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You aren't alone if you see the benefits of online colleges in Texas. The state boasts some of the top colleges and offers affordable tuition rates. But many other reasons make Texas a popular choice for students.
Read this guide to learn more about the best online colleges in Texas, what they cost, and how much you can earn in the state.
Reasons to Consider Online Schools in Texas
- Texas is home to many prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University.
- Many online schools in Texas offer lots of flexibility so you can easily balance work and family commitments.
- Earning an online bachelor's degree or graduate degree can boost your earning potential.
- Online colleges in Texas offer programs in many high-paying and popular fields.
- Tuition at public colleges in Texas tends to be cheaper than in more expensive states like Vermont and Illinois.
Did You Know?
Student enrollment at Texas colleges increased by 537,000 from 2000-2013, and enrollment for Hispanic and Black students doubled. Texans earn an average salary of $57,380 — that's slightly above the national average. Four-year graduation rates at Texas public colleges rose 18.7 percentage points from 2000-2019.
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Why Does Accreditation Matter for Online Colleges in Texas?
Institutional accreditation guarantees a quality education. That means accredited online colleges in Texas have undergone extensive evaluation by recognized accrediting agencies.
The accreditation process happens on an ongoing basis. Colleges must continue to meet evaluation criteria in order to renew their accreditation status.
Attending an accredited online college in Texas ensures you can transfer credits to other accredited institutions and earn a recognized degree. Attending an unaccredited college could limit your career prospects and ability to get federal financial aid.
Here are a few accrediting agencies to look for when researching online colleges in Texas:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
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#1 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $442
Graduate | $626
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctorate
UNT's 14 schools and colleges award 86 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. With five start dates per year, you can join a hybrid program at the Denton or Frisco campuses or earn your degree entirely online.
UNT also offers accelerated graduate degrees — like the master's degree in advanced data analytics — that you can earn in as little as 12-18 months. Other accelerated programs include master's degrees in digital communication analytics, early childhood education, and marketing.
High school applicants in the top 10% of their class with at least a 3.0 GPA get guaranteed admission. Transfer students need at least 34 credits and a 2.0 GPA.
#2 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $213-$319
Graduate | $213-$319
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate
TTU offers more than 40 online degrees, including fully remote undergraduate programs and hybrid courses on the Lubbock campus.
You can earn an online degree in business administration, education, data science, kinesiology, political science, or software engineering at the same pace as you would in person. There are also graduate hybrid degree programs in agricultural education, educational psychology, engineering management, and technical communication and rhetoric. When you study online, TTU supports you with writing help, online tutoring, and career resources.
First-year students in the top 10% of their high schools have guaranteed admission. Transfer students with at least 12-23 credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA also get guaranteed admission.
#3 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $420-453
Graduate | $495-$573
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
A Hispanic-serving institution based in El Paso, UTEP offers more than 169 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including some 21 online degrees.
Available undergraduate online majors include Chicano studies, security studies, nursing, and applied arts and science. Online master's degrees let you earn a graduate degree in subjects such as bilingual education, creative writing, criminal justice, construction management, or nursing.
Admissions representatives at UTEP can answer any questions you have about applying. The online division accepts rolling applications and does not charge an application fee.
#4 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $561-$1,002
Graduate | $566-$1,005
Degrees Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
The more than 20 online degrees programs at SFA don't require you to commute to the Nacogdoches campus. SFA's online catalog includes bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificates, courses, and minors.
As an undergraduate student, you can major in subjects such as general business, human sciences, interdisciplinary studies, nursing, or sports business. SFA also has master's degrees in business administration, communication, national security, teaching, education, and nursing, in addition to an online doctorate in educational leadership.
Transfer students need at least 15 transferable credits. First-year students do not need SAT or ACT scores.
#5 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $608-$1,042
Graduate | $535-$926
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctorate
With WTAM's online programs, you can choose from semester-based or on-demand degrees with self-paced formats. WTAM features 15 online undergraduate degrees, 21 master's programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
As an undergraduate, you can study criminal justice, emergency management administration, general business, finance, or nursing. Online graduate majors include accounting, business, computer information systems and business analytics, nursing, school counseling, and teaching.
Studying online gives you access to campus resources, including the Cornette Library, testing and tutoring services, and the Student Success Center, which helps you find tutoring, writing help, jobs, and study abroad opportunities.
#6 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $244
Graduate | $320
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate
With more than 140 years of history, SHSU's 21 bachelor's, 29 master's, and two doctoral programs operate fully online. That said, you may need to visit SHSU's Huntsville campus for labs or exams, depending on your major.
Online courses use a self-paced format. Undergraduate majors include criminal justice, homeland security, nursing, and psychology. Graduate students can choose from majors like business administration, criminal justice, education, and information assurance and cybersecurity. At the doctoral level, you can study development education administration or instructional systems design and technology.
All students must complete an online application. Transfer students need at least 12 transferable credits.
#7 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $250-$667
Graduate | $686-$1,094
Degrees Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's
Founded in 1923, LU offers 20 undergraduate and 35 master's programs, including accelerated degrees that let you graduate quicker thanks to five-to-eight-week semesters. For instance, teachers in Texas can earn a master's in education degree in as little as 18 months.
Many of LU's online majors operate both virtually and on campus in Beaumont. You can pursue a hybrid or fully online bachelor's degree in computer information sciences, criminal justice, and management information systems. Other degrees — such as LU's RN-to-BSN degree — function completely online.
