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2023 Best Online Colleges in Texas

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 5/5/2023

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Online colleges in Texas include a variety of public and private institutions of all sizes that grant bachelor's degrees. Anyone considering going to college in Texas might research online programs for the flexibility and convenience they offer, which helps many students balance school with work and other responsibilities. The state's online degree options include a wide range of majors, including the most popular study subjects in the U.S.: business, health professions, social sciences, and psychology. Some of these majors can serve as foundations for some of the highest-paying jobs for college graduates, which often require graduate degrees.

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.

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2023 Best Online Colleges in Texas

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 The University of Texas Permian Basin 73 73 $47,722
# 2 #2 Texas Tech University 70 $44,056
# 3 #3 University of Houston - Downtown 59 $40,749
# 4 #4 University of North Texas 59 $37,899
# 5 #5 Lamar University 58 $47,003
# 6 #6 Texas A&M University - Commerce 57 $37,745
# 7 #7 Texas Woman's University 55 $44,224
# 8 #8 Sam Houston State University 54 $37,865
# 9 #9 Stephen F. Austin State University 53 $35,938
# 10 #10 Tarleton State University 50 $40,218

#1 The University of Texas Permian Basin

  • Salary Score: 73
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,722
  • Locations: Odessa
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is a public institution that offers more than a dozen fully online bachelor's degrees. These include distance versions of some of UTPB's most popular programs, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. The university accepts 88% of bachelor's degree applicants, 51% of whom finish their degree program.

UTPB uses the Canvas learning management system (LMS) to host online courses. The federal government designates this university as a Hispanic-serving institution, with Hispanic or Latinx students composing more than half of the student population. Fifty-five percent of enrollees study full time and 45% study part time.

#2 Texas Tech University

  • Salary Score: 70
  • Median Starting Salary: $44,056
  • Locations: Lubbock
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Texas Tech University (TTU), a public school, features nearly two dozen online bachelor's degrees. The program with the highest enrollment is the Bachelor of General Studies, which allows students to customize a major using three focus areas. Other popular choices are the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management and the Bachelor of Science in Education. The university has a 70% acceptance rate and a 62% graduation rate for bachelor's degree students.

TTU's online learners sign in to the Blackboard LMS to complete coursework. This is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution: 29% of students have Hispanic or Latinx backgrounds. TTU has a relatively small percentage of part-time students at 11%.

#3 University of Houston - Downtown

  • Salary Score: 59
  • Median Starting Salary: $40,749
  • Locations: Houston
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a public university with a large variety of online bachelor's degree programs. Some of its most popular degrees are available to distance learners, including the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice, and the Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The school accepts 93% of bachelor's candidates and graduates 43% of them with a degree.

UHD hosts online courses on the Blackboard LMS but plans to transition to Canvas in 2024. Fifty-five percent of students identify as Hispanic or Latinx people at this federally recognized Hispanic-serving institution. The population is evenly split between full-time and part-time enrollees.

#4 University of North Texas

  • Salary Score: 59
  • Median Starting Salary: $37,899
  • Locations: Denton
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The public University of North Texas (UNT) offers several online bachelor's degrees, including programs in some of the university's most popular majors. Two multidisciplinary degrees have especially high enrollments: the Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies and the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, both of which encourage students to design a unique study program. The university has an 84% acceptance rate for bachelor's candidates, along with a 60% graduation rate.

Online students complete coursework in the Canvas digital learning platform. UNT is a designated Hispanic-serving institution with a population consisting of 27% Hispanic or Latinx students. Eighty percent of the student body studies full time.

#5 Lamar University

  • Salary Score: 58
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,003
  • Locations: Beaumont
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Lamar University is a public institution offering several online bachelor's degree programs, mainly in business-related majors. These include a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. But the school's most popular bachelor's degree is the RN-to-BSN program for current registered nurses, which is also available online. The university has an 83% acceptance rate and a 37% graduation rate for bachelor's degree programs.

Lamar uses the Blackboard LMS to deliver online course materials, assignments, and interactive modules. In all, 57% of Lamar students take a full-time course schedule.

