UT Austin School of Nursing
Austin, TX
Quick Facts
1890
Founded
800+
Enrollment
18%
Acceptance Rate
93%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About UT Austin School of Nursing
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing is one of the oldest and most distinguished nursing programs in the Southwest. As part of a flagship public research university, the school offers students access to world-class faculty, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and clinical partnerships with major healthcare systems across Central Texas, including Dell Seton Medical Center, Ascension Seton, and St. David's HealthCare.
UT Austin's nursing curriculum is built around a commitment to innovation, health equity, and leadership development. The school was among the first in Texas to integrate simulation-based learning at scale, and its research portfolio spans areas including mental health, chronic disease management, health informatics, and maternal-child health. Graduates are recognized for their strong clinical judgment and ability to thrive in complex healthcare environments.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and professional nursing practice. The curriculum includes clinical rotations at partner hospitals and community health settings throughout the Austin metropolitan area.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice programs with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program preparing nurse leaders for the highest level of clinical practice, health policy, and systems leadership. The program is designed for working nurses and includes a scholarly project focused on improving healthcare outcomes.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The UT Austin School of Nursing holds full accreditation for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, reaffirmed most recently for a 10-year cycle, demonstrating sustained excellence in nursing education.
Campus & Online Options
The BSN program at UT Austin is an on-campus program requiring in-person attendance for didactic courses, simulation labs, and clinical rotations. Graduate programs (MSN and DNP) offer a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person clinical and intensive sessions. This hybrid model is designed to accommodate working nurses while maintaining the rigor of face-to-face clinical training.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Texas resident undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $11,400 per year. Non-resident students pay approximately $40,000 per year. Graduate program tuition ranges from $12,000 to $22,000 per year for Texas residents.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
UT Austin provides extensive financial support including university scholarships, endowed nursing scholarships, federal financial aid, and the Texas Public Education Grant. The School of Nursing administers several awards specifically for nursing students. Texas residents may also qualify for the state Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) grant program.
Admissions Overview
Admission to the BSN program is competitive and follows a two-stage process. Students apply to UT Austin as pre-nursing majors and then apply to the upper-division nursing program during their sophomore year. Admission decisions consider GPA, prerequisite performance, extracurricular involvement, and essays.
Application Deadline
February 1 for upper-division nursing admission
Requirements
- Minimum 3.2 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Completion of prerequisite biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics courses
- Personal statement on nursing career aspirations
- Two letters of recommendation
- Healthcare-related experience preferred
- Interview may be required for final candidates
Student Life
UT Austin offers one of the most dynamic campus experiences in the country. Austin is consistently ranked among the best cities for young professionals, offering a vibrant music scene, outdoor recreation, diverse dining, and a strong healthcare industry. Nursing students benefit from active student organizations, the Longhorn Nurses Association, peer mentoring, and access to UT's expansive campus resources including recreation centers, libraries, and career services.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
UT Austin School of Nursing graduates are highly sought after by travel nursing agencies, particularly for assignments in Texas and across the South. The school's clinical partnerships with Dell Seton Medical Center (a Level I trauma center) and other major Central Texas hospitals expose students to the critical care, emergency, and surgical settings that generate the most travel nursing demand. Texas' membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact means UT Austin graduates who declare Texas as their primary residence can practice in dozens of states with a single license, making the transition to travel nursing faster and easier. The school's focus on clinical adaptability and interprofessional collaboration gives graduates the confidence to walk into a new facility and deliver exceptional care from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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