Best Online Colleges in Texas 2025
The Lone Star State is known for its cuisine, cattle ranching culture, and world-class colleges. From top-ranked public universities to elite private colleges, Texas is one of the best places to earn your degree. And you don’t have to live in the Lone Star State to attend a Texas college.
Accredited online colleges prioritize flexibility, academic quality, and value. Our ranking of the best online colleges in Texas can help you find the right fit to earn your degree.
Texas at a Glance
- In Texas, 34.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- There are more than 170 nonprofit degree-granting institutions in the state.
- At four-year public schools, the majors with the highest enrollment include business, engineering, and health.
- The average annual salary in Texas is $61,240.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
University of North Texas
Denton, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Texas offers 90 online programs, including degrees and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can choose from 1,824 online courses and benefit from the extensive network of more than 150,000 online students.
Highlights
- Awards more than $70 million in scholarships each year
- Has flexible course structures with synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid options
- Offers dedicated resources and events for online students, such as success coaching and online student appreciation week
Know Before You Apply
- The retention rate for part-time bachelor's students is only 47%.
- The graduation rate for full-time bachelor's students is only 60%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- American Psychological Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Council on Education for Public Health
- In-State$8,404
- Out-of-state$21,004
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled47,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Texas Tech University offers 27 fully online bachelor's programs and 50 online master's programs in diverse fields such as English, technical communication, social sciences, soil science, and education. The school also has a strong 86% retention rate for full-time bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Offers unique online bachelor's degrees, including counseling, addiction recovery sciences, and applied personal finance
- Includes robust student support services, with a division of the Office of the Provost dedicated to supporting online students
- Gives current on-campus students the option to transition to online degrees
Know Before You Apply
- Undergraduate in-state tuition is higher than the national and Texas averages.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council on Social Work Education
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
- In-State$8,934
- Out-of-state$21,174
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled40,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Sam Houston State University offers 22 online bachelor’s degrees plus 40 online undergraduate minors, allowing you to tailor your online degree to your career goals. You can also find more than 20 online master's degree programs.
Highlights
- Designed to meet the needs of busy professionals with flexible online class schedules
- Offers substantial networking and professional opportunities that you can access from home
Know Before You Apply
- The 55% graduation rate shows that nearly half of students don't complete their degree within 150% of the normal time.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
- National Association of Schools of Music
- In-State$7,320
- Out-of-state$19,560
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,109
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled21,403
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Lamar University offers 22 online undergraduate degrees, five hybrid degrees, and 44 online master's degrees. It carefully designs online programs to maximize communication with fellow students and professors.
Highlights
- Offers five-week, eight-week, and 15-week courses to fit your schedule and timeline
- Includes synchronous and asynchronous course delivery formats
- Gives credit for military experience
Know Before You Apply
- Bachelor's programs typically require a minimum GPA of 2.0 for acceptance.
- Minimum GPA requirements for master's programs range from 2.5 to 3.0.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- National Association of Schools of Music
- In-State$6,228
- Out-of-state$16,020
- In-State$6,471
- Out-of-state$13,815
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled16,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Texas at El Paso offers 10 online bachelor's degrees and 19 master's degrees that are all 100% online. With rigorous but flexible classes to help you reach your goals, UTEP gives all online students access to the same services as on-campus students.
Highlights
- Includes one-on-one support during your entire degree program
- Offers in-state tuition lower than the state's average, helping you save more
- Awards many institutional scholarships and grants to its students
Know Before You Apply
- Most students can expect to spend around 10 hours a week on coursework and study for each class.
- UTEP's overall graduation rate is 46%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$23,112
- In-State$5,865
- Out-of-state$15,320
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled23,880
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
East Texas A & M University
- Commerce, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
East Texas A&M University offers a wide variety of 100% online and hybrid degree programs, including 13 online bachelor's degrees and 30 master's degrees. According to the university, 65% of students said their degree improved their career prospects, and 84% of students said they would recommend this school to others.
Highlights
- Offers strong financial aid, with the school reporting that graduates have lower-than-average student debt
- Provides more than 55 hybrid or blended online degree programs with six off-site campuses, giving you even more options
- In the East Texas A&M 2019 Alumni Survey, 82% of undergraduates and 91% of graduate students were employed within 12 months of graduation.
Know Before You Apply
- Graduation rates are low (46%) for students completing a degree within 150% of the standard completion time.