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Higher Education in Texas

Second only to California in terms of population and economic strength, Texas is home to just over 30 million residents driving the second highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the country. College education is highly valued in the Lone Star State, where 31.5% of Texans have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

Texas is famous for doing everything in a big way, so it's no surprise that the state government runs six separate university systems as well as nearly 50 public community colleges with more than 110 campuses. Below are some higher education options for public institutions.

Of course, there are many private universities of all sizes in the state, too. These include Baylor University, Rice University, LeTourneau University, and Lubbock Christian University. Texas is also home to nine historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), such as Paul Quinn College and Prairie View A&M University

Between public and private schools, about 1.5 million people are projected to be enrolled in Texas institutions of higher education as of 2023.

Online Colleges in Texas

Distance learning has become more and more popular over the past 20 years or so. Many colleges in Texas and across the country offer online courses and online degree programs. The methodology used to rank our list of the best online colleges in Texas is based on bachelor's degrees. However, you can also earn master's degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates, and a variety of other options at online universities in Texas. 

Many degree programs can be completed entirely online. Some online courses in these programs are asynchronous, which means that you can log in to complete your assignments at any time. On the other hand, some courses may be synchronous. These will require you to stream live classes at specified times so you can participate in lectures and other online learning activities with your classmates. 

In some cases, degree programs are hybrid. For these programs, you'll complete most of your coursework online but you'll need to attend some on-campus classes or events. 

Most colleges across the U.S. have similar admissions requirements for their on-campus and online programs. When submitting an application, you'll typically need to send high school and college transcripts and possibly an application fee. At the more competitive schools, you may need to show that you maintained a 2.5 or higher GPA in high school. Along with your application, you may also need to send college entrance exam scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and resumes.

An online bachelor's degree in Texas usually takes four to five years for full-time students to complete. Part-time students may need five to six years. Earning an online master's degree may take two years for full-time students or longer for part-time learners.

If you're eager to earn your degree more quickly, you may be interested in an accelerated online program. Some online Texas schools feature condensed terms of seven or eight weeks so you can complete courses year-round and graduate faster.

Before applying to any school, check its accreditation status to make sure you're attending a high-quality online degree program. Enrollment in an accredited college may determine your eligibility for financial aid, your ability to transfer credits among schools, your acceptance into a graduate program, or your qualifications for obtaining a credential or license to practice a specific profession.

All of the Texas online colleges featured on our rankings list are accredited, most likely by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), both of which are approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Online degree programs appeal to many students, mainly because of their flexibility and convenience. Graduate students often choose online master's and doctoral programs so they can earn a graduate degree without disrupting their lives. Some of the more popular online master's programs include business administration, healthcare administration, civil engineering, social work, and accounting.

When it comes to bachelor's degrees, online Texas colleges offer even more possibilities. You can select among the full range of majors such as computer engineering, early childhood education, and criminal justice. However, the most popular bachelor's degree in this state is in business, followed by liberal arts subjects. Many of these undergraduate degrees can be earned through online colleges in Texas:

Business

Business programs help students understand how commerce works and develop the skills they need to be managers in all types of business organizations and industries. You can focus on a particular aspect of business with a degree in a subject like finance, accounting, or human resources, or you can opt for a broad overview of business management.

Humanities

Humanities programs teach students to explore and analyze the factors that have shaped history and influenced modern culture. Some of the specific bachelor's degrees available within humanities include art history, English, and philosophy.

Healthcare

Healthcare programs train students to work in the medical field in different capacities. For example, nursing programs prepare you to work with patients in medical settings, while health sciences and healthcare administration degrees give you the skills to work behind the scenes in medical facilities. 

In addition to completing all of the required courses, you may also need to complete internships, externships, labs, and various types of fieldwork to earn your degree. In the online environment, you'll usually complete these learning activities at professional facilities near your home. For example, if you're enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program, you may be able to accumulate your clinical hours at a nearby hospital.

