Texas Online Colleges & Universities: Top Schools for 2018

Academic programs and educational opportunities at Wayland Baptist University reach far beyond the borders of Texas. The university has several branch campuses and learning facilities across six different states, a Kenyan center and an online school. In 2001, Wayland created WBUonline to administer online courses and, in 2006, it started offering fully online degree programs. Today, the school offers online degrees at all levels, from associate to doctorate. For example, there are five bachelor degrees available online - applied science, business administration, psychology (BA and BS) and Christian ministry. The Bachelor of Applied Science degree has 10 possible majors to choose from in versatile fields such as early childhood development, environmental studies and computer science. This program is built for students who already have technical or occupational training and are looking to broaden their knowledge and career opportunities in the field. Similarly, the Bachelor of Business Administration offers five areas of concentration and can be completed 100 percent online. Online classes last 11 weeks, and there are four sessions each year. Courses are operated through Blackboard, and multiple resources and tutorials for using the system are offered on WBU’s website.

The University of the Incarnate Word, a Christian-based university, has online bachelor’s degrees available through its school of professional studies and adult education department. The programs were developed and sculpted to fit the requirements of working adults, so courses are offered at convenient times on campus or online in asynchronous format. UIW has seven online bachelor’s degrees available, with the opportunity to study in-person if desired. Students can pursue a degree in a variety of fields such as public administration, human resources, applied sciences and several areas of business. Online classes do not require any on-campus work and are provided at an accelerated eight-week rate. This gives students six semesters per year to take classes and the chance to complete their bachelor’s degree in a shorter amount of time. To encourage continued education, some students may be eligible for discounted tuition rates and all undergraduates receive free textbooks. For those interested in a master’s degree or higher, four online graduate degrees are available - a Master of Arts in Administration, MBA, MS in Organizational Development and Leadership, and a Doctor of Business Administration.

The University of Houston-Victoria offers several online degrees in a range of fields, from criminal justice to education to publishing, at the bachelor’s and master’s degree level. Students in UHV’s School of Business Administration can earn a bachelor’s degree online with specializations available in supply chain management, marketing, finance, health care management, human resources or general business. The online Bachelor of Business Administration program requires students to complete general education courses either at a community college or at one of UHV’s campuses before beginning upper division work. All core business classes are offered 100 percent online, with the exception of students enrolled in a capstone course, which requires participation in a business conference and competition. Nursing students with an associate degree or diploma program under their belt can enroll in UHV’s RN to BSN program. The degree is offered completely online and requires students have their RN license prior to beginning classes.

San Antonio’s Our Lady of the Lake University is a Catholic school with more than 120 years of experience providing liberal arts education to students. With just over 3,000 students enrolled, OLLU offers over 40 different degree programs either on campus or online. Six online degrees are currently offered, with one program available at the baccalaureate level. Undergraduates at OLLU can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from anywhere they can log on to the internet. An undergraduate minor in criminology and criminal justice is also offered. As attending a private university tends to be more expensive than attending a public school, OLLU helps students find financial aid assistance through scholarships and grants whenever possible.

Since 1998, Dallas Baptist University has provided fully online degrees to students, with 75 different programs available to date. At the undergraduate level, DBU gives students 26 potential academic paths to earn their bachelor’s degree online. Students can complete a program 100 percent online in areas such as criminal justice, religious studies, psychology, communication, business and health care management. Online classes at DBU are instructed by the same on-campus faculty, and class sizes are intimate, averaging 11 students per course. Dallas Baptist University also specializes in accelerated online bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs, giving students the chance to earn two degrees at once. As DBU is a Christian university, the majority of accelerated programs are ministry-based and require completion of either the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Applied Science in Christian Ministries or a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Christian Studies. Business students can also earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the accelerated program, starting with the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management.

The University of Texas at Dallas gives graduate students flexible options to earn their degrees. Students can take classes full or part-time and can choose to complete their degree in a self-paced “flex" style or as part of a cohort where students takes classes all together. Regardless of which option a student chooses, they can finish their degree online. UT Dallas has seven online graduate programs and one certificate program through distance learning. Students can choose to study business, criminology, accounting, information technology, management or marketing. How online classes are delivered is left up to the instructor. Classes can include live web conferencing, video streaming, discussion boards and recorded lectures. To help students navigate their digital education, UT Dallas provides online tutorials and resources to keep students on track.

