Online Colleges in Texas

Online colleges in Texas allow you to achieve your goals while enjoying a flexible schedule. Texas is home to various schools, most of which offer online courses.

Online degree programs allow you to continue working full-time to provide for your family and learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. They also offer flexibility that traditional on-campus colleges do not offer.

Choosing from one of the many online schools in Texas can help prepare you for your dream career path and set you on the path to achieving your higher education goals.

Online Colleges in Texas

Texas is the largest state in the contiguous U.S., which can make it difficult for residents to attend the school of their choice. Online programs make it easier for students to further their education without moving or sacrificing professional or personal commitments. Online programs also make it possible for you to have a working schedule that fits your employment and lifestyle needs.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 47% of college students in Texas were enrolled exclusively in online courses, and another 27% were enrolled in a combination of online and on-campus courses. Those numbers have continued to rise as schools have increased their offerings at online colleges.

Some Texas colleges also offer hybrid programs, which involve some on-campus requirements. Online, hybrid, and on-campus options are also available for graduate students.

Common Online Bachelor’s Programs in Texas

Many students select online universities in Texas because they hope to follow a professional path in the Lone Star State. While Texas is home to professionals in a variety of fields and industries, here are some of the most common programs for obtaining an online bachelor’s degree in Texas that students can follow:

• Business: This undergraduate degree is helpful for students who are interested in pursuing a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), program. You’ll be immersed in topics such as statistics, economics, finance, administration, and ethics.
• Communications: In this degree program, you’ll study media, marketing, technical communications, and advertising, which provides a solid base for students who are interested in public relations and media training.
• Criminal Justice: This major isn’t just for aspiring police officers. Criminal justice students learn about criminal law, ethics, and philosophy.
• Education: Majors in this field will complete fundamental training for teaching students from kindergarten through high school so they can prepare for licensing examinations.
• Liberal Arts: Students who select this program often do so in order to customize their educational experience to focus on a certain non-traditional area of study particular to their career goals.
• Nursing: Earning a Texas online bachelor degrees in nursing is often one of the early steps toward a career in a specialized field of nursing. Many undergraduate programs also provide the training to become a registered nurse (RN) upon graduation.
• Psychology: While becoming a practicing psychologist includes more than a bachelor’s degree, this is a good place to start. An undergraduate degree in psychology will prepare you with an understanding of theory, communication skills, and research experience.

These are just a handful of common online bachelor’s degrees Texas students pursue. Take a look at the variety of programs offered to see which matches your overall career goals.

Overview of Higher Education in Texas

Texas is home to 218 degree-granting institutions, according to a recent report by the NCES. Only California and New York have more schools to choose from. Of Texas’ 218 schools, 102 are public, 68 are private non-profit and 48 are private for-profit.

In-state tuition rates are competitive, according to data from the NCES. Residents can expect to pay around $18,325 to attend one of the state’s 4-year public institutions. Non-residents, on the other hand, will pay closer to $25,707.

Students who have trouble finding their chosen major at in-state institutions can take advantage of the state’s involvement in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), which encourages resource sharing among 16 participating states. Through this program, Texans can enroll at colleges in participating states while paying in-state tuition rates.

Careers & Salaries in Texas

As a result of the degree paths they choose, common occupations for students who earn their degree from Texas colleges online frequently pursue careers in advertising, entrepreneurship, teaching, counseling, and nursing.

Below are some common career paths according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and their annual median salaries.

Careers that require strong math knowledge, such as engineers, actuaries, and accountants are also popular for students who have graduated from online universities in Texas.

According to the BLS, one common Texas career path that is projected to be on the rise over the next 10 years is that of petroleum engineers. Employment for these professionals is anticipated to grow by 8%, which is faster than average.

Though students who pursue a degree through accredited online colleges in Texas choose from many different career paths, these are a few examples of popular options.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Texas

Texas is a big place, with many professional opportunities for those who have earned their bachelor’s degree. Some of the most popular career options include:

• Registered Nurses
• Elementary Educators
• Administrative Supervisors
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

The BLS notes that in some of the most popular career fields in Texas, including office and administrative support occupations and sales and related occupations, are among the most popular professional areas for workers today.

The BLS also notes that the annual mean wage in Texas for all occupations was $52,400. According to their data, the unemployment level has continued to hover around the 4% range for the state of Texas.

