Although many factors contribute to a prospective student's college decision, cost is often one of the most significant. Lower tuition rates make college accessible for a greater number of students and may result in less student debt after graduation. This is why we've created a ranked list of the most affordable online colleges in Texas alongside data-driven pros and cons that look at a range of factors important to student success. Students can combine this information with our ranked list of the best online colleges by salary in Texas and best online colleges by program to consider more options.
Midwestern State University offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state ($6,187) and out-of-state ($8,137) students.
This school may be an accessible option for students, with an acceptance rate of 81%.
While all ranked schools perform well in terms of the percent of alumni working one year after college, Midwestern State is among the highest at 97%.
Cons:
Midwestern State's Salary Score of 43 is the lowest of the ranked colleges in Texas, meaning alumni of a given program tend to earn less than graduates of the same programs at other schools.
This university has a graduation rate of 42%, which is lower than the median of all U.S. colleges (54%).
University of Houston-Victoria offers one of the most affordable in-state tuition rates to its online students.
University of Houston-Victoria's Salary Score is 56, meaning that alumni of a given program tend to earn more compared to graduates from the same programs across colleges.
Students of this university tend to graduate with less debt compared to other U.S. colleges, with a median debt of $20,167 per student.
Cons:
UHV has a low graduation rate of 19% compared to the median of 54% across all schools.
Out-of-state online students pay nearly three times what in-state online students pay, so this school may be less affordable for nonresident students.
Texas A&M University - Commerce has one of the lowest tuition rates for in-state students pursuing online programs.
Texas A&M University-Commerce has a Salary Score of 55, meaning that graduates of a given program tend to earn more than graduates of the same programs at other schools.
Students tend to graduate with less debt compared to other U.S. colleges, with a median debt of $21,259 per student.
Cons:
Texas A&M University-Commerce has a graduation rate of 40%, which is below the median of 54% across U.S. colleges.
Out-of-state online students pay nearly three times what in-state online students pay, making this school less accessible for some students.
Texas Woman's University has a Salary Score of 57, meaning that alumni of a given program tend to earn more than graduates of the same programs at other schools.
Graduates of Texas Woman's University tend to have less student debt than graduates from other U.S. colleges, with a median debt of $21,231 per student.
This university accepts 86% of applicants, making it an accessible option for many students.
Cons:
The school's out-of-state annual tuition fees ($19,191) are nearly three times the in-state fees ($6,921), making it a less affordable option for some students.
Texas Woman's University has a graduation rate of 43%, which is below the national median of 54%.
This university charges the same annual tuition rate ($8,190) for all students, so out-of-state residents do not have to pay a higher rate as required at some schools.
Lamar University's Salary Score is 63, meaning that alumni of a given program tend to earn more than graduates of the same programs at other schools.
Lamar is an accessible university, accepting 82% of applicants.
Cons:
Online student reviews average 2.93 out of 5 and only 50% of online students would recommend this school to others.
Lamar University has a graduation rate of 27%, which is below the median of 54% for all colleges in the U.S.
Texas Tech offers a relatively affordable rate to in-state online students, and has the highest Salary Score of schools with annual tuition rates below $9,000.
Texas Tech University's Salary Score is 74, meaning that alumni of a given program tend to earn more than graduates of the same programs at other schools.
This university has a graduation rate of 60%, which is higher than the median of 54% for all U.S. colleges.
Cons:
78% of students receive financial aid, compared to a median of 96% across U.S. colleges.
Out-of-state online students pay more than double what in-state online students pay, so the cost may be less accessible for nonresidents.
Tarleton State University charges the same annual tuition rate ($9,551) for all students, so out-of-state residents do not pay a higher rate as they might at some schools.
Students at this university tend to graduate with less debt compared to graduates of other U.S. colleges, with a median debt of $20,117 per student.
Cons:
Tarleton State's graduation rate is 46%, which is below the national median of 54%.
Sam Houston State's Salary Score is 53, which indicates that alumni salaries are slightly higher compared to graduates of other schools.
Graduates of Sam Houston State University tend to have less student debt than graduates from other U.S. colleges, with a median debt of $22,472 per student.
The university accepts 74% of applicants, making it an accessible choice for many students.