Cost of Online Colleges in Texas

As shown in the table below using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the cost of earning a college degree at a public university in Texas is about the same as the national average. Tuition fees at private colleges, however, tend to run higher than average. 

Before applying to online colleges in Texas, be sure to research individual costs carefully. Tuition fees can vary within the same school or university system, depending on the degree, the delivery mode, and your residency status. Online learners may also have to pay extra technology fees.

Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021)
Texas United States
Two-year College
(In-state)
$2,828 $3,501
Two-year College
(Out-of-state)
$7,764 $8,256
Public Four-year College
(In-state)
$8,016 $9,375
Public Four-year College
(Out-of-state)
$25,471 $27,091
Private $37,450 $32,825

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021)

Two-year College (In-state)

Texas: $2,828

United States: $3,501

Two-year College (Out-of-state)

Texas: $7,764

United States: $8,256

Public Four-year College (In-state)

Texas: $8,016

United States: $9,375

Public Four-year College (Out-of-state)

Texas: $25,471

United States: $27,091

Private

Texas:$37,450

United States:$32,825

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Selecting one of the more affordable public schools is an obvious way to save money on college, but there are other ways to minimize expenses. For instance, you could consider attending a Texas college where the online tuition fees are lower than the on-campus fees for in-state residents. By getting your degree through distance learning, you'll also avoid the cost of college room and board and reduce transportation expenses.

Another way to decrease the total cost of your college education is to enroll in one of Texas's many online community colleges. Your career aspirations may mean that you need only an associate degree or vocational certificate from a community college or technical school. Or, you could complete 45-60 credit hours of general education courses at a more affordable community college and then transfer to a bachelor's degree program at the four-year university of your choice.

If you're willing to attend an online college in another state, be sure to explore our guides to the most affordable bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

Financial Aid for Students in Texas

Perhaps the most effective way to reduce your college expenses is to obtain grants and scholarships. Unlike student loans, these types of financial aid generally don't have to be repaid. However, student loans — especially lower-interest federal student loans — can also be a useful tool in helping you pay for college. Just be sure to review the repayment terms thoroughly before accepting one.

All students should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and school-sponsored financial assistance, such as the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG). By submitting this form, you'll also be considered for grants and other financial aid programs paid for by the state of Texas to help students cover college expenses. These awards include the following:

Like many states, Texas also offers a number of Promise programs. These programs are designed to make up the difference between the money you receive from other financial aid sources and the total cost of tuition, books, and other expenses. Students generally need to have a family income less than $65,000 to qualify, but the eligibility requirements vary across the 10 programs in the state. Students also need to be attending a qualifying school, such as one of the five schools in the Alamo Community College District or Texas State University, to receive one of these awards. 

If you are an active-duty military member or veteran, you and your family members may be entitled to education benefits through the GI Bill®. You may also be eligible for tuition discounts and other services at the online Texas colleges, such as Texas Tech University, that are military-friendly Yellow Ribbon schools.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Job Outlook for Texas College Graduates

Texas has led the nation in terms of an economic resurgence since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to the total 13.7 million jobs in the state, Texas recently confirmed 23 new project locations that are expected to create $1.23 billion in capital investment and more than 900 new jobs. State economists project continued growth in the service sector, which includes professional and business services, education, healthcare, hospitality, and food services. They also predict steady growth in the wholesale and retail trade.

Such a bright outlook means plenty of employment opportunities for college graduates in Texas. Some of the state's top employers include Amazon, Facebook, Capital One, AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, ExxonMobil, and JP Morgan Chase.

Given all this, we've identified several popular occupations in Texas that are predicted to grow faster than the 5% national average. These jobs require only a bachelor's degree. Salary data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Elementary School Teacher

Annual Median Salary:  $59,790
Job Growth Rate: 13.2%

Elementary school teachers work with children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teachers create lesson plans, share information with students and parents, assess each child's progress, and provide feedback. After earning a bachelor's degree, teachers need to obtain a state-issued teaching credential to work.

General and Operations Manager

Annual Median Salary:  $110,150
Job Growth Rate: 23.3%

Working within larger departments and business organizations, general and operations managers typically oversee the day-to-day operations, monitor budgets, plan for the use of resources and supplies, and create project and work schedules.