How to Know if an Online Degree is Right for Me

There are plenty of considerations that go into deciding if one of the many online colleges in TX is right for you. It’s a good idea to think carefully about things such as:

• What type of learning style works best for you: Online, in-person, or a bit of both?
• What is the cost of tuition for online degrees in Texas?
• Are there online degree programs offered in your chosen major?
• Do the program’s goals meet your own educational expectations?

If you’re not sure, you may wish to speak with an admissions counselor, current students, or faculty members to help you address your hesitations.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements often vary from school to school, so it’s a good idea to carefully review a school’s application process before you get started. Some common admissions requirements among online universities in Texas include:

• SAT/ACT scores (only some schools require them)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essays
• All scholastic transcripts

You may wish to double-check if a school also asks applicants to complete an interview as part of the process. Some schools may request an application fee from prospective students, as well.

Online Colleges in Texas Accreditation

When searching for Texas colleges online, you may wish to give special attention to schools that are accredited by the Council for Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA). These schools have been evaluated for educational excellence in order to receive accreditation.

Selecting from the accredited online colleges in Texas can be very beneficial for many reasons. Some financial assistance options such as scholarships and loans are available only to those who attend online accredited colleges in Texas.

Additionally, some graduate and doctoral programs may accept students who have completed an accredited undergraduate program. Some employers and professional or licensing organizations have this requirement, as well.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

In order to receive financial aid to attend one of Texas’ colleges or universities, it is a good idea to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will unlock the door to federal, state, and private financial aid.

It’s important to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible since most of the aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be available to you starting on October 1st of the year before you plan to attend college. The application itself is simple.

You will need to provide financial information for yourself and your parents (unless you are considered “independent”). The data you provide will be used to determine how much need-based aid is offered to you. The ideal types of financial aid are grants and scholarships because they do not have to be repaid.

The state of Texas has a number of grant and scholarship programs available to make college more affordable to residents. Consider checking with the financial aid office at the college or university of your choice. Most schools offer need and/or merit-based aid to admitted students and they can help you figure out what funds may be available and how to apply.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to College in Texas Online?

A recent report from the NCES shows that attending a 4-year public in-state Texas school will cost around $18,325 while out-of-state residents can expect to pay closer to $25,471. These numbers include room and board, so if you have transportation and can live at home, your cost would be closer to $8,016 for tuition and fees.

To attend a 4-year private school in Texas, expect to pay $37,450 for tuition and fees. If you’re looking for a 2-year degree at a public online community colleges in Texas, in-state residents can expect to pay around $2,828 while out-of-state will be closer to $7,764.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

There are some circumstances in which out-of-state students may receive a tuition break. Certain states participate in a reciprocity agreement, in which online and distance learning students may qualify for in-state tuition fees.

This depends on whether your state participates in a reciprocity agreement, such as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA provides standards for the quality of online education for students who live in one state, yet are enrolled in a degree program in another.

Regional SARA boards include the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). These organizations can provide further reciprocity details.

Attending school online may help save on expenses like dorm fees and meal plans, but some schools include fees associated with providing online education. Check out each school’s fee schedule to learn more.

What Jobs Are in High Demand in Texas?

According to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), some of the most rapidly growing professional fields include:

• Advanced Technology and Manufacturing
• Biotechnology and Life Sciences, including Healthcare
• Information and Computer Technology
• Energy
• Transportation and Logistics

Within these fields are a variety of jobs on the rise. Software developers are expected to see significant career growth, as are registered nurses. Computer system analyst roles are also anticipated to increase over the coming years.

Management analysts, as well as professional accountants, should continue to be in demand, and sales representatives are expected to see a rise in jobs as these industries thrive.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Texas?

According to the BLS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Texas, some of the highest-paying jobs are currently in the healthcare field.

Each of these career paths generally includes post-undergraduate education before becoming qualified to practice in this field. Students who are applying for an online bachelor’s degree in Texas should be aware that it may be some time before they are ready to join the workforce.

List of Online Colleges in Texas

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Abilene Christian University was named one of the top colleges by Newsweek. ACU offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed for nontraditional students. Many of these graduate programs can potentially be completed in 2 years. The school offers several start dates throughout the year. Areas of study offered include Christian ministry, health and human performance, and child and family services.

Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dallas Baptist University offers students an online education rooted in the Christian faith. Students can choose from over 75 entirely online degree programs. Courses have an average of 11 students per class. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and dual master’s degree programs. Areas of study offered include Christian studies, educational leadership, business administration, and children’s ministry.

Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lamar University’s online program is ranked best in the country for its Bachelor’s in General Studies and Master’s in School Counseling. The school offers several undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be earned fully online. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year to accommodate busy schedules. Areas of study offered include nursing administration, port management, and sociology.

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Our Lady of the Lake University is over 125 years old and is dedicated to serving a diverse student body, particularly Mexican-American students. OLLU’s online program is designed to help busy students earn degrees fully online. Courses are asynchronous and either 7 or 14 weeks long. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas such as counseling and cybersecurity.

Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Palo Alto College strives to help students earn degrees and advance in their careers, even if they can’t attend classes on campus. The school offers several associate degree programs that can be completed fully online. Courses follow a semester schedule, and some have synchronous components. The school offers programs for administrative assistants, teaching 7-12, logistics and supply chain management, and more.

Palo Alto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online College named Sam Houston State University as one of the best colleges in Texas for online students. The school seeks to offer online programs of the same caliber as programs found on campus. Most programs are asynchronous, and classes start four times yearly. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as criminal justice and band studies.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

San Antonio College offers online degree programs designed for nontraditional students or those who are busy with other life commitments. Students can choose from over 200 online programs. For those who want to earn a degree entirely online, SAC offers an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science. Specializations offered include Communication, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Literature.

San Antonio College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

South Texas College is dedicated to providing students with an affordable education without sacrificing quality. Students can choose from several associate or baccalaureate degrees or professional certificates. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and are available fully online. Programs of study offered include computer science, medical and health services management, RN-to-BSN, and human resources specialist.

South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern Methodist University’s online degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. The school offers master’s degrees and professional certificates that can be earned online.

Master’s students can choose between four programs: Business Administration, Data Science, Network Engineering, and Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence Specialization. The programs can potentially be completed in 20 to 24 months.

Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a faith-based college focused on helping students grow academically and spiritually. SAGU offers online programs for students who can’t attend school on campus. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be earned fully online. Areas of study offered include ancient studies, bible and theology, and clinical psychology.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

St. Philip’s College is part of the Alamo Colleges District. The school is dedicated to helping students earn associate degrees to help them advance in their careers or move toward 4 year degrees. Some programs are asynchronous, while others have synchronous components. All programs are fully online. Areas of study offered include banking and financial services and fire science.

St. Philip’s College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Stephen F. Austin State University was named a College of Distinction. SFA offers over 20 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs designed for nontraditional students. Students may also earn certifications or prep for certification exams. All programs are fully online. Fields of study offered include communication studies, sports business, music theory and composition, and national security.

Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tarleton State University offers online bachelor’s completion programs and graduate degree programs. Many of the programs can be completed fully online, but there are also many that have blended options with courses offered at several locations around Texas.

The school offers up to six start dates each year. Classes are 8 or 16 weeks long. Areas of study offered include criminal justice, environmental science, educational leadership, and kinesiology.

Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas A&M University—College Station was the first public university in Texas. It’s committed to helping Texans and those living out of state get an affordable, high-quality education online. Most programs can be completed fully online, but students also have the option of completing a blended program. Areas of study offered include nursing and construction management.

Texas A&M University – College Station is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas A&M University—Commerce provides several degree options for students who need a flexible learning experience. Students can choose from fully online courses, hybrid options, and courses with synchronous components. All courses follow the school’s semester schedule. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like agribusiness, English, physics, and special education.

Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Southern University is one of the oldest and largest HBCUs. TSU offers online degree programs designed for students who have life and work commitments. It ranks number one for degrees awarded to African-American students in Texas.

Many of the programs can be completed fully online and follow the semester schedule. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in healthcare administration, education, and more.

Texas Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas State University aims to offer nontraditional students affordable and marketable degree programs to help them advance in their careers. The school offers fully online and hybrid options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Areas of study offered include geographic education, technical communication, long-term care administration, and public health education and promotion.

Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Newsweek named Texas Tech University as the #1 online school in the US. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Most of these programs are fully online, but some hybrid programs are available with classes that can be taken at 1 of 8 schools in Texas. Courses follow a semester schedule. Areas of study offered include sociology, dance studies, and engineering.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Woman’s University was named the top school in Texas for ethnic diversity and students with kids. TWU offers fully online and hybrid degree programs. Some programs provide coursework fully online but still require on-campus components. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as dental hygiene, rhetoric, theatre, and women in leadership.

Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Dallas provides students with a Catholic-based education. The school’s graduate degree program in theology has been ranked #1 in the US. The school offers programs that can be attended fully online and are designed to be the same as those offered on campus. Online students may attend some classes on campus if desired.

The University of Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Forbes named the University of Houston as one of the top 100 best colleges for value in the US. The school has offered distance education programs since 1953. Online students can complete bachelor’s degrees or earn graduate degrees through fully online or hybrid programs. Many classes are condensed. Areas of study offered include nursing and global retailing.

The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Houston—Clear Lake offers online programs designed for students who have jobs, families, or other commitments that require flexible school schedules.

Programs are available either fully online or in a hybrid format. Students can choose between 17 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Areas of study offered include public service leadership, engineering management, and early childhood education.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Houston—Victoria has offered online programs for over 20 years. Students have several online options for undergraduate and graduate degrees. There are fully online formats and hybrid formats. Students may take classes that meet synchronously or 8 week, fast-track programs. Areas of study offered include international business, sport management, and artificial intelligence.

UHV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of North Texas is one of the state’s top-ranked online colleges. Most programs are fully online, but some have hybrid features at UNT’s campuses in Denton and Frisco. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and undergraduate and graduate certificates. Areas of study offered include sport entertainment management, health services administration, and information science.

The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—Arlington understands that many students, especially those with jobs and families, need flexible and affordable learning experiences. UTA offers entirely online programs offered in an accelerated format. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Areas of study offered include nursing, literacy studies, and public health.

The University of Texas at Arlington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—Austin understands that different students have different online learning needs. UT Austin offers two online track options: self-paced and semester-based courses. Students in self-paced programs have 5 months to complete a course and can work on their own time. Semester-based programs follow a semester schedule and have deadlines. Areas of study offered include accounting and business.

The University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—Dallas is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and affordable education. UT Dallas offers a limited number of online master’s degree programs designed to help working students advance in their education. Most the courses in these programs are fully online and asynchronous. A few have synchronous and on-campus components. Areas of study offered include marketing and accounting.

The University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—El Paso is known as a leading college serving Hispanics and among the most affordable research universities in the US. UTEP offers online degree programs designed for nontraditional students. Many of these programs are accelerated, allowing for faster graduation, and some allow students to customize their degrees. Areas of study offered include creative writing and nursing.

The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—Permian Basin strives to provide students with a high-quality education that’s affordable and flexible. Students can choose from several modes of online learning, including fully online and hybrid formats. There are several start dates offered throughout the year. Most classes are either 7 or 8 weeks long. Areas of study offered include industrial tech and Spanish.

UTPB is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas—Rio Grande Valley offers online degree programs designed for busy students. Some programs are fully online, while others have on-campus components. The programs follow either a semester schedule or an accelerated, 7 week format. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as addiction studies, bilingual education, and special education.

UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Wayland Baptist University aims to offer students a faith-based education that is both rigorous and affordable. Many programs are available fully online. Some have on-campus components. There are five start dates offered throughout the year.

Classes are offered in an 8 week accelerated format. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like Christian ministry, legal studies, and public administration.

Wayland Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report ranked West Texas A&M University among the best online colleges for bachelor’s and graduate education. Students can earn degrees fully online or choose programs offered in a hybrid format. Some courses are asynchronous, while others have synchronous components. Areas of study offered include economics, agriculture, counseling, and educational diagnostician.

West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your College Degree in Texas Online

Whether you’re already a resident of Texas or hope to be someday soon, enrolling in Texas colleges online is a great way to prepare for a variety of career paths and opportunities.

You may wish to spend some time perusing the online bachelor’s programs offered through Texas colleges and universities to get a feel for what is offered, and what best fits your professional goals, budget, and dreams.

Whether you’re on a path to succeed in a particular field or are having trouble deciding between several fields, consider getting your college degree in Texas online to further your education and career! You can also view our Online Colleges in Tennessee and Online Colleges in Utah guides for more options.