Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
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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.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,935
- Out-of-state$21,204
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled40,542
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,295
- Out-of-state$18,111
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled42,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$23,112
- In-State$5,865
- Out-of-state$15,320
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled24,003
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,228
- Out-of-state$16,020
- In-State$6,471
- Out-of-state$13,815
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled16,320
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,648
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,108
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled21,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,495
- Out-of-state$14,287
- In-State$4,181
- Out-of-state$11,525
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled10,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,842
- Out-of-state$18,858
- In-State$5,262
- Out-of-state$13,524
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled12,000
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,577
- Out-of-state$18,817
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$12,292
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,534
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$15,408
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,456
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled16,338
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Downtown
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,882
- Out-of-state$15,740
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$14,535
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled15,077
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
- Student enrollment at Texas colleges was 525,500 in 2022, down from 532,500 in 2020.
- Texans earn an average salary of $52,813 — about the same as the national average.
- Four-year graduation rates at Texas public colleges rose 18.7 percentage points from 2000-2018.
Why Does Accreditation Matter for Online Colleges in Texas?
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:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Fast-Growing Jobs 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%.
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Avg. Annual Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 102% | $54,790 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 66% | $124,660 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 65% | $30,300 |
| Statisticians | 52% | $88,630 |
| Data Scientists | 50% | $102,230 |
| Information Security Analysts | 50% | $115,570 |
| Logisticians | 48% | $77,350 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 47% | $74,750 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 45% | $73,770 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 43% | $118,700 |
Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
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.
| Job | Avg. Annual Salary (May 2022) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologists | $413,510 | Doctorate |
| Chief Executives | $314,060 | Bachelor’s |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $212,940 | Bachelor’s |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $211,940 | Doctorate |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $208,940 | Master’s |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $168,180 | Bachelor’s |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $156,150 | Bachelor’s |
| Petroleum Engineers | $150,860 | Bachelor’s |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $145,280 | Associate |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $142,740 | Master’s |
How Much Does Online School in Texas Cost?
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.
Popular Online Degrees in Texas
How Do I Choose the Best Texas College for Me?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Texas
Next Steps
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.
