Best Online Colleges in Texas of 2025
Texas is home to many great colleges and universities. Discover the Lone Star State’s best online colleges of 2025.
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Texas is home to many great institutions of higher learning like the University of Texas System, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, and Texas Tech University.
These colleges offer diverse learning opportunities that include online programs. Learning online offers the flexibility to continue your busy adult life while you earn your degree.
Explore our list of the top online colleges in Texas. Then, learn about accreditation, tuition costs, and fast-growing careers in the Lone Star State.
Best Online Colleges in Texas
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,443
$36,637
63%
40%
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M University is one of the state's biggest flagship schools and has one of the largest selections of online master's degree programs in the state, including programs in business, agriculture, architecture, nursing, law, and engineering. The university has five bachelor's, 48 master's, and five doctoral degree programs available online.
If you're in the military, a veteran, or military-affiliated, check your benefits and support through the Veteran Resource Center. If you ever need mental health resources, reach out to the school's counseling and psychological services.
The school provides accessible career advice resources through its online Career Center, as well as writing assistance with its Writing Center.
Pros
- 84% graduation rate
- 77% of students awarded financial aid
- Many student support resources
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-faculty ratio
$6,885
$19,593
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
$8,443
$36,637
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,443
$36,637
63%
40%
$6,885
$19,593
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M University is one of the state's biggest flagship schools and has one of the largest selections of online master's degree programs in the state, including programs in business, agriculture, architecture, nursing, law, and engineering. The university has five bachelor's, 48 master's, and five doctoral degree programs available online.
If you're in the military, a veteran, or military-affiliated, check your benefits and support through the Veteran Resource Center. If you ever need mental health resources, reach out to the school's counseling and psychological services.
The school provides accessible career advice resources through its online Career Center, as well as writing assistance with its Writing Center.
Pros
- 84% graduation rate
- 77% of students awarded financial aid
- Many student support resources
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-faculty ratio
University of North Texas
Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,404
$21,004
72%
65%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Texas has some of the best online student resources to ensure your success and make you feel valued. As an online student, you can join the First Flight Welcome Week and participate in online student appreciation week throughout your experience.
The university has over 30 bachelor's and master's degree programs combined in education, business, health services, marketing, and supply chain management. You can also choose to take microcredential courses and online certification and certificate courses.
Once you graduate, you may be eligible to receive an honor cord for an online student experience. Students can even participate in online homecoming and student organizations. The university also has mental health resources, career services, and coaching.
Pros
- 60% graduation rate
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- Lots of resources and events for online students
Cons
- 23-to-1 student-faculty ratio
$6,350
$13,694
77%
47,507
Public
Yes
$8,404
$21,004
Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,404
$21,004
72%
65%
$6,350
$13,694
77%
47,507
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Texas has some of the best online student resources to ensure your success and make you feel valued. As an online student, you can join the First Flight Welcome Week and participate in online student appreciation week throughout your experience.
The university has over 30 bachelor's and master's degree programs combined in education, business, health services, marketing, and supply chain management. You can also choose to take microcredential courses and online certification and certificate courses.
Once you graduate, you may be eligible to receive an honor cord for an online student experience. Students can even participate in online homecoming and student organizations. The university also has mental health resources, career services, and coaching.
Pros
- 60% graduation rate
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- Lots of resources and events for online students
Cons
- 23-to-1 student-faculty ratio
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$33,670
$33,670
49%
58%
Why We Chose This School
If you're looking for an intimate feel with a low student-to-faculty ratio, LeTourneau University may be the school for you. This private Christian polytechnic university offers a small selection of online degrees, specializing in aviation, theology and Christian ministry, computer science, and bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration.
The university also has start dates throughout the year, not just fall and spring. As a student, you can access a career services center, online chapel services, a counseling center, and study abroad opportunities. As an online student, you can attend any YellowJackets game at home or away.
Pros
- 61% graduation rate
- 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- 99% of students awarded financial aid
- 15 bachelor's degrees
Cons
- Only three master's programs
$16,875
$16,875
76%
3,536
Private
Yes
$33,670
$33,670
Longview, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$33,670
$33,670
49%
58%
$16,875
$16,875
76%
3,536
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
If you're looking for an intimate feel with a low student-to-faculty ratio, LeTourneau University may be the school for you. This private Christian polytechnic university offers a small selection of online degrees, specializing in aviation, theology and Christian ministry, computer science, and bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration.
The university also has start dates throughout the year, not just fall and spring. As a student, you can access a career services center, online chapel services, a counseling center, and study abroad opportunities. As an online student, you can attend any YellowJackets game at home or away.
Pros
- 61% graduation rate
- 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- 99% of students awarded financial aid
- 15 bachelor's degrees
Cons
- Only three master's programs
Why You Should Get a Degree in Texas
Increase your income: Those with bachelor’s degrees earn 1.2 million more in a lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma.- Face lower unemployment rates: With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll see lower unemployment rates than those without one.
- Lengthen your lifespan: Research shows that those with a college education live around seven years longer than those with just a high school diploma.
- Access state benefits: Several Texas-based colleges and universities offer free tuition to students in financial need.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
- 83% of online college students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
- 97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
- Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Texas?
As a college student in Texas, you can expect to pay $8,195 in tuition and fees at a public, in-state institution, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
However, out-of-state students paid an average of $24,743, significantly more than in-state students. And at a private college, you may pay around $40,000 in tuition.
Apply for financial aid to offset some of these costs. Financial aid includes grants and scholarships, as well as student loans. You can get federal financial aid by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
Public, In-State
$8,195
Public, Out-of-State
$24,743
Private
$40,142
Source: NCES
Find Financial Aid for Your Degree
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Texas
What makes college accreditation so important? Accreditation ensures the school you’re applying to is legitimate and will provide a high-quality education.
Accredited schools can provide financial aid and let you transfer credits you’ve earned at previous colleges.
Legitimate accrediting agencies have been recognized by one of two organizations: the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits colleges and universities in Texas.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Texas
Many industries in Texas are seeing significant growth.
In healthcare, registered nurses receive around $90,214 annually, per Texas Career Check. This role is projected to grow 6% over the next ten years, faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Software developers in the tech industry earn around $131,450 each year. The BLS projects this role will grow 17% by 2033.
Managers in healthcare, finance, and business operations are seeing wages between $120,202 and $170,972.
| Job | Annual Salary | Projected TX Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $122,654.00 | 44,419 |
| Software Developers | $125,885.00 | 12,350 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $54,546.00 | 30,182 |
| Registered Nurses | $90,214.00 | 16,904 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $88,817.00 | 11,834 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $120,202.00 | 6,080 |
| Financial Managers | $170,972.00 | 6,357 |
| Project Management Specialists | $97,681.00 | 9,003 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $169,896.00 | 5,781 |
| Sales Representatives | $74,250.00 | 11,871 |
Learn More About Jobs in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Texas
Yes, some Texas colleges host free tuition programs for incoming students. These programs tend to target low-income families.
One example is the University of Texas (UT) System, which offers free tuition to all UT schools through its Promise Plus program.
Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, and Texas A&M University all cover tuition for students in financial need. All of these schools offer high quality online programs.
Explore More College Resources
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Updated February 5, 2025
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Public colleges in Texas offer a vibrant culture and lower-than-average cost of living — and there are over 30 schools for you to choose from.
by James Mielke
Updated October 11, 2023
Private Colleges in Texas: Full List of Schools
Considering earning a degree in Texas? Learn more about private colleges in Texas and the highest-paying careers in the Lone Star State.
Updated October 11, 2023
Other General Resources
General
careers