In 2015, Texas set a goal to get 60% of residents to hold a college certificate or degree by 2030. Online colleges in Texas can help the state meet its goal. Many Texas online colleges offer programs fully online. This format allows learners to complete coursework from anywhere.
Texas online degrees feature rigorous coursework and the same graduate outcomes as on-campus programs. Some programs require in-person experiences, such as labs or practicums.
We've ranked the best online colleges in Texas for their academic quality, affordability, and online resources.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Still choosing a major? At the University of North Texas, you'll have plenty of options. UNT Online offers 86 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The public university ranks among the largest online colleges in Texas, offering more than 1,800 online courses to over 140,000 learners. Major in criminal justice, business, or information sciences as an undergraduate.
The bachelor's degree completion option can save you time and money if you have credits to transfer from a previous program. The program offers seven concentrations, including data analytics, organizational supervision, and consumer behavior.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $284
Out-of-State | $704
Credits to Graduate: 120
You don't need to move to Lubbock to become a Red Raider. You can enroll in Texas Tech University as an online student. TTU Online offers 80 undergraduate and graduate programs at an affordable cost.
You can study financial planning, biology, or criminology as a distance learner. Texas Tech also offers programs in early childhood education, English, public relations, and renewable energy. Or design your own major with a bachelor's degree in university studies.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $336-$420
Out-of-State | $336-$565
Credits to Graduate: 120
El Paso's public university is one of the leading Hispanic-serving institutions in the country. More than 24,000 students attend the University of Texas at El Paso, and 84% of the student body identifies as Hispanic. Thanks to UTEP Online, you can also earn your degree online at an affordable price.
The university's fully online programs prioritize convenience and one-on-one support. While majoring in liberal arts, business, education, or nursing, you'll work with student support specialists who provide personalized help with enrollment, financial aid, and registration.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $314
Out-of-State | $314
Credits to Graduate: 120
A public university in Beaumont, Lamar University enrolls over 17,000 students on its 300-acre campus. LU also ranks as one of the best online colleges in Texas, thanks to its affordable tuition rate, regardless of where you live.
Many of the school's 120 programs offer online options. You can study accounting, communication, or healthcare administration. The university's engineering programs also offer several online majors, including electrical engineering and industrial engineering. Or choose a unique major like computer game development.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $244
Out-of-State | $244
Credits to Graduate: 120
Half of the students at this public university are first-generation college students. Sam Houston State University offers specialized support for first-generation and online learners.
Through SHSU Online, you'll use learning technologies to connect with faculty and classmates. Choose from over 40 degree-granting programs that use a fully online format with majors in business, homeland security, health science, and the social sciences. And thanks to a low tuition rate, you can graduate with less debt regardless of residency.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $238
Out-of-State | $658
Credits to Graduate: 120
This public institution graduates more new healthcare professionals than any other college in Texas. And, despite its name, Texas Woman's University enrolls people of all genders in its online programs.
Dental hygienists can advance their education with the online bachelor's program. Learners can also major in health studies, nursing, or kinesiology. Outside of the healthcare field, TWU offers online degrees in general studies and sociology with a concentration in social inequality.
More than 16,000 students attend the university, a student population that has nearly doubled in the past two decades.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $187
Out-of-State | $607
Credits to Graduate: 120
Angelo State University reports that its tuition costs an average of 70% less than Texas private universities. The public university, which enrolls nearly 11,000 students on its San Angelo campus, also offers online degrees.
In the Department of Security Studies and Criminal Justice, you can choose from majors like criminal justice, border and homeland security, or intelligence and analysis. Or earn your bachelor's in management, psychology, social work, or sociology.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $10,600
Out-of-State | $23,200
Credits to Graduate: 120
This public university offers online and on-campus degrees from its campus in Nacogdoches. At Stephen F. Austin State University, distance learners choose from 20 online programs offered through SFA Online.
Earn your degree in business, communication studies, or sports business. Or major in human development, education, or sustainability. These flexible programs prioritize affordability. For example, you can save money by taking more than 12 credits per semester while paying the same flat tuition rate.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
University of Houston-Downtown
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $246
Out-of-State | $666
Credits to Graduate: 120
Houston's public research university offers multiple online degrees. Through the University of Houston Downtown, you can study business, social sciences, public service, or STEM fields. UHD Online offers an affordable way to earn your degree online.
You can finish your bachelor's degree with one of 15 degree completion programs or enroll in one of the five online graduate programs. Online programs offer flexible schedules, interactive learning experiences, and online student services. UHD Online also stands out for its low in-state tuition rate.
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $351
Out-of-State | $759
Credits to Graduate: 120
Join nearly 11,000 on-campus students at Texas A&M University-Commerce by enrolling in an online program. The public university's online programs include hybrid, primarily online, and 100% online options so you can find the program that best fits your needs and schedule.
