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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

179 Colleges in the Southwest Region
39,944 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$71,137 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. Combined, these schools handed out 39,944 degrees in nursing to qualified students.

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
1,131 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$97,366 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 1131 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TTUHSC in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earn a boost of about $26,228 above the typical income of nursing majors.

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

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

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

There were roughly 723 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 around $38,088 above the average income of nursing graduates.

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

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
579 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 579 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at The University of Texas Medical Branch get $12,912 more than the typical graduate 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
445 Nursing Degrees Awarded
8.8% Growth in Graduates

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of the finest 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 approximately 445 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Health San Antonio in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio receive $8,813 more than the average nursing student.

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
291 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.8% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 291 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Texas Christian University receive $37,133 more than the average nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas Christian University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
52 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 52 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Midwestern University - Glendale in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Midwestern University - Glendale get $92,564 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
296 Nursing Degrees Awarded
38.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 296 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Dallas in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at West Coast University - Dallas earn $24,429 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$74,439 Median Starting Salary

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the 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 about 243 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin earn $3,302 more than the average nursing student.

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

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

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

There were about 368 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UOHSC in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center receive an earnings boost of about $3,673 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6,909 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.4% 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 colleges nationwide means Grand Canyon University is a great university overall.

There were about 6909 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Grand Canyon University receive $30,247 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$184,103 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 16 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Baylor College of Medicine in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Baylor College of Medicine get an earnings boost of around $112,966 over the typical income of nursing graduates.

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

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4,803 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$98,047 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 4803 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Arlington in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from The University of Texas at Arlington earn a boost of around $26,910 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

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

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

Texas A&M College Station is a fairly 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 216 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Texas A&M University - College Station receive an earnings boost of approximately $9,458 over the average income of nursing majors.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
321 Nursing Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize 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 colleges nationwide means Baylor is a great university overall.

There were roughly 321 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Baylor in the most recent year we have data available. 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
461 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 461 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 major at University of Arizona make $12,753 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Arizona

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,327 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 colleges nationwide means UOPX - Arizona is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1327 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UOPX - Arizona in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at University of Phoenix - Arizona get $28,120 above the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

17
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
203 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$59,159 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 203 nursing students who graduated with this degree at El Centro College in the most recent data year. After graduation, nursing degree recipients generally earn about $59,159 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from El Centro College

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

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

There were roughly 579 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 $11,064 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
320 Nursing Degrees Awarded
23.8% Growth in Graduates

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 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 320 nursing students who graduated with this degree at South Texas College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make about $62,552 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in nursing from South Texas College

20
North Harris Montgomery crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
697 Nursing Degrees Awarded
20.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize 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 697 nursing students who graduated with this degree at North Harris Montgomery in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $66,942 in the first couple years of working.

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

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
410 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 410 nursing students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Arizona State University - Tempe get $13,889 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
508 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 508 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 get $5,773 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
293 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 293 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
154 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.5% Growth in Graduates

Houston Community College is a very 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 roughly 154 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Houston Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn an average of $61,208 in the first five years of their career.

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
153 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 153 nursing students who graduated with this degree at DMC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career wages 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.

Rank College Location
27 Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK
28 Texas Woman’s University Denton, TX
29 GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZ
30 Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, TX
31 Dallas Nursing Institute Richardson, TX
32 San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX
33 University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK
34 Austin Community College District Austin, TX
35 Alvin Community College Alvin, TX

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Texas 317 21,421
Arizona 287 12,766
Oklahoma 257 3,004
New Mexico 219 1,383

View All Rankings >

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

Nursing Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 33,529
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 2,745
Nursing Administration 1,678
Nursing Practice 871
Nurse Anesthetist 332
Critical Care Nursing 202
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 140
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 135
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 79
Nursing Science 71

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Nursing

Related Major Annual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 13,356
Health & Medical Administrative Services 11,672
Allied Health Professions 9,920
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 8,155
Health Sciences & Services 4,460
Mental & Social Health Services 4,166
Public Health 3,760
Dental Support Services 3,351
Medicine 2,945
Communication Sciences 2,823

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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