Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas of 2025

Why We Chose This School

With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, Lamar University isn't small. And bigger schools often have more to offer. The university's on-campus and online programs, from bachelor's degrees through doctoral programs, span five colleges.

We like that over half of Lamar's students are first-generation, and the student body includes students from some 62 countries. Lamar's online programs are consistently ranked among the best in Texas.

Highlights

• Solid graduation rate
• Robust array of online programs
• Engineering grads rank high nationally for net income

Know Before You Apply

• A little pricier than the other schools on this list

Why We Chose This School

Sam Houston State University strongly emphasizes social mobility, providing students with an exceptional education and the support system necessary for success. SHSU is a designated Hispanic-serving institution, and about 50% of learners identify as first-generation students.

Around 21,000 students enroll in programs administered by eight colleges. Online learners can choose from among 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.

You also have the option to pursue dozens of short-term professional certifications or graduate certificates from a distance.

Highlights

• 170 fields of study
• Strong support for online learners

Know Before You Apply

• Lowest graduation rate (56%) of the schools on this list

Why We Chose This School

Texas A&M University has a strong reputation for rigorous programs and top-tier research facilities. The college offers 400 degree programs to the nation's third-largest student body.

While Aggies have a limited selection of online undergraduate programs, Texas A&M offers a big catalog of online graduate degree programs. We like that students can get more for less with Texas A&M's comprehensive list of Fast Track 3+2 programs, covering majors such as economics, business administration, and public health.

Graduates join a robust network of more than 500,000 alumni working in a variety of fields around the country.

Highlights

• Highly ranked programs
• Impressive graduation rate
• Strong online enrollment

Know Before You Apply

• Very large student population
• Highest average net price of the schools on this list

Why We Chose This School

Home to more than 40,000 students, Texas Tech University has a long-held reputation for excellence in academics and research. Texas Tech is designated a Hispanic-serving institution and offers more than 150 academic programs.

The school's robust online catalog features 80 bachelor's and master's degrees. Popular majors include business, engineering, and biological and biomedical sciences.

The school does not charge higher tuition rates for online students who live outside of Texas, making this an affordable school for out-of-state learners.

Highlights

• Solid graduation rate
• High acceptance rate
• Strong online enrollment
• Relatively low tuition for out-of-state students

Know Before You Apply

• High student-faculty ratio of 21-to-1

Why We Chose This School

An online learning powerhouse, the University of North Texas has a big catalog of 240 programs. UNT's 90 online options include many accelerated degrees that require fewer classes and consist of short eight-week sessions.

We like that UNT prioritizes student success and well-being with comprehensive support services such as academic coaching, virtual health services, mental health counseling, and online student-friendly organizations.

UNT's location in Denton gives students access to job opportunities and a strong alumni network in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Highlights

• Top-ranked programs
• High acceptance rate
• High retention rate
• Strong graduation rate

Know Before You Apply

• High student-to-faculty ratio