Located in the greater Dallas-Fortworth area, Southwestern Adventist University provides online education to students through the school’s distance education department. Southwestern has over 35 years of experience in online undergraduate education, creating alternative ways for students unable to reach campus to earn a degree. The university has nine total programs available, seven bachelor’s degree programs and two associate degrees. Bachelor’s programs can be completed in fields such as religion and theology, business, psychology, history and education. Most options can be completed online, but the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program culminates with a 14-week practicum at a regional school district, so online students participating in this program will need to complete this in-person requirement. The coursework students complete through distance education is equal to traditional learning, as classes are taught by the same instructors and demand the same learning outcomes.

Angelo State University specializes in online undergraduate degrees in the fields of homeland security, intelligence and border security. Currently, the university offers four online bachelor’s programs available in these sectors. Two of these degrees are Air University-Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) programs and require students first earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). After graduating with an associate degree, students can enroll in one of Angelo State University’s AU-ABC programs to earn either a Bachelor of Border Security or a Bachelor of Intelligence, Security Studies and Analysis degree. Students who do not have an associate degree from the CCAF can still earn an online Bachelor of Security Studies degree, with a concentration in either intelligence, security and analysis or border and homeland security. Online students can access digital resources, such as tutoring and library services, to help reach their academic goals.

At Midwestern State University, students can complete their bachelor’s degree 100 percent online through the school’s distance education department. Online classes are facilitated through D2L, MSU’s selected learning management system. Students can take their orientation online and, once started in their program, can access a host of resources provided to help distance learners stay on track. MSU has four online bachelor’s programs available in health care and technical sciences. Three of these programs are designed to build upon an associate degree and relevant work experience. The RN to BSN program is only for current registered nurses holding an associate degree and can be completed in as little as three semesters. Similarly, the RRT to BSRC degree path is a program for registered respiratory therapists to earn their Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care. These programs are specific to the careers of nursing and respiratory therapy, and students must have certifications in both to enroll in the degree-completion program. Students with technical training looking for more concentration options can enroll in the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences program. The B.A.A.S. online degree offers majors in criminal justice, liberal arts, adult education, health care administration and human resource development. Students can also choose from 11 master’s degrees and a post-master’s certificate program.

The University of Texas at Tyler gives undergraduate students a malleable opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree fully online. The B.A.A.S. is a degree-completion program that incorporates a student’s work and life experience in addition to any prior education to help students finish their degree faster. Students with experiences such as work training, military service, volunteerism or any other method of gaining measurable career skills can begin a prior learning assessment (PLA) to transfer experience to college credit. In addition to the online B.A.A.S. program, UT Tyler offers undergraduate students an online RN to BSN program, though it is strictly for registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students can complete this degree in one year without ever having to travel to campus. UT Tyler is authorized to provided online education in 45 states.

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), an independent university based in east Texas, provides versatile online degree options for students looking to complete their bachelor’s degree education. Through SFAonline, the school’s web campus, over 20 degrees are available, seven of those being online baccalaureate programs. Through SFA’s Department of Elementary Education, three online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degrees are provided with teacher certifications in middle school, elementary and special education. While these programs are heavily based online, students may have to attend class on campus, so these programs are recommended for regional students with busy schedules. SFAonline also has two Bachelor of Business Administration degree-completion programs that are fully online, and an RN to BSN program designed for current registered nurses to complete upper-division coursework. To administer web courses, SFAonline utilizes D2L as its platform, creating a virtual classroom for students to interact and finish assignments.

At Lubbock Christian University, students can enjoy the attentive nature of intimate class sizes and a school committed to keeping a green campus through clean energy initiatives. For students unable to make it to LCU’s environmentally responsible campus, online education is available at affordable tuition costs. LCU has four graduate programs in hybrid and fully online formats and one undergraduate hybrid program. The Bachelor of Business Administration degree is a mixture of online and face-to-face classes, and several concentrations are available in areas such as economics, marketing, management and finance. Because the cost of college is often an uphill battle, receiving financial aid can make or break a student’s academic dream. At LCU, more than 90 percent of students qualify and receive financial aid.