Cons:
Sam Houston State charges significantly higher annual tuition rates for out-of-state residents ($22,620) than for in-state residents ($10,350), so this may be a less affordable option for nonresidents.
Online programs are popular because they provide scheduling flexibility and affordability. However, online degrees aren't just convenient, they also tend to cost less than equivalent campus programs. Tuition costs can be a significant concern because accruing large amounts of student debt can affect your finances for many years.
How Much Does It Cost To Go to College Online in Texas?
According to our analysis of manually collected data, tuition rates at Texas colleges can start at around $6,000 a year, with affordable options ranging up to approximately $10,000. Tuition rates may vary based on residency, but you may still pay the lower in-state tuition rate at public colleges no matter where you live. Even schools that do not grant the in-state rate to nonresidents may offer cheaper online tuition compared to what campus students would pay.
According to our analysis of manually collected data, tuition rates at Texas colleges can start at around $6,000 a year, with affordable options ranging up to approximately $10,000.
In addition to tuition, you'll also pay administrative fees that vary by institution and possibly technology fees as an online student, though campus-specific fees may be waived. You should also factor in expenses for books and supplies when determining your budget, along with a computer and reliable internet access. However, you won't have to worry about the cost of living on or commuting to campus when attending online.
Are There Any Free Colleges in Texas?
If you are a Texas resident with financial need, you may be eligible for free tuition, though you'll still be responsible for any related fees and books. You can also combine need-based federal and state grants and scholarships if you attend a Texas school, which may add up covering the tuition cost. Relevant programs are described at College for All Texans and include the TPEG, TEXAS Grant, and the TEG.
In addition, some individual public universities offer programs that cover the total cost of online education for eligible students. For example, University of Texas at Austin students may qualify for the Texas Advance Commitment, and Texas A&M students might be eligible for Aggie Assurance. Both programs award full tuition to students whose annual income is below a certain threshold. You are automatically considered for these programs after you apply for federal or state financial aid.
Contact your college's financial aid office to determine what programs they may offer.
Financial Aid for Texas College Students
Financial aid is crucial for most students and a significant factor in making higher education more affordable. Texas ranks second in the U.S. in total student financial aid, spending an average of $1,235 on each undergraduate student. In addition, 28.3% of undergraduates receive federal student loans. You can determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, or low-interest federal student loans with flexible repayment options by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have undocumented immigration status, you aren't eligible for federal aid, but you can complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine eligibility for state programs.
Texas ranks second in the U.S. in total student financial aid, spending an average of $1,235 on each undergraduate student.
Most students receive more than one type of financial aid. For example, you can apply for private scholarships once federal aid amounts are determined. Military veterans often use their GI Bill® education benefits to help pay for school. Additionally, you may work for a company that offers an employer-paid tuition assistance program. As a last resort, you may rely on private loans, though be careful because interest rates can be high with few repayment options, increasing any financial burden. There are also other state-sponsored financial aid options open to Texas residents.
To find an affordable online degree program, you can compare tuition rates and additional fees across schools, along with the financial aid options available at each college. You can also review current student debt relief plans in anticipation of life after graduation.
Additional Factors To Consider
Cost is paramount, but you should explore other factors when considering online education. For example, a school's graduation and retention rates will show how likely you are to finish your program, and these numbers can indicate how much support a school provides its students. In Texas, the median retention rate for four-year public universities in Texas is 79%, which is slightly higher than the 76% national average, but individual colleges will vary.
Accreditation is another critical factor to consider, as it means a college has been thoroughly evaluated by an approved organization and meets academic standards. In fact, at every level, from associate degrees to doctoral programs, accreditation is essential. Schools may receive institutional accreditation, and a degree may be programmatically accredited, showing its curriculum meets industry standards. You can check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify accreditation status.
Below are some additional questions you should ask yourself before enrolling.
What Are My Career Goals?
Your career goals will dictate what level of education you want to pursue and where. For instance, some occupations, such as medical assistant or HVAC technician, require a certificate of completion from a two-year college or trade school. Other professions, such as a nurse practitioner and roles in educational leadership, require a graduate degree from a four-year university.
