10 Most Popular Online Colleges in Texas

Key Takeaways

• Texas online colleges offer in-state tuition at an average of about $7,140 per year, which is around $1,555 less than the national average for public four-year institutions.
• University of North Texas leads the state with 90 online programs, 1,824 online courses, and over 150,000 online students, awarding more than $70 million in scholarships each year.
• East Texas A&M University is the most affordable option, with an average tuition of $4,790 per year, and 65% of students reporting improved career prospects.
• Texas participates in the Academic Common Market, which allows students from 14 Southern states to pay in-state tuition for select programs.
• The Lone Star State’s unemployment rate aligns with the national average, and major employers such as Tesla, NASA, and ExxonMobil create strong career pathways for graduates.

Texas’s online higher education system offers accessible, flexible, and affordable pathways for students across the state and beyond. Whether you live in major cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio or in smaller college towns, Texas’s online universities and community colleges provide high-quality degree programs that align with the state’s diverse and expanding economy.

Online formats bring flexibility to a state known for its size and geographic diversity. You can study from anywhere, avoid long commutes between cities, and choose from asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid learning options. Texas’s online colleges also provide robust support services, including tutoring, success coaching, and networking opportunities with employers across industries such as energy, technology, healthcare, aerospace, and defense.

With programs designed around the needs of modern professionals, these ten online colleges in Texas reflect the state’s commitment to expanding educational access while strengthening its highly skilled workforce.

Top 10 Online Colleges In Texas

Texas is home to one of the most extensive online higher education systems in the country, offering affordable, accredited, and career-focused programs. The following ten colleges represent the state’s most popular online institutions, chosen for their affordability, program diversity, student satisfaction, and career outcomes.

East Texas A&M University (Texas A&M University–Commerce)

Texas A&M University–Commerce in Commerce, historically known as East Texas State, offers a broad online catalog across business, education, criminal justice, and applied sciences, with multiple start dates and advising geared to transfer and adult learners. Programs are structured for working students, and the university emphasizes career-focused pathways aligned with regional employers.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s and master’s programs in business administration, organizational leadership, applied arts and sciences, criminal justice, education, and cybersecurity, plus certificate options that stack into degrees. Students can study fully online or blend online with off-site centers across North Texas.

Pros

• Wide program mix with applied and transfer-friendly options
• Academic coaching, tutoring, writing support, and career services
• Pathways that align with regional workforce needs

Cons

• Graduation and retention metrics are mid-pack for Texas publics
• Site navigation to find online-specific pages can be confusing

Average Annual Tuition

$10,026 for Texas residents.

Angelo State University

Angelo State University in San Angelo delivers online programs with strong licensure outcomes and a large scholarship ecosystem. Courses are designed for flexibility, and the university emphasizes practical skills and applied learning across healthcare, security studies, business, and education.

Main Online Programs

Undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, border and homeland security, criminal justice, psychology, business, and education, with select hybrids that provide optional campus labs or intensives.

Pros

• Noted licensure and first-time pass rates in professional fields
• More than 600 scholarship programs and robust advising
• Many students graduate with little to no debt compared with peers

Cons

• Smaller online bachelor’s catalog than the very largest Texas systems
• Some programs require scheduled assessments or are limited in-person components

Average Annual Tuition

$9,584 for Texas residents.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches offers online degrees that blend flexible study with hands-on projects in areas like sustainability, sports business, and teacher education. The university highlights positive career outcomes and a growing slate of online-only pathways.

Main Online Programs

Online undergraduate options in fields such as business, human sciences, education, and health, plus online graduate degrees in education, business, and public administration, with dedicated student success and tech support.

Pros

• Career-focused programs with internship and practicum opportunities
• Multiple support resources, including tutoring and writing centers
• Border-state and nonresident rate tables for online learners

Cons

• Admission requirements vary by program and may include test or GPA thresholds
• Some labs or practica may require local placements

Average Annual Tuition

About $11,128 for Texas residents.

The University Of Texas Permian Basin

UT Permian Basin in Odessa runs a mature online platform with frequent start dates and eight-week course options in many programs. Students can access the same services as on-campus peers, and the university promotes affordability plus automatic merit awards for qualified freshmen.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, psychology, kinesiology, nursing RN-to-BSN, computer science, and public administration, with structured pacing and year-round terms to help speed completion.

Pros

• One-on-one advising and strong student support
• Frequent start dates and accelerated course blocks
• Among the lower tuition levels within the UT System

Cons

• Limited seat availability in some high-demand courses
• Select programs maintain cohort pacing that may require careful scheduling

Average Annual Tuition

Approximately $9,237 for Texas residents.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University in Denton is coeducational and well known for nursing, health sciences, education, business, and kinesiology. Its online degrees are designed for flexibility, with many programs offering accelerated tracks and hybrid options that provide access to labs and campus resources.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s in fields such as nursing, health studies, sociology, and business, plus extensive online master’s offerings and several doctoral pathways with hybrid components.

