Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
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The best online colleges in Texas make education accessible from anywhere and give you the resources to balance your education with your home life.
Parker University, Texas Tech University, and LeTourneau University took the top spots for high-quality online education programs. We ranked the best online colleges in Texas based on admission and graduation rates, percentage of students given financial aid, number of programs, student-to-faculty ratio, and student resources.
Our guide can help you discover which Texas online college is best for you.
Featured Online College Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 5 Best Online Colleges in Texas
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Parker University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $710
Out-of-State | $710
Credits to Graduate: 120
Parker University offers several fully online programs in healthcare, healthcare administration and health sciences. You can choose from bachelor's degree programs in nutrition science, sport psychology, and health information management. The school also offers certificates, associate degrees, and a doctor of chiropractic program.
To apply to Parker's undergraduate programs, you'll need to submit high school transcripts or a GED diploma. You can also apply with a college transcript if you've completed at least 24 undergraduate credits. Individual programs may feature other specific admissions requirements.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $11,852
Out-of-State | $24,451
Credits to Graduate: 120
Consider Texas Tech University's online degrees if you want to earn a bachelor's in communication studies, criminology, or renewable energy. Programs that include biology require some coursework on TTU's Lubbock campus. The university uses Blackboard to deliver asynchronous class content.
First-year undergraduate admission requirements include high school transcripts and the Common App or ApplyTexas Application. TTU recommends but does not require standardized test scores, essays, or recommendation letters. The university also uses a 2.25 undergraduate GPA cutoff for transfer credit.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $380-$410
Out-of-State | $380-$410
Credits to Graduate: 120-125
The online bachelor's degree programs at LeTourneau University feature many annual start dates and a Christ-centered academic experience. Program options include cybersecurity, criminal justice, and aviation management. LETU also offers master's degrees in business, counseling, psychology, and education.
LETU requires high school transcripts if you have fewer than 12 undergraduate credits. The university also awards credit for good Advanced Placement scores and professional experience. Maintaining full-time status and a minimum 3.25 GPA may qualify you for the Rhonda Brock Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $1,045
Credits to Graduate: 120
Sam Houston State University features online bachelor's degrees in business, criminal justice, health science, the humanities, and integrated studies. Majors like psychology and Spanish require some coursework on SHSU's Huntsville campus. You can complement your education with an online minor in one of over two dozen areas.
You need a high school or GED diploma to apply. SHSU offers guaranteed admission to applicants with excellent standardized test scores or high school grades. You can lower your out-of-pocket costs by applying for institutional scholarships on the Scholarship4Kats website.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $16,850
Out-of-State | $16,850
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of the Incarnate World offers nine online bachelor's degrees that include administration, criminal justice, and leadership studies. The health sciences program lets you concentrate in either administration or general studies. UIW stands apart from the other best online colleges in Texas, with its two master's degrees taught entirely in Spanish.
UIW recommends but does not require a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. You may transfer up to 75 credits. First-year and transfer scholarships award up to $20,000 annually and require full-time status to remain eligible.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
No. 1 Program: Parker University
Parker University wins the top spot because it is the most affordable university of our top picks and has the smallest student-to-faculty ratio.
A few schools offer marginally better financial aid rates (greater than 93%), but Parker's low cost, 100% admission rate, and a close-knit student-to-faculty ratio of 9-to-1 are hard to beat.
Parker has 11 fully online undergraduate programs, most of which are focused on health. Some popular options include health care management, anatomy, nutrition science, sports psychology, and radiology-centered programs like computed tomography.
An online program may take about the same amount of time as an on-campus course with hard deadlines and live lectures.
Even with Parker's online programs, you have access