If your goals include earning a specific salary, you can review the salary scores for your major and our scoring methodology. These scores will offer insights into the median salaries of a school's graduates and how those compare to other schools. To help you, we've ranked the best online colleges in Texas. The most affordable programs don't necessarily pay off with the best salaries, so you may find it worthwhile to enroll in a more expensive program that could lead to higher earnings in the future.
What Do I Want From College?
Some online students thrive when they have easy access to a range of services, such as library resources, counseling, and responsive academic advising, or may look for or degree completion programs or hybrid degree options that allow for on-campus interaction. Others want to work with particular faculty members who are well known in their field or may be interested in a school known for a specific program. In addition, students may be interested in enrolling in general studies or liberal arts courses. Applicants can get a feel for an online school by reading reviews from alumni, who may find the same things important.
Is Online Learning the Right Format for Me?
Online options exist across degree levels and are available at some community colleges, four-year colleges, and schools offering graduate programs. However, some students find that they aren't suited to online classes for a variety of reasons:
They work better with a structured classroom experience.
They like to ask questions of professors during live sessions.
They miss the informal networking interactions among classmates.
Depending on whether a student pursues a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, there may also be programs that are more or less suited for the online environment or come with unique considerations.
Top Online Degree Programs in Texas
We've identified the best online bachelor's degree programs in Texas. These programs include business, communications, criminal justice, nursing, and psychology. They are highly rated because they are affordable, meet Texas industry demands, and graduates earn high salaries. Therefore, you can potentially receive a good return on your investment by completing one of these online programs.
In Demand Industries in Texas
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has identified in-demand industries throughout the state and jobs within each industry cluster, with the highest projected job growth requiring a certificate or degree. It's interesting to note that many jobs are in engineering, technology, finance, and accounting.
CareerOneStop — with data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics — has identified the highest-paying careers in Texas requiring a bachelor's degree. We've included a sample from their list across professions and industries that expect to experience higher than average job change or growth:
Actuaries
Annual Median Salary: $101,140
Job Growth: 38%
Actuaries analyze statistical information, such as accidents, death, disability, and illness rates, to forecast risk and liability and future benefit payments. They work in finance, insurance, and the federal government.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Annual Median Salary: $151,260
Job Growth: 26%
Computer and information systems managers — also called IT managers — plan, coordinate, and manage an organization's computer-related activities. They may also determine an organization's computer needs and develop plans for meeting those demands.
Financial Managers
Annual Median Salary: $133,900
Job Growth: 33%
Financial managers are responsible for an organization's financial health. They develop an organization's economic plans, create reports, and manage investments.
Human Resources Managers
Annual Median Salary: $125,770
Job Growth: 22%
Human resources managers direct an organization's staffing and recruitment efforts, create and implement employee relations policies and processes, oversee administrative functions, and serve as a liaison between management and staff.
Marketing Managers
Annual Median Salary: $128,030
Job Growth: 22%
Marketing managers oversee product and service marketing policies and programs, determine demand, identify potential customers, and research competition.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Annual Median Salary: $102,110
Job Growth: 43%
Medical and health services managers work in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, and public health coordinating and managing health and medical services.
Petroleum Engineers
Annual Median Salary: $130,850
Job Growth: 27%
Petroleum engineers oversee drilling operations and develop and improve methods to extract gas and oil.
Online programs are popular because they provide scheduling flexibility and affordability. However, online degrees aren't just convenient, they also tend to cost less than equivalent campus programs. Tuition costs can be a significant concern because accruing large amounts of student debt can affect your finances for many years.
How Much Does It Cost To Go to College Online in Texas?
According to our analysis of manually collected data, tuition rates at Texas colleges can start at around $6,000 a year, with affordable options ranging up to approximately $10,000. Tuition rates may vary based on residency, but you may still pay the lower in-state tuition rate at public colleges no matter where you live. Even schools that do not grant the in-state rate to nonresidents may offer cheaper online tuition compared to what campus students would pay.
According to our analysis of manually collected data, tuition rates at Texas colleges can start at around $6,000 a year, with affordable options ranging up to approximately $10,000.
In addition to tuition, you'll also pay administrative fees that vary by institution and possibly technology fees as an online student, though campus-specific fees may be waived. You should also factor in expenses for books and supplies when determining your budget, along with a computer and reliable internet access. However, you won't have to worry about the cost of living on or commuting to campus when attending online.
