Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Texas | 2025

Discover the best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in Texas and learn about their prerequisites, requirements, salary expectations, and more.

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Texas's healthcare landscape is ever-evolving, and nurses remain a vital part of the change. As complexities and patient care models shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing rises. If you'd like to position yourself for these changes, consider obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse leader and significantly impact your community. Read more to learn about the prospects of an MSN in Texas and the best programs in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Texas - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.

*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.

  1. #1 Texas A&M University, College Station

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Texas A&M University, College Station is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • 84% Graduation Rate
    • 56,792 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 16,502 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 53% Men
    • 47% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 77% White
    • 22% Hispanic
    • 9% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to PhD, CNL, DNP, Entry Level BSN, MSN, MSN to PhD, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, PhD, Post Grad Certificate, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 91% Graduation Rate
    • 785 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,733 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 28% Men
    • 72% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 74% White
    • 40% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  3. #3 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including ADN/ASN, BSN, CRNA, DNP, Entry Level BSN, MSN, MSN to PhD, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, PhD, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 93% Graduation Rate
    • 554 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,800 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 14% Men
    • 86% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 68% White
    • 22% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 7% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  4. #4 The University of Texas at Austin

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas at Austin is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 31% Acceptance Rate
    • 84% Graduation Rate
    • 40,980 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 11,075 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 43% Men
    • 57% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 74% White
    • 27% Hispanic
    • 9% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  5. #5 University of Houston

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    University of Houston is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • 61% Graduation Rate
    • 37,080 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 8,757 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 48% Men
    • 52% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 62% White
    • 26% Hispanic
    • 17% Black
    • 7% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Texas State University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Texas State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACME, ACEN, and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 601 University Dr, San Marcos, Texas 78666, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 62% Graduation Rate
    • 33,834 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,337 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 76% White
    • 29% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 Baylor University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Baylor University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • 78% Graduation Rate
    • 15,134 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,496 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 77% White
    • 19% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 4% Asian

  8. #8 The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN to PhD, CNL, DNP, Entry Level BSN, MSN, NP, Other, PhD, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 94% Graduation Rate
    • 585 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,776 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 18% Men
    • 82% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 68% White
    • 23% Hispanic
    • 15% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 Texas Woman's University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas Woman's University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • 58% Graduation Rate
    • 8,876 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,805 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 24 Average Age
    • 8% Men
    • 92% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 71% White
    • 19% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 The University of Texas at Arlington

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas at Arlington is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • 58% Graduation Rate
    • 30,503 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 13,155 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 27 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 70% White
    • 19% Hispanic
    • 15% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 West Texas A&M University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    West Texas A&M University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 54% Graduation Rate
    • 6,828 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,341 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 41% Men
    • 59% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 80% White
    • 23% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  12. #12 Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 6300 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 45% Graduation Rate
    • 7,818 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,954 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 76% White
    • 45% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  13. #13 Lamar University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Lamar University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont, Texas 77705, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • 41% Graduation Rate
    • 8,075 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 8,539 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 25 Average Age
    • 41% Men
    • 59% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 66% White
    • 13% Hispanic
    • 24% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  14. #14 Schreiner University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Schreiner University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, LPN/LVN, MSN, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, Texas 78028, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • 49% Graduation Rate
    • 1,056 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 95 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 45% Men
    • 55% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 24% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  15. #15 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, CNM, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • 93% Graduation Rate
    • 1,448 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,688 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 29 Average Age
    • 13% Men
    • 87% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 23% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  16. #16 Texas A&M University, Commerce

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas A&M University, Commerce is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of , hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including , BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 2200 Campbell Stree, Commerce, Texas 75429, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • 55% Graduation Rate
    • 7,317 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,923 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 25 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 74% White
    • 14% Hispanic
    • 15% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  17. #17 Texas A&M International University, Laredo