The University of Houston has four bachelor-completion programs and 18 graduate degree programs available online to students. UH’s undergraduate programs are suited for students who have already finished the general education requirements and lower-division courses that a four-year degree requires. After completing the first half of a degree, students can finish the final two years of their psychology, nursing or consumer science bachelor’s degree online at UH. The UH main campus is the largest member of the University of Houston System Online Program, which brings all four campuses’ distance education degrees together in one database. In total, 120 certificate and degree programs are offered among the four University of Houston System schools. Through the Student Pathways program, undergraduates are able to take online credits through another campus, giving students access to more diverse courses. Currently, the program allows a maximum of six credits to be completed away from a student’s home campus.

With three Texan campuses and a virtual school, Texas Woman’s University claims the top spot as the largest academic institution for women, enrolling nearly 15,000 students. Through TWU’s e-learning campus, students have 40 degree programs available both 100 percent online and in hybrid structures. For undergraduate students, TWU provides 12 degree-completion programs primarily online. Degree-completion programs only incorporate the final two years of a bachelor degree, which can be either fully or partly online at TWU. Six of these programs are 100 percent online, and students can major in sociology, dental hygiene, general studies, nursing, criminal justice and health studies. The remaining half of the programs require at least one component of on-campus coursework and are offered in subjects such as business, marketing, human resources and accounting.

Part of the Texas A&M University system, Tarleton State University has six campuses and seven academic centers, educating more than 13,000 students. Through the school’s global campus, students living across the country can earn a degree online from TSU. Tarleton State has 10 online bachelor’s degree programs, delivering education to students in fields such as information technology, administrative systems, business and criminal justice. Several of the online undergraduate programs are provided as degree-completion tracks. For example, the fully online B.A.S in Veterinary Technology degree requires completion of an associate degree before entry and the B.A.A.S in Business program is tailored for students with any technical or vocational training, for which they can receive 33 college credits. Students with a wealth of work experience can enroll in the B.A.A.S in Manufacturing and Industrial Management and earn up to 84 credits for their experience. For those living outside of Texas, TSU is authorized to provide online education in every state apart from Massachusetts.

With 20 years of experience in virtual education, the University of Texas at Arlington provides over 700 online courses, allowing students to earn their degree 100 percent online. Web courses at UTA are delivered through the virtual education platform Blackboard and enable students to experience the same content as on-campus students. As part of the University of Texas System, UTA participates in the school’s Online Consortium, through which students can enroll in number of programs offered to all UT schools. The Finish@UT program is a 100 percent online bachelor’s completion program provided by UTA through the consortium. This program works with students who have previous education, are looking to transfer or have occupational experience to create an online degree path that suits their needs. Courses can be completed in eight- or 15-week sessions, during which students can take a maximum six credits. UTA also offers online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice and nursing.

At Sam Houston State University, distance education students have many online program options. SHSU Online, the university’s digital campus, provides more than 40 degree programs that students can complete 100 percent online, blended with face-to-face classes or through self-paced online modules. Traditional online courses at SHSU are synchronous and last either seven and a half or 15 weeks. Undergraduates can earn their bachelor’s degree fully online in history, business administration, general studies or criminal justice. The criminal justice faculty at SHSU has been recognized by the Journal of Criminal Justice Education for their research, and the school’s online master’s degree programs take the number one spot in the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. Undergraduate students can complete four additional programs mostly online. However, some lab and other classwork requires campus attendance. These programs are available in nursing, sociology and psychology.

Texas A&M University - Commerce has three divisions for online degree programs based on the amount of distance education that is offered: 100 percent online, fully online, which ranges from 86 to 100 percent, or hybrid, which is 50 to 85 percent online. In the 100 percent division, undergraduate students can complete one of three bachelor’s degree programs without ever traveling to campus. These programs are offered through the College of Education and Human Services and the College of Science and Engineering and bestow graduates with a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences degree or Bachelor of General Studies. The online B.A.A.S. and B.G.S. programs are designed for students with occupational experience, awarding college credit for that experience. Classes also operate on seven-week cycles so students can finish their program quickly. Undergraduates can also enroll in fully online or hybrid programs. However, students should keep in mind that attendance on campus may be required depending on the program. There are 10 degree programs within these divisions offered in sectors such as business, computer science and sociology.

