Best Online Colleges in Houston
Writer
Share this Article
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Finding A Program That's Right For You
Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey.
- Browse programs to find what you like best
- Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations
- Request more information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several thriving industries in Houston. For example, architecture and engineering; construction and extraction; and installation, maintenance, and repair positions make up a larger percentage of Houston's workforce compared to the average city. Additionally, architecture and engineering employees in Houston earn an average hourly wage of $52.70 — significantly higher than the national average of $42.60 for these workers.
To qualify for entry-level positions in these high-paying professions, candidates need a bachelor's in a related industry. Fortunately, there are several online colleges in Houston to help prepare graduates for roles in many of the city's top industries.
To help applicants evaluate schools and find a good fit, we ranked the 10 best online colleges in Houston. Read on to learn more about these programs and common admission requirements.
What Are the Best Online Colleges in Houston? Here Are Our Top 4:
| #1 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX |
| #2 | University of Houston-Downtown Houston, TX |
| #3 | Houston Baptist University Houston, TX |
| #4 | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX |
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Houston
Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.
Best Online Colleges in Houston
-
University of Houston-Clear LakeLocation
Houston, TX
Tuition$10664
A public university in Texas, UHCL is one of the best online colleges in Houston. The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and boasts an array of popular online offerings, including nine certificate programs and 17 degree programs. UHCL offers undergraduate online programs in anthropology, public service leadership, and general business.
The school also offers online graduate programs in environmental science, finance, human resource management, and educational management. Additionally, students can pursue online graduate certificates in performance technology, distance education, and software engineering too.
UHCL offers distance courses in two delivery formats: entirely online and hybrid. Its 100% online method is delivered asynchronously, making classes flexible for students with hectic schedules. Hybrid classes are web-enhanced — students attend online lectures but must complete in-person requirements.
-
University of Houston-DowntownLocation
Houston, TX
Tuition$7883
Graduation Rate20%
UHD is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and operates as one of the top online colleges in Houston.
UHD Online offers upper-level coursework for 15 bachelor’s degrees. Colleges offering online degree completion coursework include the College of Public Service, the Marilyn Davies College of Business, and University College. Online learners can also pursue three graduate degrees: a master of security management, a master of arts in nonprofit management, and a master of science in criminal justice.
Most of these online offerings are delivered entirely online, although some may require occasional on-site sessions for testing, laboratory work, and/or orientations. UHD Online also boasts partnerships with other schools, such as Lone Star College, to assist students who want to transition into a four-year university program.
-
Houston Baptist UniversityLocation
Houston, TX
Graduation Rate40%
The Pampell Online Division of HBU delivers coursework that combines academics with the Christian faith. HBU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Undergraduates can pursue degrees in areas like management, psychology, and nursing, while master's students can study topics such as Christian leadership, marriage and family therapy, and sport management. The school also offers two online doctor of education programs. Tuition ranges from $425-$635 per credit, depending on a student's level and field of study.
HBU also offers nondegree vocational certificates in partnership with ProTrain. This partnership caters to individuals as well as corporate- and government-affiliated students, including veterans and military spouses.
-
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterLocation
Houston, TX
MD Anderson — a medical center based in Houston — is a top-class hospital for cancer care. It serves as a degree-granting institution, research center, and cancer treatment center. MD Anderson is also one of the best online colleges in Houston, giving students an opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships and clinical schooling.
Online students can obtain a bachelor of science in healthcare disparities, diversity, and advocacy, as well as a bachelor of science in diagnostic imaging here. They can also pursue a bachelor of science in cytogenetic technology through a part-time or full-time online track.
Students can choose from classes that are delivered entirely online or through a hybrid format. Online courses may follow a synchronous or asynchronous schedule. MD Anderson is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
