The Dallas–Fort Worth area has 4 ABSN programs with tuition ranging from about $21,675 to $71,320 and program lengths from 12 to 16 months. This creates one of the widest spreads in Texas for both cost and structure. Some programs focus on speed and flexibility, while others emphasize support and clinical coordination.
The key takeaway: DFW offers both low-cost public options and premium private programs, so your decision depends on budget, format, and timeline.
| School | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Format | GPA Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$22K | 15 months | Online with local clinical placements | 2.75 GPA | |
$24K | 12 months | Structured online with regional clinical sites | 2.5 GPA | |
$64–$72K | 12 months | Distance ABSN (online + campus visits + clinicals) | 3.0 GPA | |
$72K | 16 months | Hybrid | 3.0 GPA |
TLDR Summary
Choose University of Texas at Arlington if you want the lowest-cost ABSN option in DFW
Choose Texas Tech University if you want the fastest low-cost program with flexible clinical locations
Choose Baylor University if you want a 12-month premium program with strong clinical support
Choose Concordia University Texas if you want structured hybrid learning and multiple start dates
Top Program Comparison
Best overall value: University of Texas at Arlington. UTA has the lowest published tuition in this group at $21,675. The program uses an online format with local clinical placements, which makes it a strong choice for students who want affordability without relocating.
Fastest low-cost option: Texas Tech University. Texas Tech combines a 12-month timeline with low tuition near $23K. It also supports multiple clinical regions across Texas, including the DFW area, which adds flexibility.
Fastest premium option: Baylor University. Baylor matches the 12-month timeline but at a much higher price point. It stands out for structured clinical placement and strong reported outcomes, making it a higher-cost but more guided option.
Most structured hybrid option: Concordia University Texas. Concordia runs longer at 16 months but offers a hybrid format with multiple start terms each year. It fits students who want more built-in support and a predictable schedule.
Cost Comparison
DFW has a clear two-tier pricing structure.
Lowest-cost programs:
- University of Texas at Arlington — ~$21,675
- Texas Tech University — ~$23,045
- (large jump) Baylor University — ~$63,620
Highest-cost programs:
- Concordia University Texas — ~$71,200
- Baylor University — up to ~$71,320
Cost range: ~$21,675 → ~$71,320
The gap between public and private programs is significant. UTA and Texas Tech sit in a true low-cost tier, while Baylor and Concordia require a much larger investment. Concordia may offer scholarships that reduce cost, but it still remains in the highest range.
Program Length & Timeline
- Shortest programs: Baylor and Texas Tech — 12 months
- Typical timeframe: 12–15 months
- Longest program: Concordia — 16 months
Faster programs compress coursework into a tight schedule. These work best for students who can commit full-time. Longer programs add structure and pacing but extend the timeline slightly.
Program Format
DFW offers strong variation in format.
- Online with local clinicals:
- UTA
- Texas Tech
- Distance (online + campus visits):
- Baylor
- Hybrid (online + labs/clinicals):
- Concordia
All programs follow a cohort-based structure, not self-paced models.
Online-heavy programs fit students who need flexibility. Hybrid and distance formats fit students who want more guided instruction and scheduled lab time.
Admission Requirements
Admissions vary across programs.
- GPA range:
- 2.5 (Texas Tech)
- 2.75 (UTA)
- 3.0 (Baylor, Concordia)
- Entrance exams:
- Required: UTA (TEAS), Baylor (HESI), Concordia (TEAS)
- Not clearly required: Texas Tech (holistic review)
- Selectivity:
- Most competitive: Baylor and Concordia
- Most accessible: Texas Tech
Prerequisites are science-heavy across all programs. Timing also varies, with some programs offering multiple start dates and others using fixed entry terms.
Who This Location Is Best For
Dallas–Fort Worth is a strong fit for students who want clear tradeoffs between cost, speed, and format. It works especially well for budget-focused applicants, students targeting a 12-month timeline, and those who want online coursework with local clinical access. It also fits applicants who want to choose between public and private program structures within the same region.
Explore more options on the Texas ABSN programs page. Compare national options in cheapest ABSN programs. Review accelerated timelines in fastest ABSN programs.