Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
In 2015, Texas set a goal for 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 fully online programs. 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.
This page provides information about online colleges in Texas. Read on to learn about popular degrees and Texas jobs for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Texas
What Texas colleges offer online degrees?
Many public and private Texas online colleges offer certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees. Prospective enrollees can research offerings on schools' websites.
Are online colleges accredited?
Top colleges offering online programs hold regional and national accreditation from different agencies. Students should avoid applying to unaccredited schools.
Do I need to live in Texas to attend an online college in Texas?
No. Many top online colleges accept out-of-state and international applicants. Programs leading to state-issued licenses may only accept in-state applicants.
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Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Online Colleges in Texas
#1 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Texas operates as a public institution from its Denton campus. Learners choose from many different programs, including multiple offered online, at the accredited school. Online enrollment at the colleges totals 19,118 students. Degree-seekers can complete a bachelor's degree entirely online.
The school offers college degrees in a variety of popular majors. The flexibility of a virtual classroom space appeals to many degree-seekers. The school's academic catalog includes many programs designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers with a degree. A total of five online bachelor's programs and 11 online master's programs are available to distance learners at the institution.
Degree-seekers usually complete a bachelor's program in four years. Transfer students finish their degree in less time by bringing in credits from previous higher education institutions. The school should list admission requirements and application deadlines on its website.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin rates as one of the top online colleges nationwide. Distance learners at the accredited institution choose from 12 online bachelor's programs. Graduate students choose from three online master's programs. The number of learners enrolled online at the school totals 3,722.
An average of 1,306 degree-seekers enroll at the public school located in Odessa. Online learners complete classes remotely from anywhere in the country. The institution's student services benefit online enrollees. Students receive academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services at the online school.
The online college meets the demands of today's degree-seekers with programs available in many of the most popular fields. The school's accredited degrees meet the requirements for diverse career paths. The institution also prioritizes affordability.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
LeTourneau University, a private institution located in Longview, Texas, ranks among the best online schools in the nation. Across its undergraduate and graduate programs, the accredited school teaches a total of 1,884 learners remotely. Degree options at the institution include 19 online bachelor's programs and 13 online master's programs.
Healthcare, STEM, and business are some of the popular majors the school offers for its online programs, meeting the needs of students pursuing diverse career paths. The remote classroom spaces used by online programs help engage participants. Local internships, practicums, clinicals, and other placements help online learners meet in-person requirements. Academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring are some examples of student services that the school provides exclusively for online students.
Often, degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in four years. Those with prior college experience can graduate in less time by transferring credits toward their degree. Some programs offer accelerated options as well.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue liberal arts and professional studies programs at Texas A&M University-Commerce, a nonprofit school. Online learning allows working students to conveniently earn accredited degrees.
Degree-seekers complete a 120-credit bachelor’s program in an average of four years. Online learners can complete a master’s program in about 24 months. The institution’s online format allows students to view live and recorded classes. Programs blend classroom instruction and practical experience such as internships or practicums. Faculty require online students to submit class assignments on schedule.
Online learners can begin a bachelor’s degree at the school with certificates or associate degrees. The institution provides online support services such as tutoring and career advising. Students pay an affordable online tuition rate. The average total aid per enrollee is $10,033. The school has an admission rate of 43%.
The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the top schools, Texas Tech University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and from its campus in Lubbock The accredited school's online programs currently enroll 20,198 students. The public institution's online programs include six bachelor's programs and 14 master's programs.
Programs in healthcare, STEM, and business are just some of the many different options available at the online school. In an online program, distance learners do the coursework in a virtual classroom space. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help students create a tailored study plan that works for them. The school also supports online learners through tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Most bachelor's programs require at least 120 credits, while master's programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Remote learners are eligible for different forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and federal aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the best online schools, Sam Houston State University is a public Huntsville, Texas, institution. Across its undergraduate and graduate programs, the accredited school enrolls 11,475 distance learners. At the institution, degree-seekers choose from eight online bachelor's programs and 27 online master's programs.
