Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Texas 2025

If you're looking to earn a degree without the heavy price tag, Texas offers some of the cheapest online bachelor's degrees to combine affordability, flexibility, and quality education. Whether you're a first-time student or returning to school, affordable online bachelor's degree programs make higher education more accessible than ever. Keep reading to learn about tuition costs, financial aid, and the best options for budget-friendly learning.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Texas?

The cost of earning an online bachelor's degree in Texas varies by institution type, program, and residency status. Public universities typically offer lower in-state tuition, ranging from $50 to $400 per credit hour, while private institutions can be more expensive. Many cheap online colleges that accept financial aid offer flexible payment options, grants, scholarships, and tuition caps to help reduce overall costs.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Texas

Texas is home to some of the most affordable online bachelor's degree options in the nation. From general studies to healthcare, criminal justice, and business, the cheapest online bachelor's degree programs provide a path to a quality education without the burden of excessive debt.

1. University of Houston�Downtown

The University of Houston�Downtown (UHD) offers upper-level online coursework for 17 undergraduate and five graduate programs. Students can pursue Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in fields such as criminal justice, humanities, finance, marketing, psychology, and accounting. Each program comes with flexible scheduling, interactive learning, transferable credits, and comprehensive student support services.

Average in-state tuition: $245.75 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $665.75 per credit hour

Financial aid: UHD is one of the most affordable online colleges with monthly payment plans and also accepts scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study to cover the cost of their quality education.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) offers over 40 flexible and affordable online degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Whether starting college or returning later in life, students can pursue undergraduate degrees in fields like electrical engineering, computer information systems, health sciences, general studies, and more � all supported by accessible online learning.

Average in-state tuition: $50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $80 to $455 per credit hour

Financial aid: In addition to guaranteed tuition programs for Texas residents, students can use scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study to pay for their online learning at WTAMU.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Houston�Victoria (UHV)

The University of Houston�Victoria offers flexible online learning formats, including traditional, hybrid, real-time, and FastTrak eight-week courses. Upper-division undergraduate coursework is available fully online, while lower-division classes can be completed on campus or through partner colleges. Degree options include accounting, construction management, entrepreneurship, healthcare administration, international business, and others.

Average in-state tuition: $212.94 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $622.94 per credit hour

Financial aid: The University of Houston�Victoria is one of many online colleges with scholarships, as well as grants, loans, and work-study options.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Angelo State University

Angelo State University (ASU) is a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and a nationally recognized College of Distinction. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like border and homeland security, history, intelligence and analysis, and sociology. ASU is also military-friendly and supports students through its generous Distinguished Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $87 million since 1981.

Average in-state tuition: $319.46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $729.46 per credit hour

Financial aid: Grants, loans, work study, and scholarship opportunities can help students at ASU pay for their online programs.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers fully online degrees in fields like business administration, educational studies, fashion merchandising, political science, and psychology. With accredited courses taught by experienced faculty, flexible scheduling, and 24/7 student support, SHSU Online empowers students to reach academic and professional goals with confidence and convenience.

Average in-state tuition: $636.60 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,041.60 per credit hour

Financial aid: SHSU students can use grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs to pay for their online education.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas A&M University�Central Texas

Texas A&M University�Central Texas (TAMUCT) offers affordable, high-quality online degrees in fields like aviation science, computer science, human resources, nursing, and more. Through the Warrior Guarantee and Variable Rate Tuition Plan, tuition rates are capped and predictable � making it easier for students to pursue higher education tailored to their career goals.

Average in-state tuition: $260.08 to $274.69 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $668.08 to $682.69 per credit hour

Financial aid: Grants, loans, and tuition-exemption programs, and more than 30 institutional scholarships are available to those at TAMUCT.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. East Texas A&M University

Formerly Texas A&M University�Commerce, East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) offers 140+ academic programs to over 13,000 in-person students. With online options in fields like agricultural sciences, business, education, humanities, and engineering, the university provides accessible, high-quality education aligned with today's workforce and community needs.

If you're looking for online colleges that accept transfer credits, ETAMU helps students apply prior coursework using tools like Transferology.

Average in-state tuition: $351 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $759 per credit hour

Financial aid: Online learners can use grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment to help cover the cost of tuition at East Texas A&M University.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with certificate programs and certifications. Online undergraduate concentrations include information science, integrative studies, interdisciplinary studies in consumer insights, learning technologies, nonprofit leadership studies, and rehabilitation studies. With accelerated options and flat-rate tuition for out-of-state students, UNT is among the best online colleges for affordability and flexibility.

Average in-state tuition: $403.07 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $403.07 per credit hour

Financial aid: To receive scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans, students at UNT must be eligible non-citizens or U.S. citizens, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline, meet academic progress standards, and maintain at least part-time enrollment.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University's Online+ program offers flexible, accelerated eight-week courses designed for working adults, transfer students, and career-focused learners. With no application fee, fast admissions, and credit for work-life experience, students can study online in fields like counseling, addiction recovery, criminology, leadership studies, kinesiology, legal studies, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $768.66 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,178.66 per credit hour

Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans, and assistantships as financial support.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University (MSU Texas), a public university, offers online courses in concentrations like applied arts and sciences, radiologic sciences, nursing, substance abuse counseling, and more. With over 75 degree programs and small class sizes averaging 30 students, MSU Texas provides a personalized, high-quality education for a diverse community.

Average in-state tuition: $440.83 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $947.08 per credit hour

Financial aid: Students at MSU Texas have access to scholarships, grants, loans, and the Mustangs Guarantee that covers tuition for eligible students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To help students find high-quality, affordable, and flexible online degree programs, we assess schools using four essential criteria:

• Accreditation: Institutions must hold accreditation from a recognized agency to ensure academic credibility and credit transferability.
• Affordability: We highlight schools with competitive tuition and strong financial aid to reduce student debt.
• Program reputation and quality: We consider academic rigor, faculty qualifications, and student success outcomes.
• Online format: We favor programs offering flexible, accessible formats to support various student needs.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Texas

Many Texas universities offer affordable, flexible online bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields. Tuition varies, but several schools offer competitive rates, generous financial aid, and even flat-rate tuition for out-of-state students.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Texas?

West Texas A&M University offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, with in-state students paying just $50 per credit hour. Students can choose from over 40 online programs designed for flexibility and affordability, including fields like computer information systems, health sciences, and general studies.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

The most cost-effective path to a bachelor's degree often includes starting at a community college, transferring to a public university, and selecting online colleges that accept the Pell Grant and offer low tuition. Look for schools with tuition caps, like Texas A&M University�Central Texas, or tuition coverage programs like MSU Texas' Mustangs Guarantee.

Is Online College Worth It?

Yes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. Plus, online programs offer flexibility and access, making it easier for working adults to gain a quality education while balancing other responsibilities.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Beyond tuition, students may encounter fees for technology, course materials, labs, or proctoring services. However, many Texas universities like the University of North Texas and Sam Houston State University keep additional costs minimal to maintain affordability for online learners.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

From healthcare and business to education and criminal justice, many Texas universities offer flexible, accredited online bachelor's degrees to fit your goals and your budget. Start comparing programs and find the right fit for you.