Pros

• Tuition is set at a competitive resident rate and clear per-credit tuition
• Strong presence in nursing and health professions statewide
• Multiple campus resources are available to online learners

Cons

• Some advanced programs require in-person labs or clinical placements
• Program availability can vary by term

Average Annual Tuition

About $7,140 in resident tuition for a standard 30-credit academic year. 

University Of North Texas

University of North Texas in Denton runs one of the largest online footprints in the state, spanning undergraduate and graduate degrees across business, education, information science, public administration, and liberal arts. Courses are offered in flexible formats, and online learners get success coaching, library services, tutoring, and virtual events that mirror on-campus support.

Main Online Programs

Fully online and hybrid options in areas such as business, education, criminal justice, data and information science, public administration, and liberal studies, plus numerous certificates designed to stack into degrees.

Pros

• Large catalog with multiple entry points year-round
• Dedicated success coaching and robust student services
• Active alumni and employer networks in DFW and statewide

Cons

• Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than in-state tuition
• Scale can make program navigation complex for first-time online learners

Average Annual Tuition

$12,092 for Texas residents, based on 30 credit hours.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University in Lubbock offers a wide slate of online bachelor’s and master’s programs with strong student support. Many degrees emphasize applied learning, internships, and pathways into industries tied to West Texas and statewide employers.

Main Online Programs

Options across arts and sciences, education, engineering-adjacent fields, agriculture and natural resources, health, and business. Several programs feature accelerated or flexible pacing and extensive advising.

Pros

• Strong retention among full-time undergraduates
• Broad program mix with distinctive majors and certificates
• Career services and alumni connections with statewide reach

Cons

• In-state tuition sits a bit above the Texas average
• Graduation-rate transparency varies by program

Average Annual Tuition

$11,852 for Texas residents.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville focuses on flexible, career-ready online education with extensive minors and certificates that let students tailor a degree. Online learners can access tutoring, writing support, and virtual career resources similar to on-campus services.

Main Online Programs

Business, criminal justice, homeland security, education, public health, information technology, and human sciences, plus numerous online minors to customize a bachelor’s plan.

Pros

• Wide choice of online minors to personalize a major
• Student support that includes tutoring and writing centers
• Longstanding strengths in criminal justice and education

Cons

• Some programs add course or lab fees that vary by major
• Select majors have GPA or other entry requirements

Average Annual Tuition

About $7,320 for Texas residents.

Lamar University

Lamar University in Beaumont emphasizes flexibility with five-, eight-, and fifteen-week course blocks and extensive online offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Adult learners and military-affiliated students benefit from prior-learning credit evaluations and dedicated advising.

Main Online Programs

Business, communication disorders, criminal justice, computer science, exercise science, industrial engineering-related areas, nursing, and education, with multiple certificate pathways that can stack into degrees.

Pros

• Multiple course lengths and frequent starts
• Credit for military or professional experience where applicable
• Broad availability of fully online sections

Cons

• Retention is lower than some Texas peers
• Certain programs may require heavier weekly time commitments

Average Annual Tuition

Approximately $10,586 for Texas residents, based on $5,293 per semester for 12+ hours.

The University Of Texas At El Paso

UTEP delivers 100% online bachelor’s and master’s options with the same faculty who teach on campus. Advising, tutoring, library access, and tech support are integrated for distance learners, and many courses are designed for working adults with predictable weekly rhythms.

Main Online Programs

Business, communication, criminal justice, liberal arts, health-related fields, education, and selected graduate programs with full online pathways.

Pros

• One-on-one advising and strong wraparound support
• Fully online degrees with clear weekly expectations
• Competitive in-state tuition for online courses

Cons

• Some programs require substantial weekly study time per course
• Fewer total online majors than the very largest Texas systems

Average Annual Tuition

About $9,925 for Texas residents, based on an undergraduate online rate of $330.82 per credit for 30 credits. 

Tuition and mandatory fee amounts change regularly and can vary by program, course load, credit amount, and delivery format. The figures listed here reflect the latest numbers available and are intended for comparison only. Before applying, always confirm the current annual tuition and required fees on the university’s official website.

Key Requirements For Enrolling In Online Colleges In Texas

Before you enroll, plan to complete a short checklist. These steps confirm eligibility, help you secure in-state tuition when applicable, and position you to receive the maximum financial aid available in Texas.

Complete Online Application Process

Apply through each school’s portal. Requirements range from open admission to selective thresholds, including GPA or test scores.

Submit Official Transcripts And Test Scores

Provide high school transcripts, GED documentation, and any prior college records. Some programs may request SAT or ACT scores, while many accept test-optional applicants.

Verify Texas Residency Documentation

To qualify for in-state tuition, be ready to submit proof such as a Texas driver’s license or ID, voter registration, tax returns, or a lease or utility bill.

