10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2025

Online colleges in Texas are great for students seeking alternatives to traditional in-person classes. According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, about one in five Texas students participated exclusively in online learning in 2023.

But where can you find the best online school Texas has to offer? The state is home to many reputable online colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects that range from business administration to healthcare. These top online colleges deliver perks like free tutoring, career services, and financial assistance.

Below, we'll highlight the best schools offering accredited degrees online. We'll also share the pros and cons of online education, discuss distance learning costs, and answer frequently asked questions about online schools in Texas.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Texas

Texas online schools help learners earn accredited degrees from home. Explore the list below to discover some of the best online institutions in the state.

1. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a top-ranked university offering dozens of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and certificate programs in computer science, agricultural development, mathematics, accounting, and beyond. The university offers an Academic Success Center, Career Center, writing services, and more to ensure distance learners excel.

Financial aid helps 77% of students reduce the cost of earning a degree at Texas A&M. Learners enrolled in distance learning programs can use scholarships, grants, and other aid to make their degrees more affordable.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,099

Out-of-State: $40,328

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,885

Out-of-State: $19,882

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Retention Rate: 94%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

2. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University in Lubbock has been ranked a top school for online learning. Students can choose from over 80 online bachelor's and master's degrees in areas of study like anthropology, criminology, computer science, and engineering.

Online learners can access numerous student resources, including free virtual tutoring, a writing center, library resources, and a career center. Many students (86%) receive financial aid to help cover school costs. Merit and competitive-based scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, transfers, and graduate students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,852

Out-of-State: $24,451

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,956

Out-of-State: $15,356

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 85%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

3. University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online school. The university offers 100% online courses with due dates each week; however, students can complete coursework on their own schedules. Bachelor's and master's degrees include communication, cybersecurity, and multidisciplinary studies.

Students can benefit from the support of online academic advisors, library services, tutoring, and more. Most enrollees (86%) receive financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and TEXAS Grant.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,991

Out-of-State: $21,965

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,403

Out-of-State: $26,294

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

4. Texas State University

At Texas State University, students can find 100% online accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs featuring eight-week classes and multiple start dates. Areas of study include psychology, nursing, and education. The university also offers self-paced courses students can take at any time to earn college credits.

Coursework is taught by the same award-winning faculty teaching in-person programs. More than four out of five students (82%) receive financial aid to lower costs. An online writing lab, counseling center, and academic advising support remote learners.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,450

Out-of-State: $23,210

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,147

Out-of-State: $15,547

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

5. Sam Houston State University

At Sam Houston State University, learners can choose from top-ranked online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Areas of study include fashion merchandising, political science, project management, digital forensics, and higher education leadership.

Perks of online learning at Sam Houston State University include smaller class sizes, around-the-clock support, and extensive student resources. Around 84% of students receive financial aid to lower tuition costs. Scholarships, the Federal Pell Grant, and the TEXAS Grant are options to consider.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,228

Out-of-State: $19,020

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,765

Out-of-State: $13,109

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

6. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas has been ranked one of America's top colleges for academic programs. Students can choose from over 90 online degrees, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in advanced data analytics, music business, teaching, biomedical engineering, and beyond. Some degrees offer accelerated paths.

UNT awards more than $456 million in annual financial aid, which 91% of enrollees receive. More than $70 million is distributed as scholarships. Online success coaching, peer mentoring, and career services help students excel.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,164

Out-of-State: $21,244

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,160

Out-of-State: $14,720

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

7. University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers online programs with asynchronous courses that students can navigate at their own pace. Undergraduate programs are available in nursing, human resources development, and applied arts and sciences. Students can also pursue online graduate degrees in English, kinesiology, and public administration.

The university offers grants, scholarships, and other financial aid to help 91% of its learners cover school expenses. Its degree programs and student support help it rank among the best colleges in the nation.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,920

Out-of-State: $25,198

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,534

Out-of-State: $15,498

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

8. West Texas A&M University

If you want to earn the best online bachelor's degree Texas offers, you'll find plenty of choices at West Texas A&M University. U.S. News and World Report nationally ranks all undergraduate degrees at this institution. Prospective students can study finance, marketing, and electrical engineering at the bachelor's level and agriculture, educational leadership, and English at the graduate level.

Nearly all students (96%) receive financial aid to make learning more affordable. Enrollees can enhance their online studies with tutoring and writing center services.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,101

Out-of-State: $10,996

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,088

Out-of-State: $6,378

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

9. East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University (or Texas A & M University-Commerce) offers dozens of online programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Degrees are available in agribusiness, English, criminal justice, health services administration, and more. Some are competency-based, enabling students to study at their own pace in eight-week terms.

Almost all students (97%) receive financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition and fees. The school offers a Academic Success Center, online tutoring, and other resources to enhance enrollees' learning experiences.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,026

Out-of-State: $22,626

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $3,630

Out-of-State: $11,196

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 63%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

10. University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers dozens of 100% online degree programs for students interested in accounting, healthcare management, communication, English, energy business, and beyond. Online enrollment options are available for learners pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Remote students can benefit from academic advising, library services, tech support, and career services. Almost all students (96%) receive financial aid to cover school expenses. Grants, scholarships, waivers, and exemptions are a few ways to reduce the cost of attendance.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,904

Out-of-State: $23,212

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $4,948

Out-of-State: $12,292

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 61%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Other Featured Online Schools

These Texas schools are just a handful of the top institutions offering online programs. Here are additional universities to consider.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers dozens of accredited online undergraduate and graduate programs in business, technology, healthcare, and other areas of study. Tuition is very affordable. Undergraduate students pay $330 per credit, and graduate learners pay $637 per credit. Enrollees can transfer up to 90 credit hours to accelerate degree completion.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers hundreds of accredited online programs for students seeking bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Areas of study include applied statistics, military history, and physics. Prospective students can choose from eight start dates each year. Full-time per-credit tuition costs $390 for undergraduates, $565 for graduates, and $595 for doctoral students.