Registered Nurse

Annual Median Salary:  $84,320
Job Growth Rate: 17.1%

Among their many responsibilities, registered nurses (RNs) work directly with patients to determine their health status and needs, document relevant information, and communicate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a plan of care. RNs typically find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Software Developer

Annual Median Salary:  $117,440
Job Growth Rate: 26.2%

Software developers usually work with quality assurance analysts and testers to create software programs. Once they understand the users' needs, developers can design and produce appropriate software programs.


In general, salaries in Texas are comparable to the national mean of $61,900. For example, the mean annual salary for the Dallas-Fort Worth area is $61,160, for Houston $60,560, for Austin and Round Rock $63,890, and for San Antonio $54,060. However, the cost of living index for Texas is 94.2 — somewhat lower than the national index of 100 — which may help extend those salaries a bit further.

FAQs About Online Colleges in Texas

Can You Get a Degree in Texas Totally Online?


Yes, you can get a degree in Texas totally online. The Texas online colleges listed on this page are just some of the many colleges offering fully online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as diplomas and certificates.

Does Texas Have Good Online Colleges?


Many accredited online colleges in Texas — both public and private — are well-respected in academia. For example, Trinity International University and the University of Houston offer many online bachelor's degrees. Also, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, and Rice University all offer a range of online graduate degrees.

Are There Any Free Colleges in Texas?


Although there are not any tuition-free colleges in Texas, some students who can demonstrate financial need may qualify for enough financial aid — grants, scholarships, and student loans plus an additional Promise grant — to cover the full cost of a college education. The Alamo Community College District, for example, provides one of the most comprehensive Promise programs available, and it offers fully online degrees.

Are Online Colleges Worth It in Texas?


Yes, for many Texans, earning an online degree is well worth the investment of money, time, and effort. According to data from the BLS, getting a college education typically translates into higher lifetime earnings and less unemployment for most graduates. Pursuing a degree through distance education may make it more convenient and more affordable.

Higher Education in Texas

Second only to California in terms of population and economic strength, Texas is home to just over 30 million residents driving the second highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the country. College education is highly valued in the Lone Star State, where 31.5% of Texans have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

Texas is famous for doing everything in a big way, so it's no surprise that the state government runs six separate university systems as well as nearly 50 public community colleges with more than 110 campuses. Below are some higher education options for public institutions.

Of course, there are many private universities of all sizes in the state, too. These include Baylor University, Rice University, LeTourneau University, and Lubbock Christian University. Texas is also home to nine historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), such as Paul Quinn College and Prairie View A&M University

Between public and private schools, about 1.5 million people are projected to be enrolled in Texas institutions of higher education as of 2023.

Online Colleges in Texas

Distance learning has become more and more popular over the past 20 years or so. Many colleges in Texas and across the country offer online courses and online degree programs. The methodology used to rank our list of the best online colleges in Texas is based on bachelor's degrees. However, you can also earn master's degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates, and a variety of other options at online universities in Texas. 

Many degree programs can be completed entirely online. Some online courses in these programs are asynchronous, which means that you can log in to complete your assignments at any time. On the other hand, some courses may be synchronous. These will require you to stream live classes at specified times so you can participate in lectures and other online learning activities with your classmates. 

In some cases, degree programs are hybrid. For these programs, you'll complete most of your coursework online but you'll need to attend some on-campus classes or events. 

Most colleges across the U.S. have similar admissions requirements for their on-campus and online programs. When submitting an application, you'll typically need to send high school and college transcripts and possibly an application fee. At the more competitive schools, you may need to show that you maintained a 2.5 or higher GPA in high school. Along with your application, you may also need to send college entrance exam scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and resumes.

An online bachelor's degree in Texas usually takes four to five years for full-time students to complete. Part-time students may need five to six years. Earning an online master's degree may take two years for full-time students or longer for part-time learners.

If you're eager to earn your degree more quickly, you may be interested in an accelerated online program. Some online Texas schools feature condensed terms of seven or eight weeks so you can complete courses year-round and graduate faster.

