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2025 Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

180 Colleges in the Southwest Region
42,378 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$84,107 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 180 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 annually.

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 20% 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 United States for getting a degree in nursing. TTUHSC is a small public university located in the large city of Lubbock.

There were about 1173 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TTUHSC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career income of $84,028.

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
$96,417 Median Starting Salary

It is 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 moderately-sized student population.

There were roughly 663 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTHealth 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 Houston make $12,310 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN Program Name

With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
551 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$90,155 Median Starting Salary

The University of Texas Medical Branch is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the small city of Galveston, UTMB Galveston is a public university with a small student population.

There were roughly 551 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch receive $6,049 more than the average nursing student.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
288 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$121,744 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat Texas Christian University if you wish to pursue a degree in nursing. TCU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Fort Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #112 out of 2,152 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. Nursing degree recipients from Texas Christian University receive an earnings boost of around $37,637 over the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas Christian University

5
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 #144 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Grand Canyon University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 6941 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Grand Canyon University earn a boost of around $14,850 over the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$79,908 Median Starting Salary

Located in the 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 year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make an average of $79,908 in their early career salary.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
345 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$78,332 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 345 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UOHSC in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $78,332 in their early career salary.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN Program Name

At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4,834 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.6% Growth in Graduates

UT Arlington is a very large public university located in the large city of Arlington. This university ranks 12th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 4834 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Arlington in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Arlington receive $6,366 more than the average nursing grad.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,309 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$107,040 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 #83 out of 2,152 colleges 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 year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Phoenix - Arizona make $22,933 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

10
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 roughly 349 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Dallas in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from West Coast University - Dallas get an earnings boost of approximately $12,426 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
267 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.0% Growth in Graduates

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were approximately 267 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $84,587 in their early career salary.

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

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership Program Name

Get on track to lead with your online MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
71 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Thatcher, Eastern Arizona College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 6th out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 71 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Arizona College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $70,074 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from Eastern Arizona College

13
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
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 fairly large student population. This college ranks 11th 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. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $70,630 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from El Centro College

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
520 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$78,965 Median Starting Salary

NAU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Flagstaff. This university ranks 7th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 520 nursing students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make around $78,965 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University

15
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 #150 out of 2,152 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 receive their degree from the nursing program make about $75,213 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in nursing from Baylor University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program Name

Break into one of the most high-demand occupations in the nation with your online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
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 city of Tucson. A Best Colleges rank of #110 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Arizona is a great university overall.

There were about 515 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Arizona receive an earnings boost of around $10,756 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Arizona

17
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
294 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$75,733 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of McAllen, South Texas College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 19th 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. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $75,733 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in nursing from South Texas College

18
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 very large student population. This college ranks 10th 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 year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $72,069 for their early career.

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

19
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 midsize city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were approximately 248 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career wages of $85,244.

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

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nursing Education Program Name

Position the next generation of nurses for success with your online MSN in Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
247 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$74,062 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Phoenix, GateWay Community College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #139 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GateWay Community College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 247 nursing students who graduated with this degree at GateWay Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $74,062 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in nursing from GateWay Community College

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
674 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.2% Growth in Graduates

TWU is a large public university located in the midsize city of Denton. This university ranks 24th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 674 nursing students who graduated with this degree at TWU in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, nursing degree recipients generally earn around $84,598 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Texas Woman’s University

22
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 #108 out of 2,152 schools 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 data year. After graduating, nursing degree recipients generally make about $84,394 in their early careers.

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

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.7% Growth in Graduates

CNM is a large public college located in the city of Albuquerque. This college ranks 2nd out of 24 schools for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were roughly 185 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CNM in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $74,923 for their early career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Central New Mexico Community College

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety Program Name

Ensure a safer future for healthcare with your online MSN in Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
North Harris Montgomery crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
487 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$77,795 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of The Woodlands, North Harris Montgomery is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 21st 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 year we have data available. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients typically earn about $77,795 in the first five years of their career.

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

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
509 Nursing Degrees Awarded
0.2% 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 24 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were roughly 509 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNM in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $84,060 in their early career salary.

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

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Southwest Region

26
27
28
29
OCU crest
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK
30
31
DMC crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX
32

33

34
35
AC crest
Angelina College
Lufkin, TX
36

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
37 Mohave Community College Kingman, AZ
38 Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ
39 Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ
40 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - El Paso El Paso, TX
41 Houston Community College Houston, TX
42 Pima Community College Tucson, AZ
43 University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX
44 Amarillo College Amarillo, TX
45 Weatherford College Weatherford, TX
46 Arizona State University - Skysong Scottsdale, AZ
47 Temple College Temple, TX
48 Chamberlain University - Texas Houston, TX
49 San Antonio College San Antonio, TX
50 MSU Texas Wichita Falls, TX
51 New Mexico State University - Main Campus Las Cruces, NM
52 University of St. Thomas Houston, TX
53 Texas State Technical College Waco, TX
54 Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX
55 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
56 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX
56 Central Texas College Killeen, TX
58 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
59 Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK
60 University of Mary Hardin - Baylor Belton, TX

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools 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 34,074
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 2,830
Nursing Administration 1,716
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 1,675
Nursing Practice 875
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 522
Nurse Anesthetist 246
Critical Care Nursing 122
Nursing Science 82
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 81

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Nursing

Related Major Annual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 12,953
Health & Medical Administrative Services 11,950
Allied Health Professions 10,354
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 8,516
Mental & Social Health Services 4,597
Health Sciences & Services 4,095
Public Health 3,797
Dental Support Services 3,665
Communication Sciences 3,182
Medicine 2,893

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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