10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas (2025)

Online degree programs serve as flexible learning options as you prepare to enter your field of choice. Find out which schools offer affordable online degrees in Texas.

If you're a prospective college student living in Texas, you know that getting your degree can be expensive. So, you're wondering if there's any way to get your degree affordably at an online college in Texas. Are there any cheap colleges in Texas?

In this article, we'll explore some of the most affordable online colleges in Texas. Keep reading as we consider some cheap online colleges, schools that offer generous financial aid opportunities, and more.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas

Texas offers several inexpensive online universities and colleges for online students. Let's explore each of these cheap colleges in Texas in more detail.

1. Alamo Colleges District

The Alamo Colleges District is a community college network with five campuses located in Universal City and San Antonio. Students can earn various online degrees, including the following bachelor's degrees:

operations management
RN to BSN
cloud computing
cybersecurity

Tuition prices for Texas residents range from $109 to $180 per credit hour depending on whether you live in-district or out-of-district. Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs are available to cut costs, and students qualifying for the AlamoPROMISE and Summer Momentum Plan can attend school tuition-free.

2. South Texas College

South Texas College is a higher education institute in the Rio Grande Valley area. As a community college, it provides various online education opportunities, including bachelor's degrees in the following areas:

computer and information technologies
operations management
organizational leadership
nursing
medical and health services management

Students attending this school pay $164 per credit hour if they live in-district and $174 per credit if they live out-of-district. Various financial aid options are available, including FAFSA funds, scholarships, military benefits, and payment plans.

3. Brazosport College

Brazosport College is a public community college in Lake Jackson. Various associate and bachelor's programs are available online, including:

industrial management
health services management
organizational leadership and innovation

It's one of the best schools in the state for affordability, ranging from $90.50 to $192.50 per credit hour depending on course level and district residency status. Each year, students receive millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships, and most graduate debt-free.

4. Texas A&M University Central Texas

Texas A&M University Central Texas is a public school in Killeen. Various online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available, including:

criminal justice
information technology
professional pilot
finance
liberal studies

Base tuition rates are $260.08 per credit hour or $3,505.95 for students taking 12 to 24 credit hours. Students can obtain grants, scholarships, student loans, and tuition exemptions to help them earn their degrees affordably.

5. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public school in Huntsville. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs students can complete online. Some options include:

business administration
healthcare administration
homeland security
communication studies
psychology

Tuition and fee rates vary from program to program; however, Pell Grant-eligible Texas residents attending school full-time may qualify for the Bearkat Promise, which covers all tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 credit hours per semester. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid are also available.

6. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a public school with a large online enrollment. Many distance education programs are available, including majors in business, supply chain management, psychology, and more.

Tuition rates vary at this school. The Cougar Promise program covers all tuition and fees for students whose family income is under $65,000 a year and provides tuition support for those in families earning up to $125,000 a year. Students not qualifying for these programs can apply for other scholarships and financial aid options like grants and work-study programs.

7. University of Texas El Paso

The University of Texas El Paso is a public school known for providing online learning experiences with flexible coursework. Degree programs available include:

education
general business
security studies
media advertising
Chicano studies

Tuition for undergraduate programs ranges from $183.19 to $287.07. Students can earn financial aid through the FAFSA. They may also qualify for scholarships, military benefits, third-party tuition assistance, and payment plans.

8. Angelo State University

Angelo State University is located in San Angelo and is part of the Texas Tech University System. Students can earn online degrees in numerous fields.

Estimated tuition costs $9,584 per year, which works out to about $319 per credit hour. The Blue and Gold Guarantee ensures qualifying students attend tuition- and fee-free. Other students can also apply for financial aid and scholarships to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.

9. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is headquartered in Denton. It offers online bachelor's and master's programs in various specializations, including:

information science
learning technologies
rehabilitation studies
consumer experience management
integrative studies

Undergraduate students pay $230.11 per credit hour when enrolled in the Traditional Tuition Plan. Students may have their tuition covered through UNT Promise Programs and Partnerships. Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and payment plans are also available.

10. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a large public school in Lubbock. Online bachelor's and master's degrees include:

human sciences
renewable energy
political science
architecture
counseling and addiction recovery sciences

Online tuition ranges from $415 to $500 per credit hour, depending on the program. Various forms of financial aid are available, including the Red Raider Guarantee, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying students with a family income of under $65,000 a year.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only the top programs for our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the schools above:

Accreditation: All online schools are accredited by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition Rates: The programs offer some of the lowest tuition rates for Texas residents in the state.
Financial Aid: The schools offer generous financial aid packages, some of which cover all remaining tuition and fees for eligible students.

How Much Does Online College in Texas Cost?

Tuition costs vary among the schools on this list, generally ranging from $90.50 to $500 per credit hour. Some schools offer slightly higher rates for guaranteed tuition plans, which provide static tuition rates for the duration of students' programs.

What's more, if you qualify for individual schools' promise or guarantee programs, you may be able to receive free tuition. Schools offering these programs include Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, and the University of Houston.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Finding low-cost, high-quality online degrees in Texas is a great first step in making your online degree more affordable.

You can also apply for scholarships, which can significantly reduce your tuition or possibly even cover all school costs.

Federal grants from the FAFSA form, like the FSEOG and Pell, can help reduce costs ?student loans also help, but must be repaid during enrollment or after graduating.

Many colleges and universities offer discounts for active military and veterans as well as discounts for students employed by the school.

Students who work for outside employers might benefit from tuition reimbursement programs through which students are reimbursed for some or all of their tuition costs.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Cheap Online Degrees in Texas

If you still have questions about getting an affordable, high-quality education as an online learner, you're not alone. Read on for answers to common questions you may be asking.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Texas?

In terms of tuition rates, Brazosport College, South Texas College, and the Alamo Colleges District offer some of the cheapest online degrees. Students pursuing an associate degree at Brazosport can earn their degree for just $90.50 per credit hour.

Those studying at South Texas College pay rates ranging from $164 to $174 per credit hour, and those at Alamo Colleges District schools pay rates of $109 to $180.

Is an Online Degree Program Worth It?

Yes, online degrees can be well worth the time and effort. Online programs give students the flexibility to study on their own time and from the comfort of their own home.

They are typically more affordable than on-campus degrees, as they don't require paying for room and board or transportation and may be subject to fewer fees. Students completing online degrees receive the same high-quality education as in-person students, so they qualify for the same types of careers after graduation.

Is Online College Free in Texas?

There aren't any state programs that provide ''free college'' in Texas, but some financial aid programs can cover the costs. Specific public universities provide full tuition and fee coverage for qualifying students, potentially enabling them to attend college for free.

How Many Online Colleges Are There in Texas?

Dozens of colleges, community colleges, and universities in Texas provide online courses and degree programs. There are 233 total schools in Texas offering online programs, according to data from Univstats.com.

What Courses Are Typically in an Online Degree Program?

Different degree programs offer different online classes. Generally speaking, online bachelor's degrees contain a mix of general education, elective, and core courses.

Master's degree programs typically offer advanced, degree-specific courses. Class topics will vary depending on the area of study.

Explore Accredited Online Programs

If you're a prospective student looking for affordable colleges in Texas, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to learn more about their online learning opportunities and to discover which one is right for you.