With more than 100 online degree programs, Texas Tech University gives students living in Texas and beyond the chance to start or finish a degree completely online. Most web courses use Blackboard as the learning management system and follow TTU’s traditional on-campus class schedule. Students have six fully online bachelor degree programs available in general education, human sciences, university studies, applied leadership, early child care and plant and soil sciences. The bachelor of applied arts and science in applied leadership degree requires students to first earn an associate degree before entry to the bachelor program. To compliment an online degree, TTU provides eight undergraduate minors 100 percent online in areas such as agricultural leadership, public health, integrative studies, wind energy and personal finance. Students residing outside of Texas can take advantage of in-state tuition applied to all fully online programs.

Undergrads who already have their freshman and sophomore years of college under their belt can enroll in an online bachelor degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake. UHCL has four bachelor of science degree programs that are fully online at the junior and senior level. Through this “completer” program, undergraduates can earn a BS in finance, general business, anthropology or public service leadership. Online students at UHCL have multiple resources available to them at the click of a button, including online tutoring in math and writing, personal counseling and academic advising. Non-Texans are eligible to enroll in UHCL’s online programs with the exception of students living in Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. as UHCL is not yet authorized to provide online education to residents in these states. In 2016, UHCL’s online programs won an effective practice award from the Online Learning Consortium.

The University of North Texas provides seven online undergraduate and 36 possible graduate programs to students living across the nation. UNT is partnered with the National Council of Reciprocity Agreements to allow virtual education to flow across state borders. Non-residents of Texas however, pay a higher cost for their education at UNT than in-state students and fees vary from program to program. The undergraduate programs at UNT are provided 100 percent online and are designed as completion programs for students with some previous college credits, work or technical training. Students can complete a bachelor of science degree in rehabilitation studies, criminal justice or information science online and complete a concentration or certificate in 12 credit hours. UNT also offers a flexible online bachelor of applied arts and science degrees in leadership development to help students earn the degree that best compliments their future career.

Lamar University's division of distance learning brings online education directly to the homes of students unable to take traditional campus classes. Through LU Online students have bachelor and graduate degree programs available as well as single courses. Twelve bachelor degree programs are offered online in majors such as computer science, general studies, engineering, business, communication and sociology. The bachelor of science in industrial engineering and in industrial technology degrees are completion programs for those who either have an associate degree or have completed the first two years of a bachelor program. Similarly, the bachelor of arts and applied science and bachelor of nursing programs are geared towards adults with work experience in the field. Students in LU’s online programs can take classes in accelerated eight-week periods or in a traditional 15-week semester, although not all courses are offered in acceleration.

Founded in 1873, Wiley College is a private university with a rich past, being among the oldest historically black colleges located west of the Mississippi River. Wiley enrolls around 1,400 students annually and provides bachelor degree programs online and through a combination of face-to-face and online programs. Wiley’s web-based programs were created for working adults over the age of 25, searching for the opportunity to conveniently start or finish a degree. Students have three online degree tracks to choose from: a bachelor of business administration in organizational management, bachelor of arts in criminal justice, or a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies program. The BS in interdisciplinary studies program gives students the chance to study what interests them with nine concentrations available in areas such as communications, diplomacy, environmental studies, justice administration and business technology. Classes are provided at accelerated rates with multiple start dates per year.

The University of Houston Downtown has 15 bachelor degree options for students looking to complete their degree online. UHD’s online bachelor programs build upon a student’s previous education and offers upper-division coursework (junior and senior years) all online. Students can finish their degrees in a grab-bag of different subjects including professional writing, international business, criminal justice, supply chain management and interdisciplinary studies. Web courses are delivered through Blackboard, a portal for students and professors to engage in an online classroom. Through Blackboard, students can access class materials and discussions and submit assignments. Before beginning an online program, students first undergo an orientation to college totally online. UHD is permitted to providing online programs to residents in all states except for Massachusetts and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa.