With online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare, the school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals. Participants engage with course material through a remote learning setting. Often, remote learners complete internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements locally to fulfill in-person requirements. Academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring are just some of the student services that the school makes available to online students.
Often, bachelor's programs take degree-seekers four years to finish. Transfer credits from other institutions let people graduate in less time. Prospective enrollees can also check out programs with accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stephen F. Austin State University rates as one of the top online colleges nationwide. Distance learners at the accredited institution choose from 16 online bachelor's programs. A total of 16 online master's programs are also available at the online school. Currently, the school enrolls 5,220 distance learners.
With a Nacogdoches, Texas-based campus, the school teaches around 3,606 degree-seekers as a public institution. Remote learners from all over the United States take their classes virtually. Those enrolled at the institution online benefit from student services designed for them. The online school offers academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services for its students.
The online college's programs are available in many popular majors to appeal to different degree-seekers. The school awards accredited degrees that prepare remote learners for many different positions in the workforce. The institution makes affordability a top priority.
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
West Texas A&M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public Texas institution, West Texas A&M University runs a Canyon campus. On-campus and distance learners pick from a large offering of programs at the accredited school. The number of students enrolled online at the college totals 5,886. Remote learning is available not just for single classes, but also for entire bachelor's degrees.
Learners choose from many popular majors for their college degrees at the school. Remote classroom spaces often make it easier for degree-seekers to fit a program into their lives. A degree from the school can help working professionals move up the corporate ladder. Distance learners choose from 10 online bachelor's programs and five online master's programs at the school.
Degree-seekers usually complete a bachelor's program in four years. Transferring credits from previous institutions makes it possible for students to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in less time. Those thinking about applying to the school can learn more about the requirements for admission and the deadline for applying by visiting the school's website.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Abilene Christian University
- Abilene, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online students at Abilene Christian University earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus students. Online learners at the private school can pursue 19 online degrees. The school’s online degrees rank among the nation’s best. The university offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in many fields. Various factors attract students to online learning.
The school's online degrees offer key benefits such as flexible learning and affordability. Students can finish degrees faster by transferring credits. Applicants need not submit test scores. Degree-seekers can expect a 61% admission rate. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.
Abilene Christian University Numbers:
Status of School: Private
Total Online Students Enrolled: 1,933
Available Online Degrees: 19
Number of Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 2
Tuition Fee for Undergraduates: $36,250 a year in-state and out-of-state
Rate of Admission: 61%
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Online Colleges In Texas 2023
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Tarleton State University is a four-year public college located in Texas. Students complete undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online. Students choose from a catalog of 107 online degrees. Learners receive a rigorous liberal arts and professional education.
Students learn from classroom lectures and practical experience such as internships. Online students meet faculty and peers during in-person requirements such as residencies. Faculty use real-world problems and scenarios in the classroom. Distance learners receive online assistance such as tutoring in various subjects. Tarleton State University has an admission rate of 56%. The school’s affordable tuition and financial aid help students pay for college. Learners pay the same online tuition rate regardless of where they live. The average total aid per enrollee is $7,164.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get an Online Degree?
Earning an online degree can help learners explore new careers and increase their salary potential. Professionals with a bachelor's degree earn over 50% more than those with only a high school diploma. Graduates with a master's or terminal degree make even more.
An asynchronous format helps online students develop time-management and organizational skills. Online enrollees can finish assignments and take tests when convenient.
What is the Cost of Attending an Online College in Texas?
As of Nov. 2021, Texas students attending in-state, public schools save nearly 9% on their education compared to average U.S. degree-seekers. These learners pay an average of $8,680 annually. Out-of-state students at the same public schools pay significantly more. Fortunately, most graduates in Texas earn a degree without debt.
Online students can lower their education expenses by exploring financial aid. Many online colleges in Texas offer grants and scholarships. The federal government awards grants and loans to learners whose FAFSA results show financial need. Online enrollees can also apply for private scholarships.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online students should budget for extra expenses such as books and materials. Learners may need to buy new laptops or travel to in-person seminars or internships.
