Whether you're looking for flexibility or a degree that fits around work, choosing an online college in Texas can offer several advantages. For starters, the state's online schools offer both residents and out-of-state students programs across numerous fields, accelerated-course formats, and graduate degree options.
Our guide below highlights some of the best accredited online colleges in Texas and explores key factors to consider when choosing the right school for you.
Top Online Colleges in Texas
How Much Does College Cost in Texas
The average college cost in Texas for an in-state, full-time student attending a public 4-year university is about $11,258 per academic year, according to 2025 data from the College Board.
As in most states, final college costs vary depending on factors such as the type of institution, degree program, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition.
For instance, the average tuition for out-of-state students at Texas A&M University is around $36,169 compared to $9,092 for Texas residents. Still, as noted in the reviews above, there are schools like Houston University that offer online programs with flat-rate tuition for all students, regardless of residency.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in TX | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public, Two-Year Community College (In-State) | $3,312 | $4,150 |
| Public Four-Year University (In-State) | $11,258 | $11,950 |
| Public Four-Year University (Out-of-State) | $24,743 | $31,880 |
| Private Four-Year University | $40,142 | $45,000 |
Sources: College Board, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Financial Aid for Online Students in Texas
Texas online students can access financial aid through federal programs, private scholarships, and tuition exemptions or waivers. Students may also be eligible for college-specific scholarships and to merit-based scholarships, depending on the university and their major program,
Texas also has grant programs for residents, which offer aid to students with financial need or who meet specific criteria.
Regardless of the option, students must typically start by completing the FAFSA. It's also highly recommended to talk with the school's enrollment counselors or financial aid advisors.
Below are some state grants and scholarships available to college students in Texas.
State Grants
TEXAS Grant
The Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success(TEXAS) grant provides financial aid to eligible students attending participating public universities in Texas. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in a bachelor program, Texas residency, registration with selective service registration, and meeting financial need criteria. Completion of the FAFSA is also required, or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), if the student is not eligible for federal financial aid.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
TEOGfocuses on students pursuing two-year education or a certificate program at technical institutions. The program provides need-based aid to eligible students attending Texas public state colleges, public junior colleges, or public technical institutes.
Scholarships
Kid's Chance of Texas
Kids' Chance of Texas provides annual scholarships to children of workers who have suffered a fatal or severe work-related injury. Eligible students must be aged 16–25, attend a college full time, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year, and recipients may reapply for up to eight semesters
SOAR Texas
SOAR offers two scholarships of up to $5,000. The SOAR College program is available for women pursuing a four-year university or graduate degree, whereas the SOAR Skills Scholarship is open to applicants of all genders pursuing skilled trades, technical training, certifications, apprenticeships, or other career-focused education programs.
Interest-Free Loans
Abe And Annie Seibel Foundation
This foundation offers interest-free loans to eligible Texas residents who graduated from a Texas high school. Students must be pursuing their first bachelor's degree in a Texas university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Texas' Job Market
Texas has one of the fastest growing job markets in the country, featuring an expanding economy and consistent employment growth in industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and transportation. According to the 2025 Report on Texas Growth Occupations, employment in the state is projected to grow around 15% by 2032 and outperform the overall expected national increase.
Despite the growth, Texas' broad worker shortage is less severe than in other states. As of 2025, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported a ratio of 104 available workers for every 100 job openings, indicating a relatively balanced labor market.
Long-term occupational projections point toward higher demand for workers in healthcare and social assistance. Employment in this industry is projected to grow more than 17% from 2022 to 2032, potentially adding over 290,000 jobs across the state. Ambulatory healthcare services are expected to account for more than half of the new jobs created within this industry.
Majors to Consider in Texas
Here are some majors or areas of study to consider if you're looking to pursue an in-demand career in Texas.
| Major/Education | Occupation | New Jobs Projected (2034) | Annual Mean Wage in TX | Licensure if applicable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Business Administration or a related field | General and Operations Managers | 64,140 | $133,660 | N/A |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Home Health Aide (HHA) training | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 46,970 | $26,070 | N/A |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field | Software Developers | 37,980 | $136,450 | N/A |
| Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate's of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Registered Nurses | 37,910 | $95,380 | Registered nurse licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing |
| Major in Healthcare Administration or Management, Health Information Systems, Public Health, Nursing, Business Administration, or other relevant fields. | Medical and Health Service Managers | 20,550 | $128,860 | Depends on the specific position and facility. |
Source: Projections Central, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Texas
Yes, many colleges and universities in Texas offer fully-online programs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board keeps a program inventory where you can search for the different institutions offering distance education.
