ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

97 Colleges in the Southwest Region
10,117 Associate Degrees
$71,730 Avg Early-Career Salary
Nursing is of the hottest associate degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #2 most popular major in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 97 schools in the Southwest Region to determine which ones were the best for nursing students pursuing a associate degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 10,117 associate degrees in nursing during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = "health-care-professions//nursing"
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json", major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 91
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.38), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 41
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 39 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 39
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 13 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Choosing a Great Nursing School for Your Associate Degree

Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region The nursing associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality nursing program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:

Overall Quality Is a Must

The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a good education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.

Average Early-Career Salaries

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their associate degree from the school. After all, your associate degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for nursing students working on their associate degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Nursing Rankings Other Ranking Categories

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list to help you make the college decision.

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = "health-care-professions//nursing"
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json", major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 91
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.38), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.9

ADBLOCK #171

Best Schools for Associate Students to Study Nursing in the Southwest Region

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in nursing. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

19 Top Southwest Region Schools for an Associate in Nursing

1

Any student who is interested in an associate degree in nursing has to take a look at Eastern Arizona College. Eastern Arizona College is a medium-sized public college located in the remote town of Thatcher.

Associate students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $70,074 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a associate in nursing from Eastern Arizona College

2

Every student who is interested in an associate degree in nursing has to take a look at South Texas College. South Texas College is a very large public college located in the midsize city of McAllen.

Nursing associate degree recipients from South Texas College get an earnings boost of approximately $4,003 over the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a associate in nursing from South Texas College

3
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

It's difficult to beat El Centro College if you want to pursue an associate degree in nursing. El Centro College is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Dallas.

Soon after graduating, nursing associate recipients usually make about $70,630 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from El Centro College

4

Tarrant County College District is one of the best schools in the country for getting an associate degree in nursing. Tarrant County College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Fort Worth.

Students who graduate with their associate from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $72,069.

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

5

GateWay Community College is a moderately-sized public college located in the city of Phoenix.

Nursing associate degree recipients from GateWay Community College get an earnings boost of around $2,332 over the average income of nursing graduates.

More information about a associate in nursing from GateWay Community College

ADBLOCK #172
6
North Harris Montgomery crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX

North Harris Montgomery is a fairly large public college located in the medium-sized city of The Woodlands.

Associate recipients from the nursing program at Lone Star College System make $6,065 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

7

Located in the large city of Albuquerque, CNM is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Associate recipients from the nursing degree program at Central New Mexico Community College get $3,193 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

8

Austin Community College District is a very large public college located in the city of Austin.

After graduating, nursing associate recipients generally make an average of $68,125 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from Austin Community College District

9

San Jacinto College is a very large public college located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena.

Soon after graduating, nursing associate recipients typically earn around $71,118 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from San Jacinto Community College

10
DMC crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

DMC is a moderately-sized public college located in the large city of Corpus Christi.

After graduation, nursing associate recipients typically earn about $70,673 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a associate in nursing from Del Mar College

ADBLOCK #173
11

NPC is a small public college located in the remote area of Holbrook.

Associate students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $71,105 for their early career.

More information about a associate in nursing from Northland Pioneer College

12
AC crest
Angelina College
Lufkin, TX

AC is a small public college located in the town of Lufkin.

Soon after graduating, nursing associate recipients usually earn an average of $68,900 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from Angelina College

13

Located in the city of Oklahoma City, OCCC is a public college with a large student population.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $70,463 for their early career.

More information about a associate in nursing from Oklahoma City Community College

14

MCC is a small public college located in the rural area of Kingman.

Nursing associate degree recipients from Mohave Community College receive an earnings boost of around $2,044 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a associate in nursing from Mohave Community College

15

Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population.

After graduation, nursing associate recipients generally make about $73,639 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from Mesa Community College

ADBLOCK #174
16

Located in the large suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College is a public college with a large student population.

Associate recipients from the nursing degree program at Glendale Community College get $3,688 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in nursing from Glendale Community College

17

Located in the large city of Houston, Houston Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Soon after graduating, nursing associate recipients typically earn an average of $66,743 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in nursing from Houston Community College

18
Weatherford College crest
Weatherford College
Weatherford, TX

Located in the fringe town of Weatherford, Weatherford College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.

Those nursing students who get their associate degree from Weatherford College earn $7,143 more than the typical nursing student.

More information about a associate in nursing from Weatherford College

19

Located in the city of Tucson, Pima County Community College District is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Students who graduate with their associate from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $73,629.

More information about a associate in nursing from Pima Community College

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = "health-care-professions//nursing"
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json", major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = "health-care-professions/nursing"
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 91
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.38), keeping min_relevance at 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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 Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region award.

Rank College Location
20 Amarillo College Amarillo, TX
21 San Antonio College San Antonio, TX
22 Temple College Temple, TX
23 Texas State Technical College Waco, TX
24 Grayson College Denison, TX
25 Central Texas College Killeen, TX
26 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
27 Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK
28 Yavapai College Prescott, AZ
29 Alvin Community College Alvin, TX
30 Murray State College Tishomingo, OK
31 Collin County Community College District McKinney, TX
32 Paris Junior College Paris, TX
ADBLOCK #175

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools for a specific state in the Southwest Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Texas 200 6,294
Arizona 169 2,133
New Mexico 140 543
Oklahoma 136 1,310
ADBLOCK #176

View All Rankings >

One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Nursing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Nursing Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 10,081
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 36
ADBLOCK #177

Related Major Annual Graduates
Allied Health Professions 4,140
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 2,002
Health & Medical Administrative Services 1,530
Health Sciences & Services 1,280
Dental Support Services 754
Health/Medical Prep Programs 685
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science 416
Mental & Social Health Services 365
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 308
Public Health 62

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options