Before applying to any school, check its accreditation status to make sure you're attending a high-quality online degree program. Enrollment in an accredited college may determine your eligibility for financial aid, your ability to transfer credits among schools, your acceptance into a graduate program, or your qualifications for obtaining a credential or license to practice a specific profession.

All of the Texas online colleges featured on our rankings list are accredited, most likely by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), both of which are approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Online degree programs appeal to many students, mainly because of their flexibility and convenience. Graduate students often choose online master's and doctoral programs so they can earn a graduate degree without disrupting their lives. Some of the more popular online master's programs include business administration, healthcare administration, civil engineering, social work, and accounting.

When it comes to bachelor's degrees, online Texas colleges offer even more possibilities. You can select among the full range of majors such as computer engineering, early childhood education, and criminal justice. However, the most popular bachelor's degree in this state is in business, followed by liberal arts subjects. Many of these undergraduate degrees can be earned through online colleges in Texas:

Business

Business programs help students understand how commerce works and develop the skills they need to be managers in all types of business organizations and industries. You can focus on a particular aspect of business with a degree in a subject like finance, accounting, or human resources, or you can opt for a broad overview of business management.

Humanities

Humanities programs teach students to explore and analyze the factors that have shaped history and influenced modern culture. Some of the specific bachelor's degrees available within humanities include art history, English, and philosophy.

Healthcare

Healthcare programs train students to work in the medical field in different capacities. For example, nursing programs prepare you to work with patients in medical settings, while health sciences and healthcare administration degrees give you the skills to work behind the scenes in medical facilities. 

In addition to completing all of the required courses, you may also need to complete internships, externships, labs, and various types of fieldwork to earn your degree. In the online environment, you'll usually complete these learning activities at professional facilities near your home. For example, if you're enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program, you may be able to accumulate your clinical hours at a nearby hospital.

Cost of Online Colleges in Texas

As shown in the table below using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the cost of earning a college degree at a public university in Texas is about the same as the national average. Tuition fees at private colleges, however, tend to run higher than average. 

Before applying to online colleges in Texas, be sure to research individual costs carefully. Tuition fees can vary within the same school or university system, depending on the degree, the delivery mode, and your residency status. Online learners may also have to pay extra technology fees.

Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021)
Texas United States
Two-year College
(In-state)
$2,828 $3,501
Two-year College
(Out-of-state)
$7,764 $8,256
Public Four-year College
(In-state)
$8,016 $9,375
Public Four-year College
(Out-of-state)
$25,471 $27,091
Private $37,450 $32,825

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021)

Two-year College (In-state)

Texas: $2,828

United States: $3,501

Two-year College (Out-of-state)

Texas: $7,764

United States: $8,256

Public Four-year College (In-state)

Texas: $8,016

United States: $9,375

Public Four-year College (Out-of-state)

Texas: $25,471

United States: $27,091

Private

Texas:$37,450

United States:$32,825

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Selecting one of the more affordable public schools is an obvious way to save money on college, but there are other ways to minimize expenses. For instance, you could consider attending a Texas college where the online tuition fees are lower than the on-campus fees for in-state residents. By getting your degree through distance learning, you'll also avoid the cost of college room and board and reduce transportation expenses.

Another way to decrease the total cost of your college education is to enroll in one of Texas's many online community colleges. Your career aspirations may mean that you need only an associate degree or vocational certificate from a community college or technical school. Or, you could complete 45-60 credit hours of general education courses at a more affordable community college and then transfer to a bachelor's degree program at the four-year university of your choice.

If you're willing to attend an online college in another state, be sure to explore our guides to the most affordable bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

Financial Aid for Students in Texas

Perhaps the most effective way to reduce your college expenses is to obtain grants and scholarships. Unlike student loans, these types of financial aid generally don't have to be repaid. However, student loans — especially lower-interest federal student loans — can also be a useful tool in helping you pay for college. Just be sure to review the repayment terms thoroughly before accepting one.

