A college degree is key to success for many Americans, as many jobs require more than just a high school diploma. Higher education can create a serious financial investment, making affordability a key consideration for most students.
Texas ranks 12th in the country for affordable tuition and fees at public universities. Many of these schools provide financial aid and savings programs to help with the cost of education. We've ranked the best online colleges in Texas based on academic quality, affordability, and online resources. Explore the Lone Star State's top schools in this in-depth guide.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Texas
Price Check
Texas ranks 12th in the country for affordable public university tuition, with an average annual tuition of $8,195 for the 2022-2023 school year. Many colleges on this list also have in-state tuition well below the national average.
9 Fast-Growing Jobs in Texas
The fastest-growing jobs in Texas include engineering, healthcare, and data science. Demand for electronics engineers is high due to technological advances and the need for skills and expertise in complex electronic systems.
| Job | Projected Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Mean Wage in TX (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 7% | $126,770 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 1% | $70,910 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 4% | $184,430 |
| Industrial Engineers | 11% | $112,250 |
| Biological Technicians | 3% | $49,850 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | 6% | $102,870 |
| Software Developers | 15% | $133,280 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 35% | $130,930 |
| Data Scientists | 34% | $114,800 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Texas's Job Market
Choosing the right major is crucial. An in-demand major can help you land a job in popular fields in Texas, such as electronics engineering, software development, and nursing.
Electrical Engineering
Online electrical engineering programs offer a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on experience. This major can prepare you to pursue some of Texas's fastest-growing jobs, including high-paying roles like electronics engineer and architectural and engineering manager.Finance
A finance degree can equip you with crucial skills for fast-growing and high-paying roles in Texas, such as financial and investment analysts. These skills include analytical, financial modeling, communication, and data analysis abilities.Computer Science
A computer science degree provides key skills for software development and data scientist careers. You can build a strong foundation in programming languages and methods crucial for creating and maintaining software applications. These programs also develop problem-solving and analytical skills.Nursing
Pursuing a nursing major is typically necessary for a master of science in nursing, which opens the door to becoming a nurse practitioner — one of the fastest-growing jobs in Texas.
What Is the Cost of College in Texas?
Students can find many affordable online colleges in Texas. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students was $8,195 annually as of 2023 — around 19% lower than the national average. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees reached $24,743 but remained below the national average.
As of 2024, almost half (49%) of Texas college students finish without debt, according to the Texas Public Higher Education Almanacs. Online students can explore financial aid options, qualifying for the same grants and scholarships as their on-campus peers.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in TX | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,195 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $24,743 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $40,142 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Texas
Various sources of financial aid can cut the cost of college tuition in Texas. Scholarships are usually merit-based and do not require repayment. Grants, on the other hand, help students with financial need. The following section covers some notable scholarships available in Texas. Application deadlines may vary.
Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation
This foundation offers interest-free loans to U.S. citizens or Texas residents who graduated from Texas high schools. Applicants must be full-time students at accredited Texas colleges who plan to pursue bachelor's degrees. Eligibility includes the top 10% class rank or minimum SAT/ACT scores. Apply by Feb. 28.
Don't Mess with Texas
This scholarship, open to all Texas high school seniors planning to attend accredited Texas colleges, honors students who lead community litter prevention efforts. Applicants must submit essays on innovative solutions to litter issues. Two scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded. Apply by April 1.
SOAR Texas
This scholarship and mentoring program awards "First Females" — young women who are the first in their families to seek higher education or face challenges. Up to 20 students receive a $5,000 scholarship for one year. Apply by March 10.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Texas
Tuition reciprocity lets you attend colleges in participating states at reduced rates, often matching in-state tuition. These reduced rates can help you save money on your education as an out-of-state student. States that permit Texas residents to access reduced tuition are Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Texas
Texas has 126 four-year nonprofit colleges and universities. This total includes 61 public institutions, like Galveston College, Lamar University, and Odessa College. There are also 65 private nonprofit colleges, such as Arlington Baptist University, Concordia University Texas, and Rice University.