Are There Any Free Colleges in Texas?
If you are a Texas resident with financial need, you may be eligible for free tuition, though you'll still be responsible for any related fees and books. You can also combine need-based federal and state grants and scholarships if you attend a Texas school, which may add up covering the tuition cost. Relevant programs are described at College for All Texans and include the TPEG, TEXAS Grant, and the TEG.
In addition, some individual public universities offer programs that cover the total cost of online education for eligible students. For example, University of Texas at Austin students may qualify for the Texas Advance Commitment, and Texas A&M students might be eligible for Aggie Assurance. Both programs award full tuition to students whose annual income is below a certain threshold. You are automatically considered for these programs after you apply for federal or state financial aid.
Contact your college's financial aid office to determine what programs they may offer.
Financial Aid for Texas College Students
Financial aid is crucial for most students and a significant factor in making higher education more affordable. Texas ranks second in the U.S. in total student financial aid, spending an average of $1,235 on each undergraduate student. In addition, 28.3% of undergraduates receive federal student loans. You can determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, or low-interest federal student loans with flexible repayment options by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have undocumented immigration status, you aren't eligible for federal aid, but you can complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine eligibility for state programs.
Texas ranks second in the U.S. in total student financial aid, spending an average of $1,235 on each undergraduate student.
Most students receive more than one type of financial aid. For example, you can apply for private scholarships once federal aid amounts are determined. Military veterans often use their GI Bill® education benefits to help pay for school. Additionally, you may work for a company that offers an employer-paid tuition assistance program. As a last resort, you may rely on private loans, though be careful because interest rates can be high with few repayment options, increasing any financial burden. There are also other state-sponsored financial aid options open to Texas residents.
To find an affordable online degree program, you can compare tuition rates and additional fees across schools, along with the financial aid options available at each college. You can also review current student debt relief plans in anticipation of life after graduation.
Additional Factors To Consider
Cost is paramount, but you should explore other factors when considering online education. For example, a school's graduation and retention rates will show how likely you are to finish your program, and these numbers can indicate how much support a school provides its students. In Texas, the median retention rate for four-year public universities in Texas is 79%, which is slightly higher than the 76% national average, but individual colleges will vary.
Accreditation is another critical factor to consider, as it means a college has been thoroughly evaluated by an approved organization and meets academic standards. In fact, at every level, from associate degrees to doctoral programs, accreditation is essential. Schools may receive institutional accreditation, and a degree may be programmatically accredited, showing its curriculum meets industry standards. You can check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify accreditation status.
Below are some additional questions you should ask yourself before enrolling.
What Are My Career Goals?
Your career goals will dictate what level of education you want to pursue and where. For instance, some occupations, such as medical assistant or HVAC technician, require a certificate of completion from a two-year college or trade school. Other professions, such as a nurse practitioner and roles in educational leadership, require a graduate degree from a four-year university.
If your goals include earning a specific salary, you can review the salary scores for your major and our scoring methodology. These scores will offer insights into the median salaries of a school's graduates and how those compare to other schools. To help you, we've ranked the best online colleges in Texas. The most affordable programs don't necessarily pay off with the best salaries, so you may find it worthwhile to enroll in a more expensive program that could lead to higher earnings in the future.
What Do I Want From College?
Some online students thrive when they have easy access to a range of services, such as library resources, counseling, and responsive academic advising, or may look for or degree completion programs or hybrid degree options that allow for on-campus interaction. Others want to work with particular faculty members who are well known in their field or may be interested in a school known for a specific program. In addition, students may be interested in enrolling in general studies or liberal arts courses. Applicants can get a feel for an online school by reading reviews from alumni, who may find the same things important.
Is Online Learning the Right Format for Me?
Online options exist across degree levels and are available at some community colleges, four-year colleges, and schools offering graduate programs. However, some students find that they aren't suited to online classes for a variety of reasons:
They work better with a structured classroom experience.
They like to ask questions of professors during live sessions.
They miss the informal networking interactions among classmates.
Depending on whether a student pursues a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, there may also be programs that are more or less suited for the online environment or come with unique considerations.
