Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024

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.

Institutional accreditation guarantees a quality education. That means accredited online colleges in Texas have undergone extensive evaluation by recognized accrediting agencies.

The accreditation process happens on an ongoing basis. Colleges must continue to meet evaluation criteria in order to renew their accreditation status.

Attending an accredited online college in Texas ensures you can transfer credits to other accredited institutions and earn a recognized degree. Attending an unaccredited college could limit your career prospects and ability to get federal financial aid.

Here are a few accrediting agencies to look for when researching online colleges in Texas:

Roughly 14.5 million people make up the civilian labor force in Texas, a state with a population of more than 29 million. Hospitality, healthcare, tech, and green energy are some of the fastest-growing industries in Texas.

Many in-demand jobs in Texas offer salaries above the national average.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas has an unemployment rate of 4% as of October 2023, which is similar to the national unemployment rate of 3.7%.

You likely already know it: If you want to get paid well in Texas, you usually need a college education. The degree you’ll need, though, will depend on the industry.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, like doctor or surgeon, require a doctoral degree. But other top-paying careers, like petroleum engineer and air traffic controller, only require an undergraduate degree.

Online colleges in Texas cost anywhere from roughly $3,000-$39,000 a year in tuition and fees.

In general, public in-state two-year colleges will be your cheapest option, and private four-year colleges will be your most expensive option.

How much you spend on your online degree from Texas will ultimately depend on the length of the program, whether the school is public or private, and how much financial aid you get.

Some online schools in Texas offer discounted or in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency. Even the best online colleges in Texas can cost less than schools in high-tuition states like Vermont and New Hampshire.

Many online colleges in Texas offer scholarships and grants, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.

With so many online colleges in Texas, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Before researching specific schools, consider your budget and your field of study. Then, you can look for colleges that match your interests and needs.

Make sure to choose an accredited online college. Accredited schools meet high standards for academic excellence. At an accredited institution, you’ll also qualify for more forms of financial aid. As an online learner, it’s also a good idea to research support services that help you reach your educational goals.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed December 20, 2023.