All students should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and school-sponsored financial assistance, such as the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG). By submitting this form, you'll also be considered for grants and other financial aid programs paid for by the state of Texas to help students cover college expenses. These awards include the following:

Like many states, Texas also offers a number of Promise programs. These programs are designed to make up the difference between the money you receive from other financial aid sources and the total cost of tuition, books, and other expenses. Students generally need to have a family income less than $65,000 to qualify, but the eligibility requirements vary across the 10 programs in the state. Students also need to be attending a qualifying school, such as one of the five schools in the Alamo Community College District or Texas State University, to receive one of these awards. 

If you are an active-duty military member or veteran, you and your family members may be entitled to education benefits through the GI Bill®. You may also be eligible for tuition discounts and other services at the online Texas colleges, such as Texas Tech University, that are military-friendly Yellow Ribbon schools.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Job Outlook for Texas College Graduates

Texas has led the nation in terms of an economic resurgence since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to the total 13.7 million jobs in the state, Texas recently confirmed 23 new project locations that are expected to create $1.23 billion in capital investment and more than 900 new jobs. State economists project continued growth in the service sector, which includes professional and business services, education, healthcare, hospitality, and food services. They also predict steady growth in the wholesale and retail trade.

Such a bright outlook means plenty of employment opportunities for college graduates in Texas. Some of the state's top employers include Amazon, Facebook, Capital One, AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, ExxonMobil, and JP Morgan Chase.

Given all this, we've identified several popular occupations in Texas that are predicted to grow faster than the 5% national average. These jobs require only a bachelor's degree. Salary data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Elementary School Teacher

Annual Median Salary:  $59,790
Job Growth Rate: 13.2%

Elementary school teachers work with children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teachers create lesson plans, share information with students and parents, assess each child's progress, and provide feedback. After earning a bachelor's degree, teachers need to obtain a state-issued teaching credential to work.

General and Operations Manager

Annual Median Salary:  $110,150
Job Growth Rate: 23.3%

Working within larger departments and business organizations, general and operations managers typically oversee the day-to-day operations, monitor budgets, plan for the use of resources and supplies, and create project and work schedules.

Registered Nurse

Annual Median Salary:  $84,320
Job Growth Rate: 17.1%

Among their many responsibilities, registered nurses (RNs) work directly with patients to determine their health status and needs, document relevant information, and communicate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a plan of care. RNs typically find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Software Developer

Annual Median Salary:  $117,440
Job Growth Rate: 26.2%

Software developers usually work with quality assurance analysts and testers to create software programs. Once they understand the users' needs, developers can design and produce appropriate software programs.


In general, salaries in Texas are comparable to the national mean of $61,900. For example, the mean annual salary for the Dallas-Fort Worth area is $61,160, for Houston $60,560, for Austin and Round Rock $63,890, and for San Antonio $54,060. However, the cost of living index for Texas is 94.2 — somewhat lower than the national index of 100 — which may help extend those salaries a bit further.

FAQs About Online Colleges in Texas

Can You Get a Degree in Texas Totally Online?


Yes, you can get a degree in Texas totally online. The Texas online colleges listed on this page are just some of the many colleges offering fully online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as diplomas and certificates.

Does Texas Have Good Online Colleges?


Many accredited online colleges in Texas — both public and private — are well-respected in academia. For example, Trinity International University and the University of Houston offer many online bachelor's degrees. Also, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, and Rice University all offer a range of online graduate degrees.

Are There Any Free Colleges in Texas?


Although there are not any tuition-free colleges in Texas, some students who can demonstrate financial need may qualify for enough financial aid — grants, scholarships, and student loans plus an additional Promise grant — to cover the full cost of a college education. The Alamo Community College District, for example, provides one of the most comprehensive Promise programs available, and it offers fully online degrees.

Are Online Colleges Worth It in Texas?


Yes, for many Texans, earning an online degree is well worth the investment of money, time, and effort. According to data from the BLS, getting a college education typically translates into higher lifetime earnings and less unemployment for most graduates. Pursuing a degree through distance education may make it more convenient and more affordable.

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