8 Self-Paced Online Colleges in Texas 2025

Getting a college degree can help you change careers or pursue advancement. But if you're a busy adult, you may not feel you have time to go back to school. So, you might be wondering about accredited self-paced online colleges. Are there any schools in your home state of Texas that allow students to take self-paced college courses online?

Keep reading as we explore schools with self-paced online courses and flexible degree programs. We'll also provide some general information about these types of courses and answer some commonly asked questions.

Accredited Self-Paced Online Degree Programs in Texas

Some of the best online colleges in Texas offer self-paced courses and programs. Let's take a closer look at these accredited self-paced online colleges.

1. East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University is a public school in Commerce, TX. It offers several online degree programs through a self-paced, competency-based format. Programs include:

• criminal justice
• health services administration
• human resource development

Programs focus on what students already know and allow them to progress as quickly as they want through the courses. Tuition is charged per eight-week term and costs $1,000 per term for in-state learners.

2. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University is another member of the Texas A&M University System. It offers a variety of flexible online options, including degree programs with self-paced courses. Some options include sport management, psychology, and accounting.

Tuition varies but costs approximately $406 per credit hour. Students can choose between seven- and 15-week course sessions and get started anytime, with eight convenient start dates each year.

3. South Texas College

South Texas College is a community college located in McAllen, TX. It offers numerous two-year and four-year degrees, and many of the programs offer self-paced competency-based options. Programs with these courses include:

• operations management
• computer and information technologies
• organizational leadership

Courses are available in seven-week sessions, but students can progress more quickly if desired. Tuition rates for in-state students are some of the lowest in Texas, ranging from $164 to $174 per credit hour.

4. Texas State University

Texas State University is a large public school located in San Marcos, TX. It offers various self-paced courses online. Some of the options include:

• college writing
• brain and behavior
• college algebra

Students need not be enrolled at Texas State to take these self-paced courses. The courses are available for anywhere from six to nine months, allowing students to complete them anytime during that timeframe. Tuition is paid per course and ranges from $1,218.24 to $1,624.32.

5. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is another large state college. Students at this school can pursue various self-paced courses online, with options including world literature, foundations of accounting, and introduction to logic.

Most courses cost $895. Students can begin taking their courses anytime and submit assignments at a pace that works for them. Students can take up to five months to complete each course.

6. Baylor University

Baylor University is a private university in Waco. It offers several semester-based self-paced courses students can complete anytime during the term, such as communication theory, abnormal psychology, and comparative politics.

These courses are available for eligible degree- and non-degree-seeking students and provide college credit. Tuition costs $2,421 per credit hour.

7. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public school located in Lubbock, TX. It offers various self-paced courses students can take online. Options include:

• introduction to fiction
• cell biology
• history of Texas

The courses are open-enrollment so students can begin them anytime and finish as quickly as they want. Those with time constraints can take up to six months to finish each course. Most courses cost $1,014.

8. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a public school offering online degrees and courses. A range of self-paced courses are available in subject areas like:

• principles of management
• introduction to sociology
• differential equations

Students can enroll anytime and complete these courses in as little as a month or take up to six months depending on individual needs and schedules. Tuition varies and is charged per credit hour.

Online Colleges in Other States Offering Self-Paced Programs

When you study online, you can learn from anywhere. With that in mind, let's look at some accredited self-paced online colleges in other states that offer programs to students throughout the country.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online school based in Utah. All of its degree programs are competency-based and self-paced. Programs include:

• public health
• data analytics
• educational studies

Tuition rates vary, but the average yearly cost for bachelor's degrees is $8,300. Students are charged per six-month term instead of per credit hour, meaning they have the option to take heavy courseloads, thereby graduating sooner and saving money.

2. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is a private school in Fayette, IA. It offers many different types of degree programs, including some that are self-paced. Degrees include:

• business administration
• psychology
• social science

These programs start monthly so students can begin their self-paced degree whenever it's convenient for them. Self-paced programs are more affordable than other types of programs at the school, costing just $350 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

We endeavor to choose only top schools when creating our rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the accredited self-paced online colleges above:

• Accreditation: Each school maintains accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Reputation: All of the schools are known for having high academic standards and providing quality online and on-campus programs.
• Self-paced offerings: Every school offers an assortment of courses and/or full degree programs students can complete online at their own pace.

How Self-Paced Online Degree Programs Make College More Affordable

Self-paced online degree programs provide a lot of flexibility and are highly convenient. However, many students don't realize that they can also make college more affordable.

Many self-paced programs charge students a certain rate for a set amount of time. During that time, students can earn as many credits as they want for the same flat rate.

Highly motivated students who progress through their courses quickly can save a lot of money in these programs because they are not paying for individual credit � they are paying for time. As such, they can complete their degrees much faster and potentially save thousands of dollars in tuition.

How To Choose Online Programs With Self-Paced Options

When choosing the right self-paced online degree program for you, it's important to think about your intended major and whether the schools you're considering offer it as a self-paced option. Explore the available self-paced courses at any school you're considering or contact an admissions advisor for more information.

You'll also want to consider the cost. Choosing self-paced online colleges that accept FAFSA can help students save money, but not all self-paced courses are eligible for financial aid. Again, check your school's website or talk with an advisor to learn more about tuition and financial aid for any self-paced programs you're exploring.

Self-Paced Courses vs. Other Online Courses

Both self-paced and traditional online courses offer a lot of flexibility, but there are some differences between them. Self-paced programs tend to provide students with even greater freedom to study wherever and whenever they want.

Traditional online courses keep students on track by providing regular deadlines and, in some cases, they may include live virtual sessions, in which, they are required to participate. Most self-paced courses don't demand this level of involvement or interaction so it's entirely the student's responsibility to complete the course within the allotted timeframe.

FAQs About Enrollment for Self-Paced Online Learning

If you still have questions about self-paced distance education opportunities, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Do Online Colleges With Flexible Schedules Cost in Texas?

The cheapest self-paced online colleges typically provide the most affordable online degrees. However, tuition rates vary from school to school and may be charged per credit hour or subscription period. Refer to specific schools above for tuition rates or check with an admissions advisor at the school you plan to attend for more information.

How Can I Register for Online Classes in a Self-Paced Program?

Depending on school policy, you may or may not need to be enrolled at a college to pursue self-paced online courses. Typically, you register for these courses online, often by completing a form and providing payment information. The exact process can vary, though. Check with your specific school for more information on registering for courses.

Which Self-Paced Online Colleges in Texas Offer Flexible Scheduling?

Each of the eight Texas schools featured above provide self-paced options for students. Some of them offer full degree programs, while others offer individual courses in self-paced formats, which can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to explore the best or cheapest self-paced online colleges, check out the colleges here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about the available programs and to find the best one for you.