Admission policies vary depending on your status. LU accepts high school students, accelerated students, and first-year students for online programs.
#8 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $187-$595
Graduate | $232-$640
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate
ASU, which opened as San Angelo Junior College in 1928, offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees, in addition to hybrid programs. ASU features more than 100 majors and concentrations, including more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
You can also select five-year dual bachelor's/master's programs in English or business administration with a focus on management. Asynchronous programs, such as the dual bachelor's and master's in English program, offer shortened eight-week semesters.
Prospective students — including first-year, transfer, and active-duty military personnel — must submit an online application with official high school or college transcripts.
#9 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $245-$653
Graduate | $413-$771
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
Earn your online degree at UHD Online, which offers 15 bachelor's degrees and four graduate degrees — all without visiting the Houston campus. UHD also has degree completion programs if you have finished your general coursework at another college.
Through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in humanities, interdisciplinary studies, nonprofit management, psychology, strategic communication, and technical communication. The College of Public Services features degrees in criminal justice and applied administration.
The Marilyn Davies College of Business has bachelor's degrees in finance, general business, and marketing, as well as a master's degree in security management.
Online courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer. You are considered a first-year applicant if you have fewer than 15 credits.
#10 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas for Fans of the Lone Star State
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $380-$410
Graduate | $625-$800
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's, minors
Founded in 1946, LETU features eight schools and more than 140 degrees that emphasize a Christian education. LETU offers Texas high school students the chance to earn dual credit.
Online undergraduate degrees include aviation management, biblical studies and ministry, computer information systems, cybersecurity, criminal justice, business administration, education, and theological studies. You can also study online to earn a graduate degree in a field like business administration, clinical mental health counseling, curriculum and instruction specialization, or general psychology.
As a remote learner, you can access the writing center with virtual tutoring, Margaret Estes Library resources, and career services. Students can complete an online application for free.
Online Colleges in Texas: 4 Popular Cities to Check Out
Many of the best online colleges in Texas have campuses in the largest cities in the state in terms of population. These popular cities often offer more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
How Much Does Online School in Texas Cost?
Online colleges in Texas cost anywhere from $2,000-$36,000 a year in tuition and fees.
In general, public in-state two-year colleges will be your cheapest option, and private four-year colleges will be your most expensive option.
How much you spend on your online degree from Texas will ultimately depend on the length of the program, whether the school is public or private, and how much financial aid you get.
Some online schools in Texas offer discounted or in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency. Even the best online colleges in Texas can cost less than schools in high-tuition states like Vermont and New Hampshire.
Many online colleges in Texas offer scholarships and grants, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.
Popular Online Degrees in Texas
Fastest-Growing Jobs in Texas
Roughly 14.5 million people make up the civilian labor force in Texas, a state with a population of more than 29 million. Hospitality, healthcare, tech, and green energy are some of the fastest-growing industries in Texas.
Many in-demand jobs in Texas offer salaries above the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas has an unemployment rate of 4% as of September 2022, which is similar to the national unemployment rate of 3.7%.
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 102% | $51,560 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 66% | $121,010 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 65% | $28,420 |
| Statisticians | 52% | $80,830 |
| Data Scientists | 50% | $102,600 |
| Information Security Analysts | 50% | $100,680 |
| Logisticians | 48% | $75,730 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 47% | $75,710 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 45% | $71,950 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 43% | $102,110 |
Sources: Projections Central, BLS
Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
You likely already know it: If you want to get paid well in Texas, you usually need a college education. The degree you'll need, though, will depend on the industry.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, like doctor and dentist, require a master's or doctoral degree. But other top-paying careers, like engineering manager and air traffic controller, only require an associate or bachelor's degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $207,950 | Doctorate |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $195,550 | Master's |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $169,420 | Doctorate |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $163,890 | Bachelor's |
| Physicists | $159,050 | Doctorate |
| Orthodontists | $158,810 | Doctorate |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $153,050 | Associate |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $151,260 | Bachelor's |
| Dentists, General | $144,680 | Doctorate |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $139,050 | Master's |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Texas
You need to have lived in Texas for 12 consecutive months in order to qualify for in-state tuition, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
You must establish residency before you enroll in a public Texas college to be eligible for in-state tuition. If your parents or guardians claim you as a dependent on their tax returns, your residency will depend on how long they have lived in Texas.
Many top-ranked colleges and universities in Texas, including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University, offer fully online programs and classes.
In total, you can choose from among 148 postsecondary institutions to attend in Texas. This number includes state colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools.
Yes, the University of Texas system offers some degrees 100% online. It also offers some individual online courses.
Online bachelor's programs include criminal justice, nursing, and psychology. Online master's programs include creative writing, kinesiology, and special education.
Yes, you can. This is because an online degree holds the same value as a traditional in-person degree. Your diploma likely won't indicate whether you earned your degree online or on campus anyway.
Employers do not differentiate between in-person degrees and online degrees. As a result, graduates of the best online colleges in Texas can apply for the same jobs as those who earned their degrees on campus.
According to NCES data, the cheapest four-year colleges in Texas include Texas A&M International University (2020-21 net price: $5,155), the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ($6,244), and the University of North Texas at Dallas ($6,575).
Attending an online college in Texas as an out-of-state student can greatly increase how much you pay in tuition and fees.