Some Texas jobs require professional certifications. Online students should budget for application and exam fees. These can cost hundreds of dollars. Some organizations awarding certifications offer member discounts. Most organizations charge students and recent graduates the most affordable membership rates.
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 also need national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Some online programs feature programmatic accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation lists programmatic accreditation agencies.
Popular Online Bachelor's Programs in Texas
Online colleges in Texas offer many bachelor's programs. These degrees prepare students for the workforce or graduate school. General education courses help learners hone transferable communication, research, and writing skills. Some schools use cohort learning models or accelerated curriculums.
See below for five majors that can lead to high-paying Texas jobs. Full-time learners can complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Keep in mind that courses and graduation requirements vary by program. Students can check their prospective schools' websites or student handbooks for more information.
Business
A bachelor's in business prepares students for entry-level careers or MBA programs. Applicants may need to complete undergraduate prerequisites. Learners take core courses in business strategy, data analysis, and statistics. Some programs feature specializations in areas such as finance or management. Learners choose up to four upper-division electives.
Criminal Justice
Aspiring security managers, police officers, and loss prevention managers can pursue an online bachelor's in criminal justice. Coursework covers criminal law, criminological theory, and research methods. Many online colleges in Texas accept transfer credit. This benefit helps criminal justice students graduate sooner.
Education
A 120-credit bachelor's in education trains enrollees to teach at K-12 public schools. Coursework covers content area instruction and foundations of reading. Curriculum requirements vary by license. A semester-long student teaching experience qualifies learners to apply for licensure.
Liberal Arts
A liberal arts or general studies degree allows learners to customize their education. Students select an area of study, such as nutrition or personal finance. Degree-seekers must meet the same general education requirements as other students. Learners work with academic and career advisors when choosing courses.
Nursing
Practicing registered nurses (RNs) with an associate degree can enroll in an online RN-to-BSN program. Learners can complete accelerated programs in 12 months. Online courses last seven weeks and cover topics such as pathophysiology and nursing leadership. Graduates may qualify for promotions or raises.
Texas Employment Outlook
Students can research Texas' employment outlook before choosing a major, school, or career path. Texas reported a 5.4% unemployment rate in Oct. 2021, which is slightly higher than the national average. Projections indicate that the need for statisticians, actuaries, and information security analysts will grow 38% or more from 2018-2028. These jobs require a bachelor's or master's degree.
Geographic location affects employment outlook. College graduates can move to the state's largest cities to find the highest-paying jobs.
Five In-Demand Texas Job Industries
Projections indicate that the industries and professions below will add the most jobs from 2018-2028. Future economic events and trends may affect these projections. Learners can work with career advisors to research job market changes. This can help students adjust their major or career focus if necessary.
Five In-Demand Texas Job Industries
Top Industries |
Top Occupations Within the Industry |
Construction |
|
Manufacturing |
|
Agriculture and Forestry |
|
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
|
Educational Services |
|
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Top-Paying Texas Jobs by Degree Level
Online colleges in Texas train students for the state's top-paying jobs. Graduates may work as air traffic controllers, engineers, or surgeons. However, not all programs that lead to these careers run fully online.
Click the embedded links below for information about these and other high-paying jobs. Students can work with career advisors to create career plans, develop resumes, and prepare for interviews.
Air Traffic Controllers
Airports hire these professionals to manage runaways and ensure safety. Air traffic controllers approve landings and takeoffs, monitor aircrafts' progress, and direct ground traffic. Candidates need strong critical thinking skills and must complete an approved program. Applicants can stand out in the job market by earning the air traffic control operator certification.
Petroleum Engineers
These engineers develop new technologies to extract oil and natural gas. Other workers monitor drill sites. Petroleum engineers analyze data and perform scientific tests. Professionals with a bachelor's or master's degree in petroleum engineering can further their careers by earning a certification.
Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons make some of the highest salaries in Texas. These professionals need an MD and must complete specialized residencies. Typical employers include hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Job duties vary by job title and employer.
Texas Labor Analysis