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas A&M International University, Laredo is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, Texas 78041, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • 54% Graduation Rate
    • 6,459 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,526 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 38% Men
    • 62% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 81% White
    • 91% Hispanic
    • 1% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  18. #18 Prairie View A&M University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Prairie View A&M University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including LPN to BSN, BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • 45% Graduation Rate
    • 8,103 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 953 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 32% Men
    • 68% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 49% White
    • 22% Hispanic
    • 34% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  19. #19 Texas Christian University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Texas Christian University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CNL, DNAP, CRNA, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • 81% Graduation Rate
    • 10,510 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,750 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 38% Men
    • 62% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 79% White
    • 15% Hispanic
    • 8% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  20. #20 Midwestern State University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Midwestern State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 52% Graduation Rate
    • 4,421 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 966 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 36% Men
    • 64% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 14% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  21. #21 The University of Texas at El Paso

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas at El Paso is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 500 W University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 48% Graduation Rate
    • 20,123 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,715 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 45% Men
    • 55% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 75% Hispanic
    • 3% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  22. #22 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    • 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 58% Graduation Rate
    • 26,420 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,125 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 41% Men
    • 59% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 86% Hispanic
    • 1% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  23. #23 The University of Texas at Tyler

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    The University of Texas at Tyler is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including ADN/ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • 56% Graduation Rate
    • 6,568 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,351 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 24 Average Age
    • 38% Men
    • 62% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  24. #24 Texas Wesleyan University

    allnurses College Ranking: C
    0 reviews

    Texas Wesleyan University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, Masters, DNP, DNAP, CRNA, NP, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    School Overview

    • Located in Texas
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • 43% Graduation Rate
    • 1,549 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 699 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 24 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 71% White
    • 21% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated
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What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)?

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession.

MSNs provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

Can MSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Many MSN programs can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours which need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Physicians Office
  • Nursing Schools
  • Home Health Care Services
  • Public Health and Community Clinics
  • Research Institutions

MSN Admission Requirements

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

  • Active RN License in good standing
  • Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
  • RN experience of 3 to 5 years
  • Graduation Record Examinations 
  • Interview to enter the program

MSN Salary Expectations in Texas

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared the salaries of top MSN roles in Texas with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Texas NP compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $60.86
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $130,010

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

  • Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
  • Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
  • High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

  • California: $161,540
  • Nevada: $148,670
  • Washington: $145,400
  • New Jersey: $145,030
  • Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Administrator

Texas nurse administrator compensation: 

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $57.79
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $120,200

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

  • Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
  • Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
  • High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

  • New York: $179,160
  • District of Columbia: $170,710
  • Delaware: $164,190
  • New Jersey: $162,430
  • Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Midwife

Texas nurse midwife compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $54.16
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $112,660

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

  • Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
  • Mean: $131,570. or $63.26 per hour
  • High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

  • California: $183,740
  • Hawaii: $161,820
  • Massachusetts: $154,080
  • Maine: $140,440
  • Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Educator

Texas nurse educator compensation:

  • Mean Annual Wage:: $93,750

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

  • Low: $49,120
  • Mean: $86,530
  • High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

  • District of Columbia: $111,130
  • Oregon: $109,110
  • New York: $102,980
  • New Jersey: $101,540
  • Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide or our report on Nurse Salaries in Texas.

How to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

  1. Cost
  2. High Pass Rate
  3. Location
  4. Academic Reputation
  5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
  6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
  7. Flexibility of Schedule
  8. Curriculum
  9. Campus and Surroundings
  10. Nursing Clinicals Location
  11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Texas?

MSN graduates have numerous job opportunities, with Nurse Practitioner (NP) roles often being the highest-paying. According to the latest BLS data, this holds true in Texas. NP salaries can vary based on the chosen specialty concentration.

Q: Is an MSN worth it in Texas?

Deciding whether or not an MSN is worth it will vary depending on the goals of each individual. Many MSNs find their careers as NPs and APRNs personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Q: Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Q: Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

Edited by Erin Lee

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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