Meet Program-Specific Requirements

Competitive programs often require prerequisites, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or professional experience. Licensure-aligned fields may include clinicals or practica.

Verify Technology Requirements

Ensure reliable high-speed internet, a capable computer, required software, and learning platform access, and a webcam and microphone for live sessions when needed.

Submit Financial Aid Applications

Complete the FAFSA and review Texas options such as the Tuition Equalization Grant at private schools, waivers for bordering states at some publics, institutional scholarships, work-study, and military or employer benefits. Check deadlines early to maximize aid.

How Do Texas Online College Costs Compare To National Averages

Texas public tuition is generally lower than the national public average, which helps keep the total cost of attendance down for in-state students. The typical in-state figure for public four-year institutions sits near $7,140, about $1,555 less than the national public average. Two-year colleges also tend to cost less than national peers, creating affordable on-ramps to bachelor’s completion.

Online formats can reduce overall expenses by eliminating routine commuting across long distances and lowering living costs in metro areas such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Many universities offer multiple start dates, flexible pacing, and transfer-friendly pathways that can shorten time to degree, which further lowers total cost.

Value also improves through regional and institutional opportunities. The Academic Common Market can allow qualifying students from 14 Southern states to pay in-state rates for specialized programs not offered in their home state. Several Texas institutions highlight generous scholarship pools, credit for military or prior learning, and payment plans that make budgeting more predictable.

What Are The Tuition Fees For Out-Of-State Students At Online Colleges In Texas

Out-of-state tuition at Texas public universities is higher than in-state, but it often remains competitive compared with national averages. For example, the University of North Texas lists about $21,004 for nonresidents compared with $8,404 for residents, and Texas Tech is about $21,174 for nonresidents compared with $8,934 for residents. East Texas A&M is among the most affordable options overall, with non-resident tuition near $17,060 and a very low in-state figure of around $4,790. Private universities set a single tuition schedule for most online learners regardless of residency.

Several mechanisms can reduce the out-of-state cost. The Academic Common Market allows eligible students from 14 Southern states to pay in-state rates for specialized programs not offered in their home state. Some universities also extend bordering state waivers or offer competitive online-only rates. Combined with the savings from learning online, including fewer housing and commuting costs across Texas’s large metro areas, many nonresidents find total expenses manageable.

How Does University Of The People Compare With The Online Colleges In Texas

University of the People uses a tuition-free model where you pay only an assessment fee of $160 per course. A typical bachelor’s degree requires about 40 courses, so the average total cost is roughly $6,460 plus small application and graduation fees. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), both recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For students who do not qualify for Texas in-state tuition or who prefer a fully online format with predictable costs, UoPeople often comes out as the lowest-cost accredited pathway while still offering flexible pacing.

For Texas residents who qualify for in-state rates, scholarships, and state programs, local public universities can still be highly cost-effective, especially at the lower end of the tuition range. Your best choice depends on whether you value Texas employer networks, program breadth, and campus-linked services, or whether your top priority is the absolute lowest cost with maximum online flexibility.

Ready To Choose The Best Online College In Texas?

Start by mapping your goals to programs. List the major or specialization you want, the credentials you need, and the timeline that fits your work and family schedule. Compare delivery formats such as eight-week, ten-week, and fifteen-week courses, along with synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid options.

Next, review outcomes and support. Look at retention and graduation rates, licensure or certification pass rates, internship pipelines, and career placement services. Confirm tutoring, advising, writing support, and tech help for online students. Ask about transfer credit rules, prior learning assessment, and military credit if relevant.

Finally, stack the finances. Compare in-state and out-of-state tuition, Academic Common Market eligibility, bordering state waivers, and institutional scholarships. Tally required fees and any course-specific costs. Use a realistic course load to estimate your true annual spend, then choose the option that matches your goals and budget.

FAQs

What Is The Average Tuition At Texas Online Colleges

Texas public four-year colleges average about $7,140 per year for in-state students, which is below the national public average.

What Is The Most Affordable Online College In Texas

East Texas A&M is among the lowest for in-state tuition, and several regional universities and community colleges also post very competitive resident rates.

Can Out-of-State Students get In-State Tuition at Texas Online Colleges

Sometimes. The Academic Common Market and certain bordering state waivers can grant in-state rates for specific programs if you meet eligibility criteria.

What Is The Academic Common Market For Texas Students

It is a regional agreement that allows students from 14 Southern states to pay in-state tuition for specialized programs not available in their home states, subject to eligibility and program approval.

Do Texas Online Colleges Offer Credit For Military Experience

Many Texas institutions evaluate military training and prior learning for credit, which can shorten the time to a degree and reduce overall cost.

Which Texas Online College Has The Best Graduation Rate

Rates vary by program and student status. Review each college’s program pages and institutional data for the most recent completion statistics before you apply.