- Only 40% of part-time, first-time bachelor's students return for their second year.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$4,790
- Out-of-state$17,060
- In-State$3,630
- Out-of-state$10,974
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Angelo State University offers nine 100% online bachelor's degrees and 24 online master's degrees. Many of the programs include a hybrid option if you want to take some classes in person. ASU offers strong financial aid, with an average of 45% of ASU students graduating debt-free.
Highlights
- Demonstrates strong student outcomes, with a 92.45% licensure rate for graduates in relevant professions and a 90.45% first-time pass rate
- Administers more than 600 scholarship programs, with an impressive 54% of undergraduate students receiving an ASU Distinguished Scholarship
Know Before You Apply
- Only 41% of students graduate within 150% of the standard degree completion time.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$5,619
- Out-of-state$18,219
- In-State$4,181
- Out-of-state$11,525
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled11,250
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Stephen F. Austin State University offers 11 online undergraduate degrees, including degrees in sustainability, sports business, biochemistry, and a unique BS in deaf and hard of hearing. You can also choose from 21 online graduate degrees. Nearly 90% of SFA's May 2022 graduates reported positive career outcomes within six months of graduation.
Highlights
- Offers strong career preparation, with 2022 graduates reporting an average starting salary of $44,393
- Designed to make a college education accessible to more students with flexible degree programs
Know Before You Apply
- Just 52% of students graduate within 150% of the average completion time.
- You must meet minimum SAT or ACT requirements for acceptance based on your class rank.
- There is no minimum test score if you're in the top 25% of your graduating class.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- In-State$8,496
- Out-of-state$18,336
- In-State$5,262
- Out-of-state$12,606
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled10,888
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers 18 online bachelor's degrees, including industrial technology specializations in petroleum technology and healthcare leadership. You can also choose from 21 online graduate degrees.
Highlights
- Offers affordable in-state tuition and many scholarships to save you more
- Admits new students every eight weeks when new courses start, allowing you to graduate faster by studying year-round
Know Before You Apply
- UT Permian Basin has a low 43% graduation rate. Just 37% of men and 48% of women complete a bachelor's degree within six years.
- Although courses are asynchronous, you may be required to attend in person or synchronously for up to 15% of the planned instructional time.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$6,692
- Out-of-state$18,962
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$8,194
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,899
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Texas Woman's University offers 12 online bachelor's degrees, including programs in kinesiology, nursing, and sociology. The school sees high retention among its first-time bachelor's students, with 73% of full-time and 50% of part-time students returning for their second year. You can also choose from 30 online master's degrees and five doctoral programs.
Highlights
- Offers in-state tuition of $3,570 per semester, well below the national average
- Includes hybrid options so you can access labs and other on-campus resources
- Provides flexible and accelerated degree programs to adapt to your schedule and career goals
Know Before You Apply
- TWU is coeducational, though only 12% of undergraduates are male.
- The graduation rate is low for students completing a degree within 150% of the time, just 44%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- American Library Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- In-State$7,140
- Out-of-state$19,740
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,456
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled15,585
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Explore More Programs in Texas
Who Accredits Online Schools in Texas?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the primary institutional accreditor for colleges and universities in Texas. However, colleges in the state may hold accreditation from other recognized accreditors. Trade and career schools, for instance, may be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Choosing an accredited college gives you access to federal financial aid and legitimizes your degree. If you attend an unaccredited school, you may be unable to transfer your credits or pursue graduate school.
Depending on your career goals, your degree program may also need to hold programmatic accreditation. For example, to become a licensed social worker in Texas, you must graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s in social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Why Attend a Texas College Online?
- Flexibility: Online degrees allow you to study around your schedule. You can choose from synchronous or asynchronous courses to meet personal obligations.
- Exceptional Education: Many Texas universities are highly respected, allowing you to get a world-class education from anywhere.
- Student Support: Many universities on this list are known for exceptional student support services, including tutoring, internships, networking opportunities, and online resources.
- Global Community: With an online degree, you’ll benefit from a diverse international college community. The United States Census Bureau ranks Texas as the fifth most diverse state in the nation.
- Affordability: Many Texas universities charge tuition lower than the national average.
How Much Does College Cost in Texas?
Texas’s public tuition consistently ranks below the national average. In-state tuition at a Texas four-year public institution costs an average of $1,555 less annually and $667 less annually at two-year Texas colleges.
Even if you’re not a Texas resident, you can study in a specialized field and pay in-state tuition rates at some colleges through the academic common market if you live in one of the other 14 participating Southern Regional Education Board states:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to pay for books and supplies, such as a computer, to learn online. You’ll also need to cover your living costs while studying.
