Online Colleges in Texas

The Lone Star State is shining bright when it comes to higher education.

In 2015, Texas launched 60x30TX, which sets a number of lofty goals for its residents, including:

• 60% of young adults (25-34) will hold some type of postsecondary credential by 2030
• At least 550,000 students will complete a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s from a Texas institution in 2030
• Graduates will have identifiable marketable skills regardless of major
• Students will not graduate with debt exceeding 60% of their first-year wages

These goals make it clear that Texas is committed to promoting access, affordability, quality, success and cost efficiency when it comes to higher education, and it appears to be succeeding. According to the 2019 progress update on the 60x30TX, Texas is making positive, modest progress toward most of the plan’s goals and targets.

Overview of Higher Education in Texas

Texas is home to 242 degree-granting institutions, according to a 2018-2019 report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Just two states – California and New York – have more schools to choose from. Of Texas’ 242 schools, 109 are public, 70 are private non-profit and 63 are private for-profit.

In-state tuition rates are competitive, according to data from the NCES. Residents can expect to pay around $8,678 to attend one of the state’s 4-year public institutions, a price well below the national average. Non-residents, on the other hand, will pay closer to $25,031.

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.

About 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.

In 2018 the NCES reported that 14% of college students in Texas were enrolled exclusively in online courses, and another 21.3% were enrolled in a combination of online and on-campus courses. Those numbers have continued to rise as schools have increased their online offerings.

Today, one of the state’s most impressive resources for online students is through the University of Texas. Undergraduates can consider online degree programs in Child and Family Studies, Criminal Justice, Industrial Technology, Nursing, Sociology and several other fields, and there are also a number of online graduate and certification programs to choose from. Additionally, they make it possible for students to register and enroll in online courses offered through any of the participating locations. This opens up a massive catalogue of courses to students, rather than limiting them to those offered at their home school.

West Texas A&M University also offers a robust online program, which has been recognized multiple times by U.S. News and World Report. The school offers undergraduate degrees in Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Health Sciences, Nursing and more, all of which can be earned 100% online. They also offer hybrid programs, which involve some on-campus requirements. Both formats are also available for graduate students.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Texas

In order to receive financial aid to attend one of Texas’ colleges or universities, you should 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 1^st 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. Here are a few examples:

• Toward EXcellence, Access and Success Grant Program (TEXAS Grant) – Need-based; Must maintain satisfactory academic progress; Amount varies
• Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG) – Need-based aid to attend a private, non-profit college or university; Must meet academic eligibility requirements; amount varies
• Texas Public Educational Grant Program (TPEG) – Need-based aid; Public colleges and universities set their own requirements and award amounts
• Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG) – Need based aid to attend a public two-year college; Amount varies

More information about these and other state-based financial aid programs can be found at the website College for all Texas, an excellent online resource provided by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to help Texans plan, apply and pay for college.

In addition to federal and state aid, students can find more “free money for college” by using scholarship search sites like Fastweb.com. Scholarships may be need or merit-based, but may also be awarded based on intended major, geographic region, athletic skills, hobbies or other unique factors.

Here are some examples of scholarships available to Texans:

 Finally, be sure to check 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.

List of Online Colleges in Texas

Conclusion

Texas boasts nearly 250 colleges and universities with online and on-campus programs, competitive tuition rates, and generous grant and scholarship programs.

With a wealth of support and opportunities, students are never alone in the Lone Star State!

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