Prairie View A&M University's distance learning department brings education to the student through online courses and degree programs. The university has four master’s degrees available online in counseling, juvenile justice, business administration and educational administration. PVAMU provides its web courses through the D2L class platform and offers resources for using the system online. Courses that are hybrid, both web-based and on campus, also use D2L. To take exams online, some instructors require face-to-face proctoring while others use a digital proctoring service, and inform students prior to beginning class. UT Dallas is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, allowing the school to provide online education to students living beyond Texas. Tuition for online students follows campus guidelines and out-of-state residents must pay a higher rate.

At Texas A&M University Kingsville students can earn a graduate degree in education, business or engineering totally online. Educators in their master’s degree programs can specialize in either adult, bilingual or special education, kinesiology, instructional technology or administration. TAMUK’s master of business administration degree is an online-only program and can be finished in as little as one year. The MBA program allows students to complete complimentary certificates in energy finance and logistics, business analytics or health informatics. In 2012, TAMUK’s M.S. in industrial engineering degree earned the number one spot as the best online graduate engineering program in Texas by the U.S. News & World Report. In all of the available degree programs, students can choose to attend school either full or part-time. Web-based courses use Blackboard, a learning management system, and fall into several categories based on the percentage of online coursework as outlined by TAMUK.

Dallas Christian College provides non-traditional education opportunities to students through the university’s FlexCampus. DCC’s FlexCampus allows students to complete a course in six weeks. Students have class scheduled once per week and can choose to participate on campus, online through live conferencing or on demand, in which students watch a recording of the class on their own time. Students can earn their bachelor of science degree through the FlexCampus in practical ministries and bible, business, psychology and interdisciplinary studies. These programs have concentrations available in areas such as bible studies and ministry, business administration and nonprofit management. Completing a bachelor’s program can take two to four years, depending on the student’s previous education, if any. Students can also earn alternative credit for work experience and must demonstrate their abilities by creating a portfolio for review or by examination (such as the CLEP or DANTES tests). A maximum of thirty credit hours can be awarded for experience.

Texas Southern University, situated on a 150-acre campus, is one of the biggest historically black universities in the U.S. The 10 colleges within the school system include law, education, business and communications and offer 100 undergrad and grad programs. The university has four fully online degree programs, which are master’s degrees in education, business administration, public administration and administration of justice. Individual classes are also available online that provide a hybrid education, blending on-campus and online learning for a more flexible learning experience. The Robert J. Terry Library offers electronic databases arranged alphabetically or by subject, so even distance education learners can access a wide range of resources through the library. The Office of Information Technology lists a number of resources that can be accessed online, including Blackboard, Grades First and Starrez, which links students to online housing forms and roommate selection. Students can also access the tuition calculator online to accurately estimate the cost of their higher education program. Scholarships are available from the university and outside sources, and further financial aid options and applications can be found online.

Texas A&M International University, located in the quickly developing city of Laredo, offers one fully online undergraduate degree, RN to BSN. Eleven master’s degrees and three graduate certificates can also be completed online. Graduate online programs are non-thesis unless otherwise specified. Online classes are available 24/7 for added convenience, and some distance education courses are in video conference or remote classroom format. Many degrees can also be earned on-campus or as a hybrid option, incorporating both online and on-campus courses. Texas A&M International’s degree programs range from fields of study like marketing to music vocal track to communication disorders. The Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library website provides online databases that can be accessed from anywhere. The university ranks as one of the most affordable four-year public universities in the U.S., but students in need of financial aid should visit the Financial Aid office to search through grants, scholarships and loans that might apply to them. In addition to traditional aid, Texas A&M International gives veterans access to services and financial aid options unique to them.

Sul Ross State University, spread among its four Texas locations in Alpine, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde, boasts small class sizes and only 2,000 students on the main Alpine campus. Its four colleges, College of Professional Studies, College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Management, College of Arts and Sciences and Rio Grande College, offer degrees in fields such as criminal justice, behavioral and social sciences, education and animal sciences. Degrees may be earned online, in-person, via face-to-face interactive TV courses or as a hybrid. The distance education options may vary by location and degree, so interested students should contact an advisor or learn more about the degree options online. The university library provides access to online databases and journal collections for use in any location. Scholarships offered through Sul Ross State vary from aid based on financial need and academics to enrollment in specific programs.