Financial Aid for Texas Students
Texas financial aid programs include in-state tuition for students in neighboring states, plus scholarships and grants. You can fill out the FAFSA to access federal financial aid, and then look into Texas-specific opportunities, including:
- Bordering States Waiver: This waiver allows nonresident students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to qualify for Texas in-state tuition.
- Tuition Equalization Grant: This need-based grant is open to Texas residents or nonresidents who are National Merit finalists who have not received athletic scholarships and who are enrolled at private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Texas.
- Scholarships: Texas scholarships include the License Plate Insignia Scholarship, the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program, the Good Neighbor Scholarship Program, and the TBA Accounting Student Scholarship.
- Other Financial Aid: Texas also offers tuition or fee exemptions, work-study programs, rebates, and loan programs to help students pay for college.
Popular Cities for Students and Professionals in Texas
Texas boasts three of the 10 largest cities in the U.S.: Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, each with a population of one million or more. Texas is also known for vibrant college towns, an affordable cost of living, and growing cities for young professionals:
- Austin: Texas’s capital and home of the University of Texas at Austin and five other colleges, Austin is booming with cultural activities and job opportunities for students and young professionals. Facebook, IBM, and Intel are major employers in the Austin area.
- Arlington: The University of Texas at Arlington and other colleges are based in Arlington, along with the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Wings. Major employers include General Motors, Texas Health Resources, and Arlington ISD.
- College Station: Small but mighty, College Station is home to Texas A&M University, which offers a world-class education. College Station is located in the heart of Brazos Valley, a tech- and research-based community offering easy access to Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
- Lubbock: Texas Tech University, a hub for innovation and research; Wayland Baptist University; and several other colleges call Lubbock home. Major employers include City Bank, United Supermarkets, Walmart, Amazon, and Covenant Health System.
- Irving: Irving is home to the University of Dallas, which offers vibrant college life. Several major companies, including Citi, Verizon, and Allstate, employ thousands in Irving.
Career Opportunities in Texas
Texas is known for its strength in the energy industry, especially in oil and gas, but it is also home to industry leaders in aviation, aerospace, defense, biotechnology, and IT. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in November 2024 that Texas’s unemployment rate was 4.2%, comparable to the national average of 4.1%.
Texas job opportunities abound at companies such as Tesla and NASA, as well as major public universities like Texas A&M, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Texas at Austin. The biggest employers in Texas include Amazon, American Airlines, BP, Capital One, Charles Schwab, ExxonMobil, Facebook, JP Morgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, Southwest, and Toyota.
The Texas Workforce Commission reported a 14.7% increase in jobs in Texas from 2022-2023, much higher than the national average.
What are the fastest-growing jobs in Texas?
The fastest-growing jobs in Texas — nurse practitioners, wind turbine service technicians, and data scientists, to name a few — span various industries. Several fast-growing careers fall within IT, including computer and information research scientists, information security analysts, and software developers.
These careers are expected to grow between 43% and 63% over the next decade, substantially higher than the national average.
| Job | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 63.6% | $62,580 | Certificate or diploma |
| Nurse Practitioners | 60% | $132,050 | Master’s degree |
| Data Scientists | 53.2% | $112,590 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 51.7% | $140,910 | Master’s degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 47.9% | $124,910 | Bachelor’s degre |
| Software Developers | 46.7% | $131,450 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Statisticians | 45.9% | $104,350 | Master’s degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 43.4% | $91,290 | Bachelor’s degree |
What are the top-paying jobs in Texas?
The highest-paying jobs in Texas include healthcare careers — nurse anesthetists, psychiatrists, physicians, and most specialized physician careers top the list — as well as IT, financial, and aerospace careers.
Many of the highest-paying jobs in Texas are projected to grow more than twice the national average for all careers, with financial managers projected to grow 32.3% from 2022-2032.
| Job | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $226,600 | 14.3% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Psychiatrists | $239,200 | 13.7% | Doctorate |
| Physicians | $239,200 | 13.7% | Doctorate |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $132,050 | 19.5% | Master’s degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $167,740 | 17.6% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $171,200 | 34.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $144,580 | 7.8% | Associate degree |
| Financial Managers | $161,700 | 32.3% | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Texas
The National Center for Education Statistics lists 243 colleges in Texas that award an associate degree or higher. Of these, 102 are public, 72 are private nonprofit, and 69 are for-profit.
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