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.
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Best Online Colleges in Texas
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The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.
#1 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2023
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Austin offers bachelor's programs that prepare graduates for new careers or advancement in their current field. The school's online certificates and degrees meet the same educational standards as its on-campus programs. Online programs combine core courses and elective options to build career-ready skills. Online and on-campus students can access support services from the institution. Learners can use peer tutoring sessions to improve their grades.
At the University of Texas at Austin, students can begin their education by earning a bachelor’s or associate degree. Learners can transfer previous credits to complete a bachelor’s program in an accelerated time frame.
Online bachelor's degree-seekers pay $11,448 for in-state tuition. To fund their degree, 66% of the school's students obtain financial aid, and 30% take out loans.
Online students can expect a 32% admission rate. Degree-seekers gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure roles in their field. Online learners can use test scores to bolster their application. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2023
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution located in Texas, the University of Houston enrolls a total of 45,197 students in distance learning courses.
Remote learners benefit from flexible, virtual classroom environments and can complete their coursework from anywhere. Internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements can typically be completed in a student's local area. Online learners can often take advantage of student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. The institution prepares graduates to transition to the workforce through experiential learning opportunities.
Students pay an affordable tuition rate for their online degree. Financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships, is available to qualified online students at the accredited institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With an Edinburg-based campus, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public institution. In addition to on-campus programs, the accredited school offers multiple online programs. Of all students, 31,620 enroll online at the university. Degree-seekers can access fully online bachelor's programs that require no campus visits.
Many degree-seekers choose to study online because of the flexibility it affords. Those looking to advance in their field may benefit from the school's many programs designed for working professionals.
Degree-seekers typically earn their bachelor's degree in four years. Students can graduate faster by transferring previous college credits toward their bachelor's degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2023
Lone Star College
- The Woodlands, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in The Woodlands, Texas, Lone Star College is a public institution that offers online programming. Across its undergraduate and graduate programs, the accredited school enrolls a total of 50,269 learners remotely.
Lone Star College meets the needs of many different students by offering online programs in top-choice majors, such as healthcare, business, and STEM fields. The remote programs use virtual learning environments to 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 services that the school provides for online students.
Most degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in four years. Learners can graduate more quickly by bringing in credits from previous college experience. Some programs offer accelerated options as well.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2023
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online learners can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered from the University of Texas at Dallas, a nonprofit school. Online learning allows working students to conveniently earn accredited degrees.
The school delivers 120-credit bachelor’s programs that students can complete in four years or less. Online learners typically earn a master’s degree in about 24 months.
Working professionals can view both live and recorded classes. Distance learners participate in classroom instruction and practical experiences, such as internships.
The school's catalog includes certificate and associate programs. Students benefit from online support services, including tutoring and career advising. Students pay affordable online tuition rates, and the university awards an average total aid of $16,185 per enrollee. The school has an admission rate of 79%.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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
What colleges in Texas offer online degrees?
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.
Are online colleges accredited?
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.
Do I need to live in Texas to attend an online college in Texas?
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.
Does Texas A&M have online programs?
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.
Are online colleges taken seriously?
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.
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