Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
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Online Colleges in Texas
Online colleges in Texas allow students in the second most populated state to pursue the college experience that best suits their needs. Working students in search of programs that do not interfere with personal or professional responsibilities should consider earning a degree in Texas from an online college. The state’s 60×30TX strategic plan aims to increase the number of degree holders aged 25-34 by at least 60% before 2030.
The Texas Affordable Baccalaureate program specifically focuses on online, hybrid, and competency-based courses that offer innovative pathways for students to earn their degrees sooner and on their own terms. Online programs in Texas may also offer cohort-style models, which allow students to build a strong network with other online learners.
Texan higher education initiatives strive to remove financial barriers restricting students from obtaining degrees, lowering the amount of statewide student debt. Public universities in Texas provide over $15.3 billion in financial aid every year, and the average Texas graduate possesses about $26,900 in student debt.
College Programs That Might Interest You
Top Online Colleges in Texas
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,867
- Out-of-state$5,767
- In-State$4,594
- Out-of-state$5,220
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled5,283
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,744
- Out-of-state$16,704
- In-State$5,958
- Out-of-state$13,428
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled38,742
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,526
- Out-of-state$14,296
- In-State$4,137
- Out-of-state$11,733
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled13,166
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,295
- Out-of-state$18,423
- In-State$5,900
- Out-of-state$13,496
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled39,336
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,520
- Out-of-state$30,520
- In-State$18,618
- Out-of-state$18,618
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled3,150
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,984
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,361
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled21,558
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,193
- Out-of-state$22,556
- In-State$5,497
- Out-of-state$14,766
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled25,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,790
- Out-of-state$17,460
- In-State$3,630
- Out-of-state$11,232
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled12,109
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
West Texas A&M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,554
- Out-of-state$6,960
- In-State$4,823
- Out-of-state$5,668
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled9,970
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,096
- Out-of-state$16,224
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,708
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled12,969
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Texas
2024
Texas Online Colleges Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online schools in Texas based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Rankings MethodologyEmployment in Texas
While out-of-state learners may choose online colleges in Texas, many online students also to live in the state or plan to after graduation. Texas is the 10th largest economy in the world, providing excellent opportunities for professionals holding degrees. Texas is also home to nearly 50 Fortune 500 organizations.
Students seeking steady careers should examine the leading industries in Texas, which include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation and defense, biotechnology and life sciences, energy, and information technology. Each industry offers opportunities for varying levels of education, and students can advance as they earn advanced degrees.
Quality of life is another factor. On a 100 point scale, Texas offers a 93.9 cost of living index. Students may want to examine the average earning potential in their desired roles to determine what sort of lifestyle they could afford after earning their degrees.
| Career | Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $314,060 | 3.8% |
| Surgeons | $331,980 | 16.4% |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $294,250 | 21.7% |
| Dentists | $162,900 | 13.6% |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $211,940 | 19.5% |
| Career | Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | $101,850 | 34.6% |
| Neurologists | $235,780 | 42.2% |
| Ophthalmologists | $338,400 | 30.8% |
| Physician Assistants | $132,980 | 5% |
| Radiologists | $297,320 | 23.1% |
Associate and Graduate Degrees in Texas
Students considering an online degree in Texas have access to multiple programs that prepare graduates to excel in competitive markets. Distance learners with no prior college experience may want to begin by earning an associate degree, which are typically offered by community colleges or technical schools.
Both online associate degrees and master’s degrees may differ from traditional, on-campus programs.
An associate degree typically requires 60 credits and two years of study, though schools may also offer accelerated options. Online associate degrees may qualify graduates for degree-completion programs, which lead to a bachelor’s degree. Common majors reflect thriving industries in the state, including mechanical drafting or mechanical engineering technology.
Online colleges in Texas also offer opportunities for working professionals who wish to advance their careers or transition to another field. Graduate programs require 30-60 credits and students can typically earn their degrees in 12-24 months, depending on the program.
Both online associate degrees and master’s degrees may differ from traditional, on-campus programs. Online courses often utilize an asynchronous learning format, which relies on students managing their own schedules and doing independent work outside of group projects and forum discussions. Additionally, students may need to acquire their own field placements for practicum requirements, though schools often assist in this process.