Top Online Degree Programs in Texas
We've identified the best online bachelor's degree programs in Texas. These programs include business, communications, criminal justice, nursing, and psychology. They are highly rated because they are affordable, meet Texas industry demands, and graduates earn high salaries. Therefore, you can potentially receive a good return on your investment by completing one of these online programs.
In Demand Industries in Texas
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has identified in-demand industries throughout the state and jobs within each industry cluster, with the highest projected job growth requiring a certificate or degree. It's interesting to note that many jobs are in engineering, technology, finance, and accounting.
CareerOneStop — with data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics — has identified the highest-paying careers in Texas requiring a bachelor's degree. We've included a sample from their list across professions and industries that expect to experience higher than average job change or growth:
Actuaries
Annual Median Salary: $101,140
Job Growth: 38%
Actuaries analyze statistical information, such as accidents, death, disability, and illness rates, to forecast risk and liability and future benefit payments. They work in finance, insurance, and the federal government.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Annual Median Salary: $151,260
Job Growth: 26%
Computer and information systems managers — also called IT managers — plan, coordinate, and manage an organization's computer-related activities. They may also determine an organization's computer needs and develop plans for meeting those demands.
Financial Managers
Annual Median Salary: $133,900
Job Growth: 33%
Financial managers are responsible for an organization's financial health. They develop an organization's economic plans, create reports, and manage investments.
Human Resources Managers
Annual Median Salary: $125,770
Job Growth: 22%
Human resources managers direct an organization's staffing and recruitment efforts, create and implement employee relations policies and processes, oversee administrative functions, and serve as a liaison between management and staff.
Marketing Managers
Annual Median Salary: $128,030
Job Growth: 22%
Marketing managers oversee product and service marketing policies and programs, determine demand, identify potential customers, and research competition.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Annual Median Salary: $102,110
Job Growth: 43%
Medical and health services managers work in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, and public health coordinating and managing health and medical services.
Petroleum Engineers
Annual Median Salary: $130,850
Job Growth: 27%
Petroleum engineers oversee drilling operations and develop and improve methods to extract gas and oil.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Texas
What College in Texas Has the Lowest Tuition?
The top three universities on our rankings list are among the cheapest in Texas, with annual tuition rates of about $6,000 for Texas residents pursuing undergraduate degrees. Texas community colleges average $2,270 annual tuition for residents, which is approximately $2,000 lower than the national average.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost in Texas?
It costs an average of $8,016 for tuition and fees annually to attend a public four-year university in Texas as a resident, which equates to approximately $32,000 for a bachelor's degree. This amount jumps to $25,471 per year for out-of-state students or over $100,000 for a bachelor's degree.
Does Texas Have Good Online Colleges?
Texas has good online colleges, and you should be able to find one that fits your needs. When determining how good an online college is, there are several factors to consider, including graduation and retention rates, return on investment (ROI), entrance exam scores, and student reviews and satisfaction.
What Texas Colleges Are Online?
Texas Tech University, Texas State University, the University of Texas, and the Texas community college systems all offer online degree programs. Many others also do, including private colleges, universities, and trade schools throughout the state.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Texas
What College in Texas Has the Lowest Tuition?
The top three universities on our rankings list are among the cheapest in Texas, with annual tuition rates of about $6,000 for Texas residents pursuing undergraduate degrees. Texas community colleges average $2,270 annual tuition for residents, which is approximately $2,000 lower than the national average.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost in Texas?
It costs an average of $8,016 for tuition and fees annually to attend a public four-year university in Texas as a resident, which equates to approximately $32,000 for a bachelor's degree. This amount jumps to $25,471 per year for out-of-state students or over $100,000 for a bachelor's degree.
Does Texas Have Good Online Colleges?
Texas has good online colleges, and you should be able to find one that fits your needs. When determining how good an online college is, there are several factors to consider, including graduation and retention rates, return on investment (ROI), entrance exam scores, and student reviews and satisfaction.
What Texas Colleges Are Online?
Texas Tech University, Texas State University, the University of Texas, and the Texas community college systems all offer online degree programs. Many others also do, including private colleges, universities, and trade schools throughout the state.
