Best Online Colleges in Texas
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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
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution offers 15 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many distance learners choose to study at this school because of its track record in online education and reputation for academic quality.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Odessa campus. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. The school also facilitates internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
University of Texas of the Permian Basin at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,722
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 29%
Admission Rate: 88%
- 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
For many online degree-seekers, Texas Tech University is an attractive choice. Learners who wish to study remotely at this public school can choose between 22 online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Lubbock campus are available to help online learners. Career-planning events like virtual job fairs are available to degree-seekers who connect with advisors. Many students also gain hands-on field experience through the school's internship programs. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Texas Tech University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 20,198
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 14
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 10%
Admission Rate: 69%
- 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
A quality online college education is available at Tarleton State University. Learners who wish to study remotely at this public school can choose from 18 online programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Stephenville, Texas, campus. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Tarleton State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,073
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%
Admission Rate: 56%
- 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
The University of North Texas delivers online programming that ranks highly among similar offerings. The public institution makes 20 of its degrees available online, with programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Denton campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. The degree that graduates are awarded reflects the school's full accreditation.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
University of North Texas at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 19,118
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 11
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%
Admission Rate: 74%
- 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
LeTourneau University offers a high-quality online college experience. Those who choose to enroll at this private institution can choose from 35 different programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's experience with online education and its strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
The school's main campus in Longview, Texas, hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. These advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience in internships. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.
Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.
LeTourneau University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,884
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Online Master's Programs: 13
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 34%
Admission Rate: 45%
- 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
Sam Houston State University is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. The 43 online programs offered by this public institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. The school's proven track record in online education and its reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
Online learners not located near the Huntsville, Texas, campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning through its internship programs. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Sam Houston State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 11,475
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 27
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 33%
Admission Rate: 83%
- 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
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a high-quality online college experience. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 21 online degree programs. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its campus, which online learners can also access. Degree-seekers have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
University of Texas at El Paso at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 10,039
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 14
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 12%
Admission Rate: 100%
- 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
Texas A&M University-Commerce ranks among the best online colleges. The school, a public institution, hosts 39 distance programs for remote learners at the graduate and undergraduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and its track record in online course offerings.
Online learners can receive assistance from career and academic service associates located at the school's physical campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. Many programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Upon completion of their program, the college gives graduates an accredited degree.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Texas A&M University-Commerce at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,879
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 26
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 39%
Admission Rate: 43%
- 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
West Texas A&M University provides one of the best online college experiences available. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 15 online degree programs. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The physical campus in Canyon employs academic and career service professionals that are also available to assist online learners. Career services such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. Many programs require an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree after completing their program.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
West Texas A&M University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,886
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 5
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 16%
Admission Rate: 69%
- 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
A quality online college education is available at Stephen F. Austin State University. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 33 online degree programs. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
All learners, including those studying online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Nacogdoches, Texas, campus. Online offerings from academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience during internships. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Stephen F. Austin State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,220
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 29%
Admission Rate: 68%
- 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
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.
Employment 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.
