Best Online Colleges & Universities in Texas 2024
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Texas was the land of black gold, home to big-name oil corporations in their infancy. Before that, it was known as the wild, wild west. Today, the lone star state is a contemporary focal point for booming businesses, cutting-edge technology, and true American entrepreneurship. Its countless cultural opportunities and continuously expanding economy make it the ideal location for large companies like ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Airlines. Ultimately, it's no surprise that Texas is quickly becoming the "new Silicon Valley".
With this shift in the state's economic and technological focus, many Texas colleges have expanded their online presence. For individuals with especially busy schedules who want to pursue a degree or master's program, these college's online courses are an invaluable option. Aspiring students can find nearly every degree option among Texas's virtual catalogs.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) works with state colleges and policymakers to improve Texas institutions and minimize the costs involved in pursuing post-secondary education. Online colleges in Texas offer different incentives, such as free textbooks for undergraduates or special tuition rates for active military and veterans, to ensure students have every opportunity to succeed. The same faculty that teach on-campus often teach their subject's online course as well, which means the virtual courses are just as comprehensive as they are accessible.
Making sure you choose an accredited college is one of the most crucial steps in the decision-making process. Employers only accept degrees awarded by accredited colleges, so if the one you choose isn't, you'll want to search for a different school. You can check any college or university's status by searching for it on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website at https://www.chea.org/ and the U.S. Department of Education Database at https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
Whatever life's competing demands may be, Texas's online colleges aim to make it as simple and easy as possible to reach all of your individual education and career goals.
Rankings
EDsmart assesses online colleges in Texas based on data that covers four main areas:
- Cost (average net price)
- Academic quality (graduation rate)
- Student satisfaction (retention rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
All data is gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites, College Scorecard, and College Navigator.
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools receive a weighted overall ranking score that serves as a culmination of each of the four areas mentioned above, with 100 being the highest possible score.
In the case of a tie, the average net price is the determining factor for which school receives a higher rank. Essentially, the lower the net price, the higher the school is ranked.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top online colleges in Texas so that they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Best Online Colleges in Texas for 2024
1. The University of Texas at Austin
- Average Net Price: $17,519
- Graduation Rate: 82.03%
- Retention Rate: 96.54%
- Median Earnings: $72,713
Self-paced courses are designed for self-motivated students who value flexibility and independence. Students can start these courses at any time, as there are no set start dates. There are no strict deadlines for assignments, allowing students to proceed at their own pace. Instructors provide feedback and grading for assignments and all exams are conducted online. Each course expires after 5 months, but extensions can be purchased for those who need more time.
Semester-Based Online courses provide a more structured and interactive online learning experience. They follow UT Austin's academic calendar, including fall, spring, and summer semesters. Some courses have preset schedules for assignments, while others offer flexibility for students to complete coursework on their own time each week.Some courses may require students to log in for live lectures and discussions but exams are conducted online.
2. The University of Texas at Dallas
- Average Net Price: $17,033
- Graduation Rate: 70.10%
- Retention Rate: 89.27%
- Median Earnings: $64,398
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers a range of online degree and certificate programs through its Distance Education department. Here are some key points about their online programs: UTA has been offering online degree programs and courses since the 1970s. UTA offers over 700 unique web-based courses in degree and certificate programs.
In addition to degree programs, UTA provides a library of online, non-credit professional education programs. UTA has multiple learning facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area allowing easier access no matter where you’re located in the area.
3. University of Houston
- Average Net Price: $13,798
- Graduation Rate: 61.39%
- Retention Rate: 85.57%
- Median Earnings: $59,580
University of Houston offers over 40 online bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across diverse fields like business, education, engineering, social sciences and more. Several of UH's online graduate programs rank highly for affordability and quality by US News, including business, nursing and education.
Online students learn from the same expert faculty as on-campus and earn degrees indistinguishable from campus counterparts. Students can transfer eligible credits to maximize affordability and shorten time to graduation. UH is regionally accredited so degrees translate seamlessly into the workforce or further education. Overall, UH provides high quality accredited online degree options with renowned faculty, flexible delivery, academic support, and in-state tuition savings.
