Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas
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Texas has one of the largest higher education networks in the United States. The number of degree-granting institutions in the Lone Star State is behind only California and New York. Texas also offers affordability: Tuition costs at the state's public colleges fall well below the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Given the size and quality of its college system, students in Texas can enjoy easy access to online learning opportunities. We've ranked the most affordable online colleges in Texas, and highlighted some appealing career paths projected to grow in Texas.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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.
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Lamar University
Beaumont, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $259
Out-of-State | $679
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Lamar University (LU), students choose over 20 online undergraduate and 35 graduate programs. The accelerated programs feature multiple start dates and classes between 5-8 weeks long, leading to shorter completion times.
Students at LU Online can qualify for many federal grants and loans. Tuition waivers may be available for eligible learners, such as military veterans. While most students living outside of Texas pay out-of-state tuition rates, Louisiana residents only pay an additional $30 on top of the in-state rates.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $238
Out-of-State | $658
Credits to Graduate: 120
Texas Woman's University (TWU) features 24 online undergraduate and 44 online graduate programs. TWU helps students financially with scholarship options for in-state, transfer, and out-of-state learners. Out-of-state students who receive over $1,000 in TWU scholarships may also qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver.
Additionally, Oklahoma residents can enjoy a discounted out-of-state tuition rate, paying only $30 on top of the in-state rates. Eligible Texas residents can also opt for a Fixed Rate Tuition Plan of $288 per credit for the length of their studies.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,506
Out-of-State | $8,402
Credits to Graduate: 120
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) features more than 25 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels at some of the lowest rates in the state. TAMUCT caps undergraduate tuition at 12 credits per semester, so you can take on additional credits free of charge.
TAMUCT offers over 30 institutional scholarships as well, including awards every semester. No matter where you live, you also have access to the Warrior Guarantee, which locks in your tuition rate for up to three consecutive years.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $219
Credits to Graduate: 120
At the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), students have over 40 online programs to pick from, including undergraduate and graduate options. The school maintains some of the lowest tuition prices and offers over $47 million in financial aid each year.
UTPB's Falcon Free program provides free tuition for undergraduates with financial need, from certain demographics, or those pursuing specific programs. Regardless of where you live, all online students pay the same tuition rate, plus an online program fee of $108 per credit. While tuition increases can happen, UTPB ensures increases never amount to more than 3% year over year.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $336-$420
Out-of-State | $336-$565
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) runs 28 online and hybrid programs in various disciplines and degree levels. At UTEP, in-state and out-of-state online students pay lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts in most programs. Out-of-state online students in some programs pay the same rate as in-state students.
Students from Texas can opt for the Guaranteed Tuition Plan, which locks in their tuition for up to 12 consecutive semesters. The school also provides various scholarships for incoming first-year and transfer students, along with several tuition exemption and reduction programs for qualifying students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Amberton University
Garland, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $300
Out-of-State | $300
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Amberton University, you can pursue one of nine undergraduate programs online. The 10-week accelerated sessions can help you finish quicker and save you money. Plus, the affordable tuition rate at Amberton applies to all students, regardless of where they live or what program they take.
Amberton helps students manage their education costs by offering a pay-per-course model. The school also offers a payment deferment option for learners who wish to pay at the end of the session.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $246
Out-of-State | $666
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) allows online students to complete degrees in over 20 disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school also offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state. At UHD, all first-time undergraduate students and transfer students with fewer than 30 credits can lock in their tuition rate for five years.
For financial aid, UHD offers institutional, departmental, and UH Foundation scholarships. First-time Texas students with financial need may also qualify for the Gator Pledge program, which covers all tuition costs in the spring and fall semesters.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $330-$700
Credits to Graduate: 120
With more than 85 online programs, the University of North Texas (UNT) is one of the largest online colleges in Texas and one of the most affordable. The school charges a flat-rate tuition for full-time students, meaning learners can earn free credits if they take more than 12 credits in a semester.
Texas undergraduate students qualify for the Save and Soar program, which locks in tuition rates for four years and offers discounts in summer and winter semesters. State residents can also earn a $1,000 tuition rebate at the end of their program.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Parker University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $710
Out-of-State | $710
Credits to Graduate: 120
Parker University has nearly 20 of the state's most affordable online programs available at various levels. As a private institution, Parker charges in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition rate.
