Cheapest Online Colleges in Texas
Texas is packed with colleges and universities that offer amazing online programs at prices that won't break the bank, plus they're super flexible to fit your schedule.
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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
In fact, Texas has one of the largest college systems in the country, just behind California and New York in the number of degree-granting schools. Plus, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at Texas public colleges is well below the national average.
Thanks to this extensive and high-quality college system, students in Texas have easy access to a variety of online learning opportunities. Hunting for an affordable online college in Texas? We've got you covered with our carefully compiled list.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas
1. The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Average Net Price: $8,601
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Median Earnings: $56,073
The University of Texas Permian Basin has an admission rate of 94.71%, indicating a high likelihood of acceptance for applicants. The average cost of attendance for academic year institutions is $22,113. In-state tuition and fees are $9,234, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,474. Students who complete their studies typically have a median debt of $17,750.
2. The University of Texas at El Paso
- Average Net Price: $10,061
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $50,923
The University of Texas at El Paso boasts a nearly universal admission rate of 99.92%. The average cost of attendance is $19,344 per academic year. In-state tuition and fees are $9,744, and out-of-state tuition and fees rise to $25,152. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $18,000.
3. Texas Woman's University
- Average Net Price: $10,928
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $56,544
Texas Woman's University has an admission rate of 93.63%. The average cost of attendance is $20,019. In-state tuition and fees are quite affordable at $8,311, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,103. Graduates typically face a median debt of $19,218.
4. Angelo State University
- Average Net Price: $12,255
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $50,116
Angelo State University admits 79.14% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $21,174 per academic year. In-state tuition and fees are $8,186, with out-of-state tuition and fees at $17,978. The median debt for graduates is $20,000.
5. Lamar University
- Average Net Price: $12,002
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Median Earnings: $49,652
Lamar University has an admission rate of 83.73%. The average cost of attendance is $21,570. In-state tuition and fees are $8,690, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,482. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,250.
6. University of Houston-Downtown
- Average Net Price: $14,797
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Median Earnings: $53,551
University of Houston-Downtown admits 88.42% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $23,217 per academic year. In-state tuition and fees are $7,708, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,524. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $18,750.
7. Sam Houston State University
- Average Net Price: $15,134
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $54,211
Sam Houston State University has an admission rate of 84.63%. The average cost of attendance is $23,962 per academic year. In-state tuition and fees are $8,960, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,752. Graduates typically face a median debt of $21,983.
8. University of North Texas
- Average Net Price: $15,205
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Median Earnings: $57,010
University of North Texas admits 79.13% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $24,696. In-state tuition and fees are $11,140, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,932. The median debt for graduates is $19,250.
9. Texas Tech University
- Average Net Price: $20,048
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Median Earnings: $62,454
Texas Tech University has an admission rate of 67.34%. The average cost of attendance is $27,249 per academic year. In-state tuition and fees are $11,852, with out-of-state tuition and fees at $24,122. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,500.
10. Parker University
- Average Net Price: $24,109
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $42,091
Parker University does not provide an admission rate. The average cost of attendance is $31,277 per academic year. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $15,718. The median debt for graduates is $12,288.
11. Dallas Baptist University
- Average Net Price: $27,591
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Median Earnings: $56,807
Dallas Baptist University admits 91.37% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $46,367. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both $35,310. Graduates typically face a median debt of $21,591.
12. Abilene Christian University
- Average Net Price: $27,916
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $55,736
Abilene Christian University has an admission rate of 65.79%. The average cost of attendance is $55,221 per academic year. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both $40,500. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $24,250.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis of the Cheapest Online Colleges
Highest and Lowest Net Prices
The schools in this cheapest online college ranking exhibit a wide range of net prices, highlighting significant differences in affordability. The University of Texas Permian Basin stands out with the lowest average net price at $8,601, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious students. On the other end of the spectrum, Dallas Baptist University and Abilene Christian University have the highest net prices at $27,591 and $27,916, respectively. These differences emphasize the importance of considering financial factors when choosing a university.
Net Price Comparisons
- Lowest Net Price: The University of Texas Permian Basin ($8,601) and The University of Texas at El Paso ($10,061) offer the most affordable average net prices.
- Highest Net Price: Parker University ($24,109), Dallas Baptist University ($27,591), and Abilene Christian University ($27,916) have the highest average net prices, significantly above the other institutions.
Net Price vs. Graduation Rates
- High Graduation Rates: Texas Tech University (65%) and Sam Houston State University (62%) have high graduation rates with net prices at $20,048 and $15,134, respectively. These institutions demonstrate a balance between cost and successful student outcomes.
- Low Graduation Rates: Angelo State University (44%) and Lamar University (43%) have the lowest graduation rates, with net prices at $12,255 and $12,002. Despite their affordability, lower graduation rates may indicate challenges in student retention and completion.
Net Price vs. Median Earnings
- High Median Earnings: Texas Tech University graduates earn the most with a median salary of $62,454, followed by University of North Texas ($57,010) and The University of Texas Permian Basin ($56,073). These schools offer strong earning potential post-graduation.
- Median Earnings vs. Net Price: The University of Texas Permian Basin provides an excellent balance of low net price ($8,601) and high median earnings ($56,073), suggesting a strong return on investment.
Tuition Comparisons
- In-State vs. Out-of-State: The cost difference for in-state and out-of-state tuition is notable at institutions like The University of Texas at El Paso (in-state $9,744 vs. out-of-state $25,152) and University of North Texas (in-state $11,140 vs. out-of-state $20,932). This indicates significant financial benefits for residents.
- Flat Tuition Rates: Parker University and Dallas Baptist University charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, providing consistent pricing regardless of residency status.
Low Median Debt
- Lowest Median Debt: Parker University graduates have the lowest median debt at $12,288, which is particularly impressive given its high net price. This suggests strong financial aid and support mechanisms.
- Higher Median Debt: Abilene Christian University graduates have the highest median debt at $24,250, reflecting the higher cost of attendance and potentially less financial aid.
Notable Trends
- Retention Rates: University of North Texas has the highest retention rate (80%), indicating strong student satisfaction and support services.
- Acceptance Rates: Institutions like The University of Texas at El Paso (99.92%) and The University of Texas Permian Basin (94.71%) show highly accessible admission rates, providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students.
Summary
Institutions like The University of Texas Permian Basin and Texas Tech University stand out for their combination of affordable net prices, high graduation rates, and strong median earnings. On the other hand, schools like Parker University, despite high net prices, show low median debt, suggesting robust financial aid. In-state tuition is significantly more affordable in several public institutions, emphasizing the financial advantages for residents. Overall, the rankings highlight a diverse array of options catering to different financial capacities and academic aspirations.