4. Texas Tech University
- Average Net Price: $17,313
- Graduation Rate: 62.88%
- Retention Rate: 86.26%
- Median Earnings: $60,456
Established as a public research university in 1923 in the small town of Lubbock, Texas Tech University offers over 150-degree options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, all of which are available online
Texas Tech’s over 100 degree programs are made available entirely online, with the option of partial on-campus participation and eight different regional teaching sites. Each of the graduate programs’ academic departments offers certain master’s degree programs as well. For example, as part of the College of Media and Communication, there are several areas of focus, namely communications studies, mass communication, and strategic communication and innovation.
5. University of North Texas
- Average Net Price: $12,006
- Graduation Rate: 60.26%
- Retention Rate: 82.23%
- Median Earnings: $54,047
The school’s extensive undergraduate program offers virtually every imaginable academic discipline, ranging anywhere from accounting to women’s and gender studies. The university’s graduate program comprises 38 doctoral programs as part of the Toulouse Graduate School. Offering over 86 degrees online, makes the university one of the best online colleges in Texas. The university’s online and certificate programs are directly associated with the school’s various colleges of business, education, health and public service, information, liberal arts, and hospitality, meaning they are all readily accessible to students online.
6. Parker University
- Average Net Price: $10,873
- Graduation Rate: 70.21%
- Retention Rate: 78.87%
- Median Earnings: $45,604
Parker's online courses are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals and students with other commitments. Parker's online programs can be accessed from anywhere in the world, as long as students have an internet connection.
Students in Parker's online programs have access to all of the same resources as on-campus students, including the library, career services, student advising, and alumni network. Parker's online courses use interactive tools and video lectures to engage students and promote active learning.
7. University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Average Net Price: $15,502
- Graduation Rate: 68.21%
- Retention Rate: 75.32%
- Median Earnings: $55,946
Learn from the same research-focused faculty that teach on campus. UH provides competitive in-state tuition rates for online students. Out-of-state rates are affordable too.
Employers recognize degrees from the University of Houston, a major Tier One research university. Many programs offer asynchronous course formats or accelerated 5-7 week terms. Online students get access to advising, tutoring, counseling, financial aid, the library, and other resources.
Being fully online, programs can be completed remotely without disrupting work. Programs teach transferable skills applicable to promotions and leadership roles. Students join the large, engaged UH alumni community.
8. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Average Net Price: $5,363
- Graduation Rate: 57.88%
- Retention Rate: 76.05%
- Median Earnings: $47,698
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers over 80 online bachelor's and master's degrees spanning fields like business, education, engineering, healthcare, liberal arts, and sciences. As part of the UT system, UTRGV charges competitive in-state tuition rates for online students starting around $300 per credit hour. UTRGV is regionally accredited, so degrees earned online provide credible credentials.
In addition to standard semesters, some online programs offer accelerated 5-week course options for faster completion. As part of the renowned UT System, UTRGV online degrees carry prestige, especially in Texas. Graduates gain access to the vast UT alumni network for mentoring and career opportunities. Overall, UTRGV provides accredited, affordable online degree options with flexible pacing and student support from a reputable public university system in Texas.
9. Sam Houston State University
- Average Net Price: $15,446
- Graduation Rate: 60.86%
- Retention Rate: 75.81%
- Median Earnings: $52,250
Sam Houston State University offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates fully online spanning diverse fields. SHSU is regionally accredited so online degrees meet high standards and transfer seamlessly. Online courses offer asynchronous formats allowing students to complete work on their own time.
Dedicated teams provide online students technical help, advising, tutoring, library access and other support. Students can transfer eligible credits to maximize affordability and accelerate graduation timelines. SHSU fosters an online student community through clubs, events and networking opportunities.Online degrees can be completed 100% remotely with no required campus visits.
10. Stephen F Austin State University
- Average Net Price: $15,708
- Graduation Rate: 54.24%
- Retention Rate: 76.63%
- Median Earnings: $48,292
Stephen F. Austin State University is an independent public institution that was founded in 1921 in Nacogdoches, Texas.
The graduate school includes 39 master’s degrees and three doctoral degree options. There are 20 entirely online programs. All classes that are part of the university’s online program are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and the National Accrediting Bodies. Some degrees in the graduate program are not available online. The certification program includes certificates in education, family and consumer science, and superintendent certifications.
11. LeTourneau University
- Average Net Price: $23,991
- Graduation Rate: 53.14%
- Retention Rate: 78.84%
- Median Earnings: $55,560
LeTourneau University offers over 120 online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in fields like business, education, psychology, and aviation. Accelerated 8-week online terms are offered 6 times per year so students can progress quickly. Popular online programs include business administration, computer science, aviation technology, teacher education, and organizational leadership.