Louisiana State University

At Louisiana State University, students can choose from over 150 online degrees. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in agribusiness, civil engineering, health sciences, and beyond. LSU offers six start dates per year, providing flexible enrollment options. The university charges all online learners in-state tuition and offers financial aid to reduce costs.

How We Rank Schools

Our team selected the institutions in the rank list above using a thorough vetting process backed by NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Each school has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education.

• Accredited: The Texas schools have been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Affordability: These institutions offer financial aid, scholarships, or lower tuition to increase degree affordability.
• Reputation: We verified that the institutions in this list are respected, considering factors such as acceptance rates and student outcomes according to the NCES.
• Online support: These colleges and universities offer academic advising, tutoring, or other resources to support online students.

Pros and Cons of Online Programs in Texas

There seem to be endless perks to attending online colleges in Texas; however, online learning isn't perfect. Here are some of the pros and cons of Texas online programs.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Students can learn from any location with internet access.
• Learners aren't limited to programs in their area.
• Flexible scheduling helps students attend classes on their own time.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• A lack of self-motivation can make distance education difficult.
• Online students sometimes struggle to create bonds with instructors and classmates.
• Some learners need in-person instruction to understand the coursework.

How To Choose an Online School in Texas

The first step in choosing an online school in Texas is identifying your academic and career goals. Once you've selected your major, consider the following:

• Accreditation: Ensure your program is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Reputation: Consider schools with higher graduation and retention rates.
• Student resources: Find out which schools offer resources like online tutoring to support online students.
• Cost and financial aid: Make sure the schools you select fall within your budget and assist with lowering costs.
• Admission requirements: Ensure you can meet school GPA, test score, and other admission requirements.
• Transfer options: Consider transfer-friendly institutions that allow students to bring in college credits from other schools.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost in Texas?

On average, Texas residents pay about $660 per credit to earn an online degree at a public university; however, students can use financial aid to lower tuition costs. According to NCES data, full-time, first-time undergraduate students in Texas received about $10,400 in scholarships and grants in the 2022-23 academic year.

Tips on How To Make Online College More Affordable in Texas

Online college in Texas doesn't have to break the bank. In addition to picking schools with lower tuition rates, you can make online school more affordable by applying to institutions that offer tuition payment plans, accept transfer credits, or have no application fee.

Schools with scholarships and financial aid (ex. Federal Pell Grants) also help students secure cheap online degrees in Texas. Review the list of links below to find ways to save on tuition.

• online colleges that accept financial aid
• online colleges with tuition payment plans
• online colleges that accept Pell Grants
• online college scholarships
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with no application fee

Texas Scholarships & Grants

Do you want to lower the cost of an online degree from a Texas school? Browse the following scholarships and grants.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarships

Students can apply for Texas FFA, Houston-area Rodeo Scholars, Texas 4-H, and other Rodeo scholarships. Hundreds of recipients receive this financial aid award every year.

Award Amount: $20,000

Deadline: January 31

Hermine Tobolowsky Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to women entering political science, women's history, government, public service, and law professions. Funds must be used at an accredited Texas college or university.

Award Amount: $3,000

Deadline: March 31

Toward Excellence, Access, & Success (TEXAS) Grant Program

The TEXAS Grant provides full tuition for residents demonstrating financial need. Students must be enrolled in at least nine credit hours in their first undergraduate program to qualify.

Award Amount: Full tuition

Deadline: Varies per program

Top Majors for Texas Graduates

Online learners in Texas can choose from dozens of majors, but some are more popular than others. Here are some top online majors for Texas graduates:

• Business administration and management: This major explores accounting, leadership, and marketing and prepares students for management positions in business. A bachelor's degree is typically sufficient for these roles.
• Registered nursing: Many registered nursing degree programs deliver bachelor's degrees (ex. RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and prepare current RNs for higher-paying careers.
• Multi-interdisciplinary studies: These degrees (typically bachelor's) combine two or more areas of study to prepare students for graduate school.
• Criminal justice: Criminal justice degrees explore the court system and criminal behavior. Students earn bachelor's degrees for careers as police officers, probation officers, and detectives.
• Psychology: This major studies how people think. Learners earning bachelor's degrees often pursue careers as social workers or enter graduate school to prepare for psychologist careers.

FAQs About Accredited Online Universities and Colleges in Texas

Are you ready to pursue one of the top online degrees Texas schools offer? Explore these frequently asked questions to learn more about online schools in the state.

Can You Do College Online in Texas?

Yes, online learning opportunities are available in the state of Texas. Two-year community colleges and four-year colleges and universities offer online undergraduate and graduate programs in various subject areas.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Texas?

While online bachelor's degree programs traditionally take four years to complete, you can pursue accelerated online degrees in Texas and graduate in two years or less. These institutions might offer a self-paced format, shorter terms, or generous transfer credit policies.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Online college is a good choice for students seeking graduate or undergraduate programs with flexible schedules and no on-campus requirements. However, online learning requires discipline and good time management skills. If you possess these characteristics, online college is right for you.

Is Attending Online College in Texas Worth It?

Yes, attending online college in Texas is worth it. You can earn the same degree as in-person students while enjoying flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from home.

What Are the Best Online Business Degrees in Texas?

The top online business degrees in Texas focus on business administration and management. Students can find these degrees at more than a dozen online institutions in the state.

Discover Online Degrees in Texas

If you're ready to begin an exciting journey in online higher education, explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Discover many accredited online degrees from top online colleges in Texas.