Texas is home hundreds of standout colleges and universities, like the University of Texas System, Texas A&M University, and Rice University, an institution often regarded as an Ivy Plus school.
These colleges offer diverse learning opportunities that include online programs, which offer the flexibility to continue your busy adult life while you earn your degree. As an added bonus, attending a Texas school online can help you avoid the state's heavy traffic patterns and long commutes.
We looked at admission rates, net price, graduation rates, and more to create a ranking of the best online colleges in Texas.
Explore our list of the state's top online colleges, then, learn about accreditation, tuition costs, and fast-growing careers in the Lone Star State.
Start Your College Journey Now
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Texas
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, flexibility, and program offerings. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in October 2025.
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 $6,773 in tuition and fees at a public, in-state institution, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) Integrated Education Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS).
However, out-of-state students paid an average of nearly $14,000, significantly more than in-state students. And at a private college, you may pay around $23,500 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 (2023-24)
Public, In-State
$6,773
Public, Out-of-State
$13,952
Private
$23,458
Source: BestColleges analysis of IPEDS data
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 aidand 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 |
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 Plusprogram.
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.
