Best Online Colleges in Houston

Many students want to pursue higher education, but it can be hard to balance college with a busy life. This is where online programs can be a huge help, as their flexible scheduling allows you to complete coursework on your own time.

If you live in the Houston area, there are several local colleges that offer online programs. Keep reading to learn more about colleges near Houston.

Best Online Colleges in Houston

There are several colleges and universities in the Houston area, but only a few offer a wide variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs. We've featured these schools below.

1. Lamar University

Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, a Texas city just east of Houston near the Louisiana border. It offers several online bachelor's degrees in areas of study like:

• criminal justice
• engineering
• human resource management
• sociology

The university also offers online master's degrees, particularly in business administration and education. Online certificate programs are also available.

2. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public research university in Huntsville, TX, straight north of Houston on Interstate 45. It offers online degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• curriculum and instruction
• healthcare administration

Online students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through SHSU. The university also offers online certificates and professional development courses.

3. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a public research university system based in Houston. It offers over a dozen online bachelor's degrees in areas of study like:

• business management
• psychology
• retailing and consumer sciences
• supply chain management

Some bachelor's programs are degree completion programs, meaning you need to have an associate degree or a certain number of transfer credits. Students can also earn graduate degrees in business, education, engineering, and social work through online education programs.

Other Online Degree Programs

While there are only a handful of robust online programs in the Houston area, there are plenty more not too far away. We've listed some additional online programs below.

1. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a private, nonprofit, Christian university in Abilene, TX. It offers online bachelor's programs in fields such as:

• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• information technology
• ministry

Additionally, several master's degree programs are available online through ACU as well as doctoral degrees in education and nursing practice.

2. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University is a private, nonprofit, Christian university in Dallas. It offers online programs in areas of study like:

• business administration
• communication
• ministry
• special education

The university offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. A small number of undergraduate certificates are also available to online learners.

3. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is a public university system based in Baton Rouge, LA. It offers over 150 online programs in fields such as:

• criminal justice
• emergency management
• health sciences
• social science

LSU also offers online associate degrees, master's degrees, and a Doctor of Education, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and technical studies certificates.

4. Nelson University

Nelson University, previously known as the Southwestern Assemblies of God University, is a private, nonprofit, Christian university in Waxahachie, TX. It offers numerous online undergraduate degrees in areas of study like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• education
• human services

Additionally, several master's degrees as well as a Doctor of Ministry are available online. Some programs may offer both online classes and in-person coursework.

5. Texas A&M University�Central Texas

Texas A&M University�Central Texas is a public university in Killeen, TX. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

• aviation science
• human resources management
• information technology
• management

The university also offers nearly 10 master's degrees online, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Education (MEd).

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public university system with its flagship campus in Lubbock, TX. It offers a variety of online programs in areas of study like:

• business administration
• human sciences
• renewable energy
• social sciences

Online students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online at TTU, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates, career certificates, and microcredentials.

7. Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University is a public university in Denton, TX, that, despite its name, is co-ed. It offers bachelor's degrees online in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• education
• health sciences

A variety of online master's degrees and PhDs are also available through TWU, as are individual online courses. Some degrees are hybrid, meaning you do some coursework online and some face-to-face.

FAQs About Online Degree Programs in Houston

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online degree programs in Houston.

Is There Financial Aid for Online College?

Students can often receive the same types of financial aid for online college as they would if they were studying in person. Your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid may be in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, or student loans. Some schools offer scholarship programs specifically for online students.

Are Online Degrees Respected?

Online learning has become much more common over the years, and as a result, these degrees are usually just as respected as in-person degrees. Just make sure that your college is regionally accredited, as these schools are held to a higher standard than nationally accredited schools.

How Hard Is It To Earn a College Degree Online?

How hard it is to earn a college degree online depends on your preferred learning style and the major you're pursuing. Often, online programs are easier because they offer flexible scheduling, meaning you can enroll full-time or part-time and do your work around your schedule.

However, some students find it harder to keep themselves disciplined without face-to-face interaction. If you want to earn an online degree but are concerned about staying on top of coursework, reach out to your college's student success center or support services.

Find an Online Program Today

If you're ready to earn an online degree, check out the accredited online colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about the online programs they offer, the application and enrollment processes, and financial aid opportunities.