Discover the best RN to BSN programs in Houston with our detailed comparison of tuition, duration, and GPA requirements. From affordable options like San Jacinto College to flexible online programs at UTHealth Houston and Texas A&M, find the perfect program to advance your nursing career. Compare costs, accreditations, and curriculum highlights to make an informed choice today.
| Program | Tuition | Duration | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jacinto College | $2,573 | 12 months | 2.5 |
| Texas A&M University | $5,775 | 3 to 4 semesters | 2.5 |
| UTHealth Houston | $9,021 | 2 to 3 semesters | 2.5 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $9,298 | 2 to 3 semesters | 2.5 |
| UTMB | $11,979 | 8 months | 2.5 |
| Texas Woman’s University | $13,088 | 8 to 12 months | 2.0 |
| Sam Houston State University | $13,080 | 12 months | 2.5 |
| Prairie View A&M University | $14,333 | 12 months | 2.75 |
| University of Houston | $14,544 | 12 months | 2.5 |
Comparing RN to BSN Programs in Houston
Tuition Costs
San Jacinto College stands out as the most affordable option, making it ideal for budget-conscious students. Texas A&M and UTHealth Houston also offer competitive tuition rates for high-quality programs.
In contrast, Prairie View A&M and UH feature higher tuition but provide comprehensive curricula and support services.
- Prairie View A&M University: Tuition is approximately $14,333 for 128 credit hours, including general education and nursing courses.
- Sam Houston State University (SHSU): Tuition costs $13,080 for the two-semester program.
- San Jacinto College: Offers the most affordable tuition at $2,573 for in-district students and $4,464 for out-of-district students.
- Texas A&M University: Estimated tuition is $5,775.35 for the 30-credit curriculum.
- Texas Woman’s University (TWU): Tuition is approximately $13,088 for the two to three-semester program.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL): Tuition for 30 credit hours is $9,298.
- University of Houston (UH): Tuition totals $14,544.60 for the program’s 30 credit hours.
- UTHealth Houston: Tuition for the 30-credit program is approximately $9,021.
- UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch): Tuition for 30 credit hours is $11,979.04.
Program Length
UTMB and UTHealth Houston offer some of the quickest routes to earning a BSN, completing in as little as two semesters. Programs like Prairie View A&M and UH are slightly longer but still manageable for working nurses.
- Prairie View A&M University: Completed in 12 months over three semesters.
- Sam Houston State University: Flexible pace; can be finished in as little as one year.
- San Jacinto College: Completed in one year across three semesters.
- Texas A&M University: Duration ranges from three to four semesters.
- Texas Woman’s University: Takes two to three semesters (8 to 12 months).
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: Full-time students complete it in 2 to 3 semesters.
- University of Houston: Typically completed in 12 months.
- UTHealth Houston: Flexible timeline of 2 to 3 semesters.
- UTMB: Fast-tracked, completed in two semesters or 8 months.
Online or In-Person Delivery
Most programs prioritize flexibility with fully online formats, making them accessible for working nurses. Programs like UHCL’s HyFlex and UH’s face-to-face approach cater to students who prefer in-person learning experiences.
- Prairie View A&M University: Fully online with select face-to-face requirements for international students.
- Sam Houston State University: Fully online, with flexible scheduling options.
- San Jacinto College: 100% online format.
- Texas A&M University: Delivered entirely online.
- Texas Woman’s University: Fully online.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: HyFlex format; students can choose between online and in-person attendance.
- University of Houston: Delivered face-to-face at the Katy campus.
- UTHealth Houston: Delivered entirely online.
- UTMB: Fully online program.
Accreditation
All programs are accredited by reputable organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high standards of education.
Conclusion on Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that all listed programs meet rigorous educational standards, allowing students to confidently pursue licensure and career advancements.
Admission Requirements
Programs generally cater to RNs with associate degrees, with Prairie View A&M and Sam Houston State having higher GPA requirements. Applicants should ensure they meet specific prerequisite courses before applying.
- Prairie View A&M University: Requires a 2.75 GPA, an active RN license, and completion of 63 credit hours of prerequisites.
- Sam Houston State University: Applicants need a 2.5 GPA and must hold an active RN license.
- San Jacinto College: Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and ethics.
- Texas A&M University: Admission requires an active RN license and a 2.5 GPA.
- Texas Woman’s University: Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA and meet general undergraduate requirements.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: Requires a 2.5 GPA and an ADN or nursing diploma.
- University of Houston: Applicants need an ADN or diploma and an active RN license.
- UTHealth Houston: Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and an active RN license.
- UTMB: Requires 40 of 60 prerequisite credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA and an active RN license.
Curriculum Highlights
While all programs provide foundational nursing courses, options like San Jacinto and TWU emphasize specialized topics such as geriatric and pediatric care, making them suitable for those with niche interests.
- Prairie View A&M University: Focuses on public health, leadership, nursing research, and evidence-based practice.
- Sam Houston State University: Includes courses on community health, leadership, informatics, and research.
- San Jacinto College: Covers nursing skills, geriatric nursing, pharmacology, and community health.
- Texas A&M University: Emphasizes leadership, health promotion, and community health.
- Texas Woman’s University: Offers comprehensive courses in pediatric, mental health, and community nursing.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: Features courses in legal and ethical issues, community health, and leadership.
- University of Houston: Includes courses in health assessment, nursing research, and leadership.
- UTHealth Houston: Focuses on applied health informatics, professional practice issues, and community health.
- UTMB: Covers evidence-based practice, health assessment, and nursing leadership.
Location and Proximity to Houston
- Prairie View A&M University: Located in Prairie View, TX, near Houston.
- Sam Houston State University: Based in Houston, TX.
- San Jacinto College: Situated in Pasadena, TX, close to Houston.
- Texas A&M University: Located in College Station, TX.
- Texas Woman’s University: Based in Houston, TX.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: Located in Houston, TX.
- University of Houston: Katy campus serves the Houston area.
- UTHealth Houston: Based in Houston, TX.
- UTMB: Located in Houston, TX.
Conclusion
Houston offers a variety of RN to BSN programs, each with unique features tailored to diverse student needs. For budget-conscious students, San Jacinto College provides exceptional value. Programs like UTHealth Houston and UTMB are ideal for those seeking shorter completion times, while Prairie View A&M and the University of Houston cater to students seeking robust face-to-face or comprehensive curricula. By considering tuition, program length, and delivery format, prospective students can choose a program that aligns with their career goals and personal circumstances.