Parker provides over 50 scholarship opportunities and more than $64,000 in funding each year. The school also helps its students apply for over $23 million in financial aid annually. Grants may also be available for eligible Texas residents or students in specific programs.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $244
Out-of-State | $244
Credits to Graduate: 120
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers the choice of over 21 undergraduate degrees and 35 graduate degrees to online students. You'll pay the same low tuition rate at SHSU whether you live in Texas or out of state.
To help you cover your learning costs, SHSU provides more than 50 scholarships, plus on-campus job opportunities. As a Texas resident, you may qualify for the Bearkat Promise, which awards grant funding enough to cover the mandatory tuition and fees for 15 credits each semester.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
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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.
Cost of College in Texas
NCES data from the 2021-22 school year highlights two important affordability trends in Texas's higher education costs. First, you'll notice that public colleges in Texas cost, on average, less than the national average at both two-year and four-year colleges. This applies to tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state students.
On the other hand, you'll find that Texas private colleges charge higher-than-average tuition rates, on average. Budget accordingly if you plan to attend one of the many private online colleges in Texas.
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public 4-year (In-State) | $8,185 |
Public 4-year (Out-of-State) | $25,419 |
Private 4-year | $38,807 |
Public 2-year (In-State) | $2,859 |
Public 2-year (Out-of-State) | $7,913 |
10 High-Demand Jobs in Texas
Texas has a large and historically strong economy that students can benefit from. Many career paths that require college training appear poised for rapid growth over the next ten years.
The table below highlights the 10 jobs with the highest projected growth rates between 2020-2030, as reported by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Notably, online colleges in Texas support paths to entry into many of the profiled career paths. If you plan to study in Texas but haven't yet decided on a major, one of these jobs might pique your interest. However, please note that some jobs, like electricians and welders, require attending a vocational school — not a four-year college.
Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
---|---|---|
Medical and Health Services Managers | 43% | $118,703 |
Software Developers | 36% | $117,439 |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 35% | $69,723 |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 35% | $60,842 |
Financial Managers | 33% | $163,018 |
Electricians | 27% | $54,977 |
Construction Managers | 24% | $103,806 |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 23% | $71,537 |
General and Operations Managers | 23% | $110,147 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 23% | $52,496 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Texas
What is the cheapest online college in Texas?
Angelo State University features some of the lowest online tuition rates of any accredited four-year college in Texas. The school's average tuition fees cost 20% less than those at Division I Texas public colleges and 70% less than the state's typical private university. You can choose from nine fully online undergraduate programs and 24 online master's programs.
How many online colleges are in Texas?
According to the NCES, Texas had 225 degree-granting institutions in 2021-22, including 102 public schools.
By 2018-19, nearly all public schools and half of all private schools in the country offered some online learning options, as per the NCES. As in other states, online colleges in Texas vary in what they offer.
Does Texas have good online colleges?
Yes, Texas has very good online colleges, including options for many types of students. The state features several of the nation's largest and most reputable schools. Online learners can find full-time, part-time, self-paced, and accelerated programs, along with asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid classes.
How much does it cost to go to college online in Texas?
According to the NCES, four-year public colleges in Texas in 2021-2022 cost an average of $8,185 in tuition and fees, while private colleges charged $38,807. At two-year public colleges, tuition and fees cost $2,859 that year.
For out-of-state students, public four-year schools charged $25,419 and two-year public schools charged $7,913.
At some of the cheapest online colleges in Texas, out-of-state online students can access in-state tuition rates. For the most accurate cost calculation, prospective students should evaluate the true program cost.
Who qualifies for free college in Texas?
Residents may qualify for free college in Texas through several programs. The Dallas County Promise program provides free tuition and tuition assistance to graduating seniors from 57 Dallas County high schools.
Texas Tech University and the University of Houston both run free tuition programs for Texas residents with family incomes less than $65,000.
Texas A&M University offers the Aggie Assurance, and the University of Texas at Austin offers the Texas Advance Commitment, programs that provide free tuition to Texas residents with family incomes less than $60,000. The Tuition Promise from the University of Texas at Dallas provides free tuition to Texas residents with a family income under $25,000.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 9th, 2024.