program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Nursing rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for nursing schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Nursing Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees in Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Nursing

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Nursing in the Southwest Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the nursing degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southwest Region Schools in Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,173 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.6% Growth in Graduates

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of Lubbock, TTUHSC is a public university with a moderately-sized student population.

There were roughly 1173 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TTUHSC in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center receive an earnings boost of about $26,004 over the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
663 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$109,226 Median Starting Salary

It's hard to beat The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston if you wish to pursue a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of Houston, UTHealth is a public university with a medium-sized student population.

There were approximately 663 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTHealth in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston earn a boost of approximately $37,864 above the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
551 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$84,050 Median Starting Salary

The University of Texas Medical Branch is a great decision for students interested in a degree in nursing. UTMB Galveston is a small public university located in the town of Galveston.

There were approximately 551 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at The University of Texas Medical Branch earn $12,687 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$79,951 Median Starting Salary

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of San Antonio, UT Health San Antonio is a public university with a small student population.

There were roughly 371 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Health San Antonio in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio make $8,588 more than the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
288 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$108,270 Median Starting Salary

TCU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Fort Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means TCU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 288 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Texas Christian University make $36,908 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas Christian University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
70 Nursing Degrees Awarded
25.7% Growth in Graduates

Midwestern University - Glendale is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Glendale.

There were roughly 70 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Midwestern University - Glendale in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Midwestern University - Glendale make $92,339 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Midwestern University - Glendale

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
349 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Richardson, West Coast University - Dallas is a private for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 349 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Dallas in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from West Coast University - Dallas earn a boost of about $24,204 above the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from West Coast University - Dallas

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
267 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.0% Growth in Graduates

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 267 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from The University of Texas at Austin receive an earnings boost of around $3,077 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from The University of Texas at Austin

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
345 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$74,810 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Oklahoma City, UOHSC is a public university with a small student population.

There were approximately 345 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UOHSC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center get $3,448 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6,941 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.5% Growth in Graduates

Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit university located in the city of Phoenix. A Best Colleges rank of #272 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Grand Canyon University is a great university overall.

There were approximately 6941 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Grand Canyon University receive $30,022 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University

11

Baylor College of Medicine is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of Houston.

There were about 17 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Baylor College of Medicine in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Baylor College of Medicine earn $112,741 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Baylor College of Medicine

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4,834 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.6% Growth in Graduates

UT Arlington is a fairly large public university located in the city of Arlington. This university ranks 15th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 4834 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Arlington in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at The University of Texas at Arlington get $26,685 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
248 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.9% Growth in Graduates

Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were about 248 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Texas A&M University - College Station earn $9,233 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas A&M University - College Station

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
395 Nursing Degrees Awarded
18.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Waco, Baylor is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #123 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Baylor is a great university overall.

There were about 395 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Baylor in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career wages of $63,243.

More information about a degree in nursing from Baylor University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
515 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Arizona is a very large public university located in the large city of Tucson. A Best Colleges rank of #133 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means University of Arizona is a great university overall.

There were approximately 515 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Arizona get $12,528 more than the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Arizona

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,309 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$99,257 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Phoenix, UOPX - Arizona is a private for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #113 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UOPX - Arizona is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1309 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UOPX - Arizona in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Phoenix - Arizona make $27,895 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Phoenix - Arizona

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
260 Nursing Degrees Awarded
21.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Dallas, El Centro College is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 18th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 260 nursing students who graduated with this degree at El Centro College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients typically make about $59,159 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from El Centro College

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
520 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$82,202 Median Starting Salary

NAU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Flagstaff. This university ranks 5th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were about 520 nursing students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Northern Arizona University receive $10,839 more than the typical nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
294 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$62,552 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of McAllen, South Texas College is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 29th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 294 nursing students who graduated with this degree at South Texas College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make around $62,552 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from South Texas College

20
North Harris Montgomery crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
487 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$66,942 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of The Woodlands, North Harris Montgomery is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 41st out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 487 nursing students who graduated with this degree at North Harris Montgomery in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $66,942 for their early career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Lone Star College System

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
499 Nursing Degrees Awarded
17.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #119 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means ASU - Tempe is a great university overall.

There were about 499.00000000000006 nursing students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Arizona State University - Tempe get $13,664 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Arizona State University - Tempe

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
509 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Albuquerque, UNM is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 23 schools for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were about 509 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNM in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at University of New Mexico - Main Campus earn $5,548 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of New Mexico - Main Campus

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
342 Nursing Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Fort Worth, Tarrant County College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 35th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 342 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Tarrant County College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $55,103.

More information about a degree in nursing from Tarrant County College District

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
276 Nursing Degrees Awarded
44.2% Growth in Graduates

Houston Community College is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Houston. This college ranks 17th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 276 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Houston Community College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn an average of $61,208 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Houston Community College

25
DMC crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
156 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Corpus Christi, DMC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 32nd out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 156 nursing students who graduated with this degree at DMC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $63,193.

More information about a degree in nursing from Del Mar College

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

26

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
27Oklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City, OK
28Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton, TX
29GateWay Community CollegePhoenix, AZ
30Texas Wesleyan UniversityFort Worth, TX
31Dallas Nursing InstituteRichardson, TX
32San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena, TX
33University of TulsaTulsa, OK
34Austin Community College DistrictAustin, TX
35Alvin Community CollegeAlvin, TX

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing colleges for a specific state in the Southwest Region .

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Texas31721,421
Arizona28712,766
Oklahoma2573,004
New Mexico2191,383

View All Rankings >

One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Nursing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Nursing Concentrations

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing34,074
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing2,830
Nursing Administration1,716
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing1,675
Nursing Practice875
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing522
Nurse Anesthetist246
Critical Care Nursing122
Nursing Science82
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing81

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Nursing

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services12,953
Health & Medical Administrative Services11,950
Allied Health Professions10,354
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants8,516
Mental & Social Health Services4,597
Health Sciences & Services4,095
Public Health3,797
Dental Support Services3,665
Communication Sciences3,182
Medicine2,893

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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