Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
The Lone Star State is known for its cuisine, cattle ranching culture, and world-class colleges. From top-ranked public universities to elite private colleges, Texas is one of the best places to earn your degree. And you don’t have to live in the Lone Star State to attend a Texas college.
Accredited online colleges prioritize flexibility, academic quality, and value. Our ranking of the best online colleges in Texas can help you find the right fit to earn your degree.
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Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.
Did You Know…
- Student enrollment at Texas colleges was 525,500 in 2022, down from 532,500 in 2020.
- Texans earn an average salary of $52,813 — about the same as the national average.
- Four-year graduation rates at Texas public colleges rose 18.7 percentage points from 2000-2018.
Why Does Accreditation Matter for Online Colleges in Texas?
Institutional accreditation guarantees a quality education. That means accredited online colleges in Texas have undergone extensive evaluation by recognized accrediting agencies.
The accreditation process happens on an ongoing basis. Colleges must continue to meet evaluation criteria in order to renew their accreditation status.
Attending an accredited online college in Texas ensures you can transfer credits to other accredited institutions and earn a recognized degree. Attending an unaccredited college could limit your career prospects and ability to get federal financial aid.
Here are a few accrediting agencies to look for when researching online colleges in Texas:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Fast-Growing Jobs in Texas
Roughly 14.5 million people make up the civilian labor force in Texas, a state with a population of more than 29 million. Hospitality, healthcare, tech, and green energy are some of the fastest-growing industries in Texas.
Many in-demand jobs in Texas offer salaries above the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas has an unemployment rate of 4% as of October 2023, which is similar to the national unemployment rate of 3.7%.
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Avg. Annual Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 102% | $54,790 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 66% | $124,660 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 65% | $30,300 |
| Statisticians | 52% | $88,630 |
| Data Scientists | 50% | $102,230 |
| Information Security Analysts | 50% | $115,570 |
| Logisticians | 48% | $77,350 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 47% | $74,750 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 45% | $73,770 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 43% | $118,700 |
Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
You likely already know it: If you want to get paid well in Texas, you usually need a college education. The degree you’ll need, though, will depend on the industry.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, like doctor or surgeon, require a doctoral degree. But other top-paying careers, like petroleum engineer and air traffic controller, only require an undergraduate degree.
| Job | Avg. Annual Salary (May 2022) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologists | $413,510 | Doctorate |
| Chief Executives | $314,060 | Bachelor’s |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $212,940 | Bachelor’s |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $211,940 | Doctorate |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $208,940 | Master’s |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $168,180 | Bachelor’s |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $156,150 | Bachelor’s |
| Petroleum Engineers | $150,860 | Bachelor’s |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $145,280 | Associate |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $142,740 | Master’s |
How Much Does Online School in Texas Cost?
Online colleges in Texas cost anywhere from roughly $3,000-$39,000 a year in tuition and fees.
In general, public in-state two-year colleges will be your cheapest option, and private four-year colleges will be your most expensive option.
How much you spend on your online degree from Texas will ultimately depend on the length of the program, whether the school is public or private, and how much financial aid you get.
Some online schools in Texas offer discounted or in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency. Even the best online colleges in Texas can cost less than schools in high-tuition states like Vermont and New Hampshire.
Many online colleges in Texas offer scholarships and grants, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.
Popular Online Degrees in Texas
How Do I Choose the Best Texas College for Me?
With so many online colleges in Texas, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Before researching specific schools, consider your budget and your field of study. Then, you can look for colleges that match your interests and needs.
Make sure to choose an accredited online college. Accredited schools meet high standards for academic excellence. At an accredited institution, you’ll also qualify for more forms of financial aid. As an online learner, it’s also a good idea to research support services that help you reach your educational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Texas
How many colleges does Texas have?
Texas is home to 148 colleges and universities, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. That includes 37 public universities, 50 community college districts, and 38 private universities. Many of these Texas colleges offer online degrees.
Which is the hardest college to get into in Texas?
The hardest college to get into in Texas is Rice University. A private institution, Rice receives more than 30,000 applications every year and admits 9% of applicants, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The most selective public university is the University of Texas at Austin, which admits 31% of applicants.
What colleges are in Houston, Texas?
Houston is home to Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University.
As the largest city in Texas, Houston is also home to nearly 430,000 college students. Many universities in Houston also offer online programs and tuition discounts to Texas residents.
What Texas colleges offer online programs?
Many top-ranked colleges and universities in Texas, including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University, offer fully online programs and classes.
You can choose from among 148 postsecondary institutions to attend in Texas. This number includes state colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools.
What is the cheapest college in Texas?
According to NCES data, the cheapest four-year colleges in Texas include Texas A&M International University (2021-2022 net price: $5,383), Texas A&M University-Central Texas (net price: $5,465), and Jarvis Christian University (net price: $7,365).
Attending an online college in Texas as an out-of-state student can greatly increase how much you pay in tuition and fees.
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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed December 20, 2023.