A college degree is key to success for many Americans, as many jobs require more than just a high school diploma. Higher education can create a serious financial investment, making affordability a key consideration for most students.
Texas ranks 12th in the country for affordable tuition and fees at public universities. Many of these schools provide financial aid and savings programs to help with education costs.
We've ranked the best online colleges in Texas based on academic quality, affordability, and online resources. Explore the Lone Star State's top schools in this in-depth guide.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Texas 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2025
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Lamar University stands out for its affordability and flexibility. It is known for meticulously designed online programs emphasizing student and professor communication. With 22 online degrees, five hybrid degrees, and 44 online master's degrees, you can choose from synchronous and asynchronous programs to meet any scheduling and availability needs.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $259
Out of State | $669
Why Students Choose LU:
- Flexible Course Lengths: Choose from five-week, eight-week, and 15-week courses to fit your preferred timeline.
- Low Tuition: Both in-state and out-of-state tuition is lower than the national average.
- Self-Paced Courses: Many programs allow you to study on your schedule.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Hybrid Programs: A few programs require in-person coursework or labs.
- No Test Scores: You do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissions.
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
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 2025
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville stands out for its flexible degree options, with 22 online bachelor's degree majors, 40 minors, and over 20 online master's degrees. With significant in-state cost benefits, SHSU offers flexible class schedules to allow working adults to earn degrees.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,685
Out of State | $11,835
Why Students Choose SHSU:
- Strong Online Community: You'll get access to solid networking opportunities, including exciting connections with students, educators, and experts worldwide.
- Simplicity and Focus: SHSU educators specialize in creating optimized online learning experiences to help you focus on learning when it works for you.
- Low Costs: Sam provides significant scholarships, loans, grants, and low tuition to help you save more.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Low Graduation Rates: With a 55% graduation rate, many students don't complete their degree within 150% of the normal time.
- Scholarships: You can access many scholarships, but you must be accepted at SHSU before applying for them.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
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 2025
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches features unique degree offerings and student outcomes. SFA has 13 online undergraduate and 21 online graduate degrees, including sustainability, sports business, and a BS in deaf and hard of hearing. The university reports that, of the 2022 graduating class, nearly 90% experienced positive career outcomes within six months of graduation.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $584
Out of State | $994
Why Students Choose SFA:
- Career Preparation: Graduates report high career success. In 2022, graduates reported an average starting salary of $44,393.
- Flexibility: SFA's flexible degree programs can make education accessible to more students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Test Scores for Acceptance: Test score requirements vary by your class rank. There's no minimum test score if you're in the top 25% of your graduating class.
- Low Graduation Rates: Just 52% of students graduate within 150% of the average program time.
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
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 2025
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
University of North Texas offers about 90 degrees and certificates in 1,824 online courses. You can choose from synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid course options. UNT also provides online learners with access to a network of 150,000 online students.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $280
Out of State | $690
Why Students Choose UNT:
- High-Quality Education: According to the Carnegie Classification, UNT is a tier-one research university with many highly-ranked degree programs.
- Scholarships: UNT awards more than $70 million in scholarships each year.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Military Support: UT's Military Student Success Center can support you through entry into an online degree while maximizing VA benefits.
- Transfer Support: Enrollment counselors can help you understand transfer credit options and get the most out of transfer credits.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
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 2025
West Texas A & M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
West Texas A&M University stands out for its comprehensive career programs, externship opportunities, and flexible payment plans. You can choose from 14 online bachelor's and 26 online master's degrees. WT reports that graduates earn an average salary of $44,328, rising to $56,631 after five years.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $218
Out of State | $654
Why Students Choose WT:
- No-Cost Textbooks: WT provides free textbooks and other educational resources to students.
- Financial Support: Current and prospective students can access the ECU Buff $mart financial literacy program to make smart college financial decisions.
- Strong Academics: Many undergraduate and graduate programs rank nationally for strong academic performance and learning outcomes.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Acceptance: You must be in the top 30% of your high school class, have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, or meet test score minimums for admission.
- Graduation Rate: The graduation rate is just 47%.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
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 2025
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Texas Tech University is known for its reputation of excellence and impressive 86% retention rate. The university offers over 100 degrees and certificates, plus 27 fully online bachelor's degrees. Unique degrees include renewable energy, soil science, biology, and anthropology.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $265
Out of State | $673
Why Students Choose Texas Tech:
- University Network: As a student, you can access more than 40 online degree programs through Texas Tech's network of universities.
- Unique Degrees: TTU has degrees not commonly offered online, such as renewable energy, addiction recovery, leadership studies, or personal finance.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Competitive Tuition: In-state tuition is significantly lower than the national average.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some programs have on-campus labs or hybrid requirements at specific Texas Tech locations.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
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 2025
Parker University
- Dallas, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Parker University offers nine online bachelor's degree programs and eight graduate degrees in science, business, education, and health-related disciplines. The university prides itself on diversity and stands out for its impressive student retention and high 72% overall graduation rate.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $728
Out of State | $728
Why Students Choose Parker:
- Student Experience: Parker University boasts a 100% retention rate for full-time and part-time students pursuing bachelor's degrees.
