Most working nurses want to advance their careers without leaving their jobs, and online nursing programs make this possible. These programs offer the flexibility to study from home while continuing to gain real-world experience, but the journey is not without its challenges. Nursing programs, even online, require a significant investment of time and money, and many prospective students worry about balancing coursework, clinical requirements, and work commitments.
To help you navigate these challenges, we have researched and compiled a list of affordable, high-quality online nursing programs in Texas. These schools are accredited, flexible, and designed specifically for working professionals who want to grow their careers. By exploring our list, you can find a program that fits your schedule, supports your professional goals, and respects your budget.
Explore the 5 best budget-friendly online nursing programs in Texas and discover the right fit for your career.
Best Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Explore the 5 best budget-friendly online nursing programs in Texas and find the right fit for your career and schedule.
1. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) — Online RN‑to‑BSN, Tuition ~ US $257/credit hour
UTA’s online RN‑to‑BSN program is fully designed for working nurses who want to upgrade to a bachelor’s degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Core nursing courses and theory work are delivered online, letting you study at home and keep your job. Clinical or practical requirements are handled through application‑based assignments that can be completed at your workplace, which means you don’t have to relocate or attend campus visits for clinical hours.
Admission requires an active RN license, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA (2.25. The total nursing‑course tuition comes to roughly US $8,995 (for 35 credits), which many consider affordable compared with full‑time, on‑campus nursing programs.
This program works especially well if you are already an RN, living or working far from Texas, or balancing work with studies; it offers flexibility without sacrificing the hands‑on component nurses must complete.
2. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) — Online RN‑to‑BSN, Tuition ~ US $8,995 total (in-state rate)
TAMIU offers a 100% online RN‑to‑BSN program through its College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The course is accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The online structure is built with working nurses in mind: lectures, assignments, and theory coursework are delivered online. Clinical or practicum components are arranged locally, where students complete required practical training in their own community.
The program can be completed in as little as 12 months if the prerequisites are met. The curriculum goes beyond basic nursing skills — it emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, ethics, communication, and population health, preparing graduates for advanced roles like charge nurse, public‑health nurse, or case manager.
For working professionals in or outside Texas, TAMIU offers a flexible, faster path to a BSN — a practical choice if you want to advance without interrupting your job or life too much.
3. Texas Woman’s University (TWU) — Online RN‑to‑BSN & Online/Hybrid MSN‑FNP programs
TWU provides a fully online RN‑to‑BSN “bridge” program for registered nurses with an ADN or diploma. Courses are 100% online, and clinical/practicum components are adapted; often, students complete clinical requirements locally with a preceptor.
For graduate‑level nurses, TWU offers an MSN‑FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) program that also accommodates working nurses. The MSN‑FNP is structured to allow many students to work full‑ or part-time while studying.
The MSN‑FNP tracks emphasize evidence‑based practice, quality outcomes, advanced nursing roles, and lifelong learning, preparing graduates for advanced practice with flexible scheduling to match work commitments.
TWU’s online nursing programs are a good fit for RNs who want to progress academically or nurses aiming to specialize and advance without giving up their job or relocating.
4. Houston Christian University (HCU) — RN‑to‑BSN / MSN with Specializations, Tuition: RN‑to‑BSN ~ $18,000; MSN ~ $20,000–$25,000 depending on track
Houston Christian University provides flexible online nursing programs designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers without leaving their jobs. Their RN‑to‑BSN program is 100% online, combining theory, leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health coursework. Clinical or practicum requirements are completed locally at a hospital or healthcare facility, allowing students to fulfill hands-on components near their workplace.
For nurses aiming higher, HCU offers MSN programs with multiple specializations, including Nurse Leadership, Nurse Education, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (PNP‑PC).
HCU structures its programs with working professionals in mind. Students benefit from multiple start dates per year, asynchronous online classes, and a clear roadmap to degree completion. Admission requires an active RN license, official transcripts, and, for MSN tracks, a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA.
5. Lamar University — Online RN‑to‑BSN & RN‑to‑MSN, Tuition: RN‑to‑BSN ~ $10,356; RN‑to‑MSN ~ $27,320 total
Lamar University offers online nursing programs designed to help registered nurses advance academically and professionally while continuing to work. Their RN‑to‑BSN program is fully online and ACEN-accredited, covering leadership, evidence-based practice, community health, holistic patient assessment, and research skills. Clinical/practicum hours are completed locally under supervision, allowing students to gain hands-on experience without leaving their current job or city.