Major in agribusiness, human services, nursing, or paralegal studies. You can advance your career with a degree in technology management or nursing. Texas residents pay a low tuition rate of $4,212 per semester for full-time enrollment. You'll also benefit from internship and job placement support through the career service office.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
Why Get an Online Degree?
- Online degrees give you the flexibility to earn a degree from anywhere.
- Many online degrees offer self-paced formats and asynchronous workloads.
- Online learners often pay less for their college education than traditional on-campus students.
- A degree can boost your salary potential, qualify you for leadership positions, or help you switch careers.
- An online bachelor's degree qualifies you to earn a master's degree.
What Is the Cost of Attending an Online College in Texas?
Finding an affordable online college in Texas shouldn't be too difficult. On average, Texas students attending in-state public schools spend around $1,000 less on their education than students in other states. Texas students pay an average of $8,678 annually.
Out-of-state students at the same public schools pay significantly more. Fortunately, over half of college graduates in Texas earn a degree without debt.
Online students can lower their education expenses by exploring financial aid options. In general, online students qualify for the same aid as on-campus students.
The federal government awards grants and loans to learners whose FAFSA results show financial need. And you can also apply for private scholarships.
Cost of College in Texas in 2020
Institution Type |
Average Tuition & Required Fees |
Public 4-year (in-state) |
$8,598 |
Public 4-year (out-of-state) |
$24,889 |
Private 4-year |
$36,014 |
Public 2-year (in-state) |
$2,380 |
Public 2-year (out-of-state) |
$6,373 |
Source: NCES
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Texas
Accreditation ensures that colleges offer students the best educational experience. The top online colleges in Texas are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This organization evaluates every college and university throughout the southern United States.
Schools with online programs should also have national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Some online programs feature programmatic accreditation that evaluates specific departments. You can check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for programmatic accreditation agencies relevant to your degree.
The Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
Everything, as they say, is bigger in Texas. The 12 jobs listed below earn the biggest salaries in Texas.
Cardiologists currently earn the most, with an annual salary of $413,510. Other top-earning careers in Texas include pediatric surgeons, ophthalmologists, and chief executives.
You'll need at least a bachelor's degree (and likely extensive medical training) to land one of the 12 highest-paying jobs in Texas.
12 Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
Job |
Annual Mean Wage |
Cardiologists |
$413,510 |
Pediatric Surgeons |
$365,130 |
Ophthalmologists |
$338,400 |
Surgeons |
$331,980 |
Chief Executives |
$314,060 |
Anesthesiologists |
$298,710 |
Radiologists |
$297,320 |
Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
$294,250 |
Physicians |
$276,750 |
Pediatricians |
$250,850 |
Neurologists |
$235,780 |
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers |
$212,940 |
Source: BLS
The Most In-Demand Jobs in Texas
You have a good chance of landing a job in Texas, especially with a college degree. The Lone Star State is projected to add 1.7 million new jobs from 2018-2028.
The construction industry will add the most jobs— particularly for electricians, supervisors in construction, construction managers, and plumbers. Texas's other top four in-demand industries include manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services.
The table below, with data sourced from the Texas Workforce Commission, outlines the top occupations in each of the fastest-growing industries in Texas.
Five In-Demand Texas Job Industries
Top Industries |
Top Occupations Within the Industry |
Construction |
|
Manufacturing |
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and
- Operating Workers
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
- Machinists
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
|
Agriculture and Forestry |
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Logging Equipment Operators
|
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
|
Educational Services |
|
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Frequently Asked Questions About College in Texas
All the colleges featured in our ranking offer fully online degrees — including the University of Texas, the University of Houston, and Lone Star College.
In general, many colleges in Texas offer fully online or hybrid degrees, but the availability of virtual classes depends on your subject area.
Not all online colleges hold accreditation, but legitimate ones will.
You want to look for online colleges with institutional or programmatic accreditation from an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation determines your ability to receive federal financial aid, qualify for graduate school, and earn employment.
No, you don't need to live in Texas to attend a Texas college online. Online colleges in Texas often admit students who live anywhere in the country and sometimes internationally.
That said, you may pay different tuition rates depending on where you live and the college's tuition structure.
Texas A&M offers "distance degrees" in 13 schools and colleges. Some of the programs Texas A&M students can complete online are in engineering, architecture, agriculture, government, business, and education.
The distance learning division at Texas A&M features one undergraduate degree, 64 graduate programs, and 50 certificates.
Yes, you can expect the same education and rigorous curriculum in online colleges. Online colleges may also feature the same faculty who teach on campus.
Employers recognize online degrees earned from institutionally accredited colleges. And your online degree certificate will not look any different from an on-campus degree certificate.