- Low Out-of-State Tuition: Parker University's tuition is some of the lowest available for out-of-state students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Financial Aid: Parker University offers strong financial aid packages, including various academic and financial scholarships to help you fund your education. However, total awards are lower than those of other colleges.
- Small Size: Parker University has a total enrollment of just over 2,000.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
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 and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
Texas ranks 12th in the country for affordable public university tuition, with an average annual tuition of $8,195 for the 2022-2023 school year. Many colleges on this list also have in-state tuition well below the national average.
9 Fast-Growing Jobs in Texas
The fastest-growing jobs in Texas include engineering, healthcare, and data science. Demand for electronics engineers is high due to technological advances and the need for skills and expertise in complex electronic systems.
Fast-Growing Jobs in Texas
| Job |
Projected Growth (2023-2033) |
Annual Mean Wage in TX (May 2024) |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer |
23.6% |
$126,770 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
10.8% |
$70,910 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers |
17.6% |
$184,430 |
| Industrial Engineers |
24.6% |
$112,250 |
| Biological Technicians |
16.0% |
$49,850 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts |
24.6% |
$102,870 |
| Software Developers |
46.7% |
$133,280 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
60.0% |
$130,930 |
| Data Scientists |
53.2% |
$114,800 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Projections Central
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Texas's Job Market
Choosing the right major is crucial. An in-demand major can help you land a job in popular fields in Texas, such as electronics engineering, software development, and nursing.
-
Electrical Engineering
Online electrical engineering programs offer a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on experience. This major can prepare you to pursue some of Texas's fastest-growing jobs, including high-paying roles like electronics engineer and architectural and engineering manager.
-
Finance
A finance degree can equip you with crucial skills for fast-growing and high-paying roles in Texas, such as financial and investment analysts. These skills include analytical, financial modeling, communication, and data analysis abilities.
-
Computer Science
A computer science degree provides key skills for software development and data scientist careers. You can build a strong foundation in programming languages and methods crucial for creating and maintaining software applications. These programs also develop problem-solving and analytical skills.
-
Nursing
Pursuing a nursing major is typically necessary for a master of science in nursing, which opens the door to becoming a nurse practitioner — one of the fastest-growing jobs in Texas.
What Is the Cost of College in Texas?
Students can find many affordable online colleges in Texas. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students was $8,195 annually as of 2023 — around 19% lower than the national average. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees reached $24,743 but remained below the national average.
As of 2024, almost half (49%) of Texas college students finish without debt, according to the Texas Public Higher Education Almanacs. Online students can explore financial aid options, qualifying for the same grants and scholarships as their on-campus peers.
Average Cost of College in Texas
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in TX |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
| Public Four-Year (In-State) |
$8,195 |
$9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) |
$24,743 |
$28,297 |
| Private Four-Year |
$40,142 |
$35,248 |
Source: NCES
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Texas
Various sources of financial aid can cut the cost of college tuition in Texas. Scholarships are usually merit-based and do not require repayment. Grants, on the other hand, help students with financial need. The following section covers some notable scholarships available in Texas. Application deadlines may vary.
This foundation offers interest-free loans to U.S. citizens or Texas residents who graduated from Texas high schools. Applicants must be full-time students at accredited Texas colleges who plan to pursue bachelor's degrees. Eligibility includes the top 10% class rank or minimum SAT/ACT scores. Apply by Feb. 28.
This scholarship, open to all Texas high school seniors planning to attend accredited Texas colleges, honors students who lead community litter prevention efforts. Applicants must submit essays on innovative solutions to litter issues. Two scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded. Apply by April 1.
This scholarship and mentoring program awards "First Females" — young women who are the first in their families to seek higher education or face challenges. Up to 20 students receive a $5,000 scholarship for one year. Apply by March 10.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Texas
Tuition reciprocity lets you attend colleges in participating states at reduced rates, often matching in-state tuition. These reduced rates can help you save money on your education as an out-of-state student. States that permit Texas residents to access reduced tuition are Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Texas
Texas has 126 four-year nonprofit colleges and universities. This total includes 61 public institutions, like Galveston College, Lamar University, and Odessa College. There are also 65 private nonprofit colleges, such as Arlington Baptist University, Concordia University Texas, and Rice University.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has many colleges and universities. Public institutions include University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas, and University of North Texas at Dallas. Private institutions include Dallas Baptist University, University of Dallas, and Criswell College.
Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Dallas, Texas State University, and many other colleges in Texas offer tuition exemptions for students aged 65 and older. Seniors usually receive free tuition for up to six credit hours each semester at these schools.
Many colleges in Texas accept a GPA of 3.0 or lower. Public institutions include Texas Southern University, Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, and Angelo State University. Some private schools also accept a 3.0 GPA or have no minimum requirements. These include Huston-Tillotson University and Baylor University.
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