Parker University offers many of its courses fully online. Most bachelor’s programs but also some master’s and associate degrees can be completed via distance education. The university is separated into three health-related departments: chiropractic, applied sciences and business of health. The level of on-campus participation varies depending on the program, so students should be sure to check out their desired degree program’s requirements. For example, a Doctor of Chiropractic is a 10-trimester program for which hands-on, in-person experience is a must, whereas a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems is available totally online. The Parker SHARE Bookstore allows students to buy or rent textbooks or buy academic program materials via the website and have them delivered to their door. Some products, however, can be bought only in the physical store. Tuition details are outlined on the website and divided by degree. Financial aid options are offered in the form of grants, scholarships, federal loans, and military and VA benefits.

West Texas A&M University’s online programs rank among the best in 2018 in bachelor’s degrees, graduate business, MBA programs, veterans MBA and graduate computer information technology, according to U.S. News & World Report. West Texas A&M provides 58 undergraduate programs, 39 graduate programs and one doctoral program. Students can receive an education on campus, online or as a hybrid, for which some aspects of the classes must be in person, like field experience or a specific face-to-face course. A handful of both undergrad and graduate programs can be completed totally online or as hybrid learning. Three undergrad completion degrees, such as the RN to BSN program, can be finished 100 percent online. The Cornette Library website has a library chat service and an email-a-librarian option for assistance. Through the website, students can browse databases and journals for research purposes. The university admits out-of-state distance education learners who are part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements or who have an agreement with Texas, which the university can verify.

The University of Texas at El Paso offers fully online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, graduate certificate programs and online regulations. The university is part of the the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and can accept out-of-state students whose home state is part of the council. Online degrees are offered in majors such as criminal justice, media advertising and systems engineering. Tuition for an in-state distance learner is $284.21 per semester credit hour. The University of Texas at El Paso was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its lowest net tuition of U.S. research universities. The university was also selected in 2016 as a Military Friendly School. In terms of financial aid, military benefits, scholarships, loans and installment plans are all options available to UTEP students. The university has also set up a page dedicated to succeeding online that outlines how to use the Blackboard online classroom and gives advice on what to expect and how to avoid snags in online education.

South Texas College boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, providing an education at a value for thousands. Students can choose from 32 online programs that result in associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees or certificates. Students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technologies, medical and health services management, technology management or organizational leadership. The Online Student Services department outlines subjects of interest for distance learners, including admissions, financial aid, online advising, student assessment, career opportunities, online tutoring, online textbook purchases and ADA services. Full library services can be accessed online as well. Further student IT support is provided by phone, email, or online chat for password, computer or Blackboard online classroom issues. South Texas College prides itself for its comprehensive Veterans Affairs services, which include health and wellness and educational benefit programs. Students can apply for federal aid and pay via installment plans online. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, need and department and are provided via private or state funds.

Criswell College, a Christian college in Dallas, Texas, presents higher education to students interested in shaping their academic and spiritual development. The college provides programs that result in one associate, five bachelor’s and six master’s degrees. Students can obtain a bachelor’s in biblical studies, Christian ministry, psychology or education as well as a degree in philosophy, politics and economics. Up to a quarter of any program may be completed online for added flexibility in learning and scheduling. Two master’s degrees are offered totally online: the Master of Arts in Christian Studies and the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Students can complete online classes in half the time as a traditional on-campus course, finishing three credits within eight weeks. Courses are text-based and include writing assignments, exams and research and are enhanced with devotional materials and videos. To determine attendance, distance education students are expected to participate online in a variety of methods, such as a discussion board posting. An extra cost of $150 is applied to each online class. Additionally, the online DTS Book Center helps students with their textbook, reference and supply needs.

King's University’s seven fully online degree programs include one associate, four bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, three of which have the option of a Messianic Jewish Studies concentration. The university, ranked in the top 50 bible colleges in 2017, offers its online courses 24/7 so students can log in to class when it’s convenient for them, reaping the benefits of this added level of flexibility. Seven-week sessions are the standard for accelerated online classes; however, some courses are taught in the traditional 15-week increments. It is estimated that the seven-week programs will demand that students spend 12-15 hours on the coursework per week. King’s University even offers an online orientation to help prepare distance learners for what will be required of them. The tuition rate for online learning is the same as that of traditional on-campus classes, but a fee is charged for each online course taken. As if accelerated courses weren’t enough, King’s University also allows transfer students to apply as many as 90 previously earned credit hours to significantly shorten the amount of time to earn their degree.