For nurses who want to continue into graduate studies, Lamar also offers a combined RN‑to‑MSN program with tracks in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. This program equips nurses with advanced leadership, education, and clinical skills, preparing graduates for higher-level roles such as nurse educator, clinical leader, or public health administrator. Clinical and practical components are integrated into the online framework and can be completed in local healthcare facilities.
The RN‑to‑BSN program can be completed in as little as 13 months (30 credit hours) with a total tuition of around $10,356. The RN‑to‑MSN program spans 56 credits, with total tuition of approximately $27,320, providing a clear, affordable path for career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Nursing Programs
1. Are online nursing degrees taken seriously by employers?
Yes — as long as the program is accredited. Online nursing degrees from accredited schools are widely accepted by employers and professional licensing bodies. Online and on‑campus BSN or RN-to-BSN degrees hold the same value, especially when the online program meets accreditation standards.
2. Do online RN‑to‑BSN or nursing‑upgrade programs require clinical/practical training?
Yes. Even if the coursework and theory classes are online, nursing is a hands‑on profession. Clinical/practicum hours remain mandatory. Many online RN‑to‑BSN programs let you arrange local clinical placements (near your home or job), so you don’t need to move to the school’s state.
3. Can I work full-time and still complete an online nursing program?
Yes, many RN‑to‑BSN and bridging programs are built for working nurses. They offer asynchronous classes, flexible scheduling, and part-time or full-time options. Still, balancing nursing shifts, study, and clinical hours requires discipline and good time management. Some students find it challenging but doable if they stay organized.
4. What are the prerequisites or admission requirements for online RN‑to‑BSN or advanced nursing programs?
Common requirements include:
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Active, clean RN license (or passing NCLEX if newly qualified).
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Official transcripts from prior nursing or ADN/diploma program.
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Meeting a minimum GPA threshold (often around 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
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Sometimes, immunization records, background checks, and CPR certification are required, depending on state or program licensing rules.
5. Will online nursing education cost less than in-person programs?
Often yes — studying online can lower costs in several ways: no commuting, no relocation, fewer campus fees, and flexibility that allows you to keep working. However, there are still costs: tuition, possible fees for clinical placements, textbooks, technological requirements, and travel if the clinical placement is distant. You should check the full cost breakdown before enrolling.
6. How does having a BSN (versus just RN/ADN) affect job opportunities and pay?
Data shows that nurses with a BSN enjoy better job prospects and usually higher salaries than those with only an ADN or diploma. Employers, especially hospitals or institutions offering advanced care, often require or prefer BSN‑qualified nurses.
Further, BSN preparation often opens paths to advanced roles, specializations, leadership positions, or postgraduate education.
7. Are online nursing degrees fully legitimate and recognized for licensure?
Yes, as long as the school is properly accredited (by bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)).
Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets national standards and qualifies graduates for licensure and employment.
Avoid programs that promise “RN/BSN without clinicals” or “100% online with no practical work.” For real nursing roles and licensure, clinical/practical training is mandatory.
8. What challenges should I expect if I enroll in an online nursing program?
Here are some common hurdles based on research and student feedback:-
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Balancing full-time work with coursework and clinical hours, time management becomes critical.
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Technical issues: online learning demands stable internet, computer access, and comfort with digital platforms. If the internet or equipment is unreliable, it can disrupt learning.
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Staying motivated: online courses tend to be more self‑driven. Without strong discipline, students may struggle to keep up.
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Scheduling clinical placements: even if coursework is online, practicums still need to happen in person; finding a suitable facility and preceptor can be tricky depending on where you live.
9. If I’m not in the same state as the school, can I still enroll in an online nursing program?
Maybe, but with caution. Some online nursing programs allow out-of-state or international students, as long as clinical requirements can be completed locally. You’ll need to confirm state licensing rules, the ability to do clinical hours locally, and whether the school supports placement where you live. Always reach out to admissions for clarity before enrolling.
10. Is it possible to transfer prior credits or previous nursing training into an online BSN program?
Yes, many RN‑to‑BSN online programs allow transfer of previous credits, especially if you have an ADN or diploma from an accredited institution. This helps shorten the time to finish the BSN and reduces cost. Still, acceptance of credits depends on each school’s policy. Always check with the admissions office.