As a faith-based institution, LETU provides a supportive community and Christian perspective in online programs. Affordable tuition rates and financial aid opportunities make LETU accessible. The flexible online format fits the scheduling needs of working adults and remote students. Faculty have graduate degrees and extensive training in online teaching methods. Students have access to campus resources like tutoring, advising, libraries, and support services. LETU's online degrees are regionally accredited and respected by employers. Online students can network with on-campus clubs, activities, and LETU's extensive alumni community. Practical, career-advancing education helps graduates earn promotions and change roles.
12. Texas A & M University-Commerce
- Average Net Price: $13,931
- Graduation Rate: 54.68%
- Retention Rate: 58.52%
- Median Earnings: $48,471
As part of the Texas A&M system, a highly regarded public university system, TAMUC offers respected online credentials. TAMUC provides competitive in-state tuition rates for online programs. Financial aid is available. Most programs use accelerated 5-8 week terms so students can progress quickly year-round. TAMUC offers over 50 online bachelor's and master's degrees spanning diverse subjects.
Dedicated success coaches advise online students and connect them with resources. TAMUC has regional accreditation ensuring broad acceptance of degrees. Learn from doctoral-level faculty who are trained in effective online pedagogy. Programs teach transferable, in-demand skills applicable to promotions and leadership roles. Fully online format allows students to complete coursework remotely on their schedules. Online students join the Texas A&M alumni community for networking.
13. Angelo State University
- Average Net Price: $13,499
- Graduation Rate: 40.44%
- Retention Rate: 69.86%
- Median Earnings: $46,355
Angelo State offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs entirely online. Online options include programs in business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, education, and more. Many programs offer accelerated 8-week courses to allow students to progress quickly.
As part of the Texas Tech University system, Angelo State's online programs provide respected degrees. In-state tuition rates are very affordable and appealing for online students. The flexible online formats accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Small class sizes, even online, allow for personalized faculty attention. Students gain access to campus resources like tutoring, advising, libraries, and support services. Programs utilize cutting-edge online learning technology for an engaging experience. Online students can participate in campus organizations and activities.
14. Lamar University
- Average Net Price: $13,351
- Graduation Rate: 40.70%
- Retention Rate: 62.88%
- Median Earnings: $45,940
Lamar offers over 50 online bachelor's and master's degree programs across diverse subject areas. Popular online programs include business administration, nursing, education, computer science, and industrial engineering. Lamar also offers an online RN to BSN program and an online Doctor of Education (EdD) program. Many programs offer accelerated online courses that allow students to progress quickly.
As part of the Texas State University System, Lamar provides reputable degrees with affordable in-state tuition. The flexible online format accommodates busy schedules and remote learning from anywhere. Small class sizes, dedicated online advisors, tutoring, and writing centers provide support. Students gain access to Lamar's full library resources and career development services online.
15. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Average Net Price: $22,440
- Graduation Rate: 43.19%
- Retention Rate: 69.42%
- Median Earnings: $41,771
SAGU offers over 50 associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs fully online. These span fields like business, education, counseling, criminal justice, theology, and more. Accelerated 5-week courses help online students progress quickly toward their degrees.
As a faith-based university, SAGU integrates Christian perspective and community into online programs. Very affordable tuition rates compared to other private universities make the programs accessible. The flexible online formats suit the needs of working adults and remote learners. Small class sizes allow for interaction with classmates and faculty. Online students gain access to support resources like academic advising, tutoring, libraries, and financial aid.
Best Online Colleges in Texas Rankings for 2023
Texas Tech University |
University of Houston |
University of North Texas |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
Sam Houston State University |
Texas Woman's University |
The University of Texas at Arlington |
The University of Texas at San Antonio |
LeTourneau University |
Midwestern State University |
The University of Texas at El Paso |
The University of Texas at Tyler |
University of Houston-Victoria |
The University of Texas Permian Basin |
West Texas A & M University |
Dallas Baptist University |
Stephen F Austin State University |
Houston Baptist University |
University of Houston-Downtown |
Tarleton State University |
Texas A&M University-College Station |
Texas A & M University-Texarkana |
Southwestern Adventist University |
Angelo State University |
Concordia University - Texas |
Lamar University |
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University |
Wayland Baptist University |