Grace School of Theology, self-described as “A Seminary to the World," prides itself on being an Evangelical Christian higher education institution. Students have the luxury of choosing to earn their degrees 100 percent online or to take classes at one of the various campus locations in Texas. Students may earn a variety of religious-based certificates, bachelor’s degrees, such as Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, or master’s degrees, including the Master of Divinity. One postgraduate Doctor of Ministry is also available. Tuition costs for undergrad and grad programs are $200 per credit hour, and the doctoral program is $400 per credit hour. Non-credit program costs are determined by the overall length of the classes, ranging from one week to 15. The financial aid office can process federal loans, veterans benefits and military tuition assistance and provides the GRACE Tuition Assistance Program. Tuition benefits may also apply to spouses. Career and Ministry Services provides a listing of available jobs that meet the needs of its graduates, but Grace makes no claims or guarantees about the percentage of employed graduates.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas students can choose from six bachelor’s degrees and three master’s degrees, all offered in a 100 percent online format. Bachelor’s degrees in fields like aviation science offer upperclassmen coursework all online, but internships through the university’s partnerships must be completed in person. The university library has eJournals and digital archives that distance learners can tap for their research, and the InterLibrary Loan allows users to request items from different libraries that can’t be accessed at the university. Distance learning fees are $80 per credit hour, and, depending on the internship, the price tag could range from $100 to $3,000 in addition to the regular tuition costs. Students in need of financial aid can look over their multiple financial assistance options, including scholarships with a broad range of criteria. The university also strives to help students prepare for life after college. For example, the Career and Professional Development service is dedicated to helping students land a successful career post-graduation.

Messenger College, a Christian-based higher education institution, believes in creating and empowering spiritual leaders in their Christ-led missions. The college offers two programs, both of which are a hybrid mixture of online and residential courses: counseling, which offers a four-year bachelor’s degree, or Christian ministry, for which students can spend one year earning a certificate, two years for an associate degree or four years for a bachelor’s. Several fees are tacked on to the tuition rate of $325 per credit hour, including an online program fee of $300 per semester. The college encourages students to apply for financial aid through the Federal Pell and SEO grants, subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans or Parent Plus loans. Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for financial assistance through the Veterans Education Act, but should contact their local Veterans Affairs office for more information.

Amberton University focuses its education on adult learners and, by doing so, strives to provide a flexible education whether students opt for online or on-campus instruction. The classes are divided into four 10-week sessions per year. Distance learning and classroom instruction are available for six of the university’s seven bachelor’s degrees, including professional development, general business, management, project management, applied studies, and human relations and business. Likewise, 11 of the 15 master’s degrees can be completed in either of these formats. The university utilizes the same part-time and full-time professors for its distance education courses and its on-campus courses. Admission, costs and expectations of students remain the same regardless of whether the classes are taken online or on campus. Amberton provides Distance Learning Tips, such as using time management and communication skills, to help ensure students’ success in their online courses. The On-Line Portal connects online students to discussion forums, research materials, online courses and school email. And, for those who need help paying for school, the university gives tips on applying for federal aid on its financial assistance page.

Northwood University-Texas has earned several awards or recognitions for its online courses, ranking as the best online school for a Bachelor in Accounting degree and in the top 20 universities for its online marketing degree program. Through the Adult Degree Programs, online students can earn their Bachelor of Business Administration in a variety of programs, such as accounting, automotive marketing and management, and health care management. The degree can be completed totally online or in a hybrid format of both online and on-campus classes. The Adult Degree Programs are specifically designed to meet the demands of busy adults who need flexible scheduling in education. Most or all of the coursework for a Master in Finance or Organizational Leadership degree can also be completed online. Adult degree students can also take advantage of financial aid options geared specifically toward them. In addition to providing stellar courses, the university’s Career Advancement service helps prepare and connect students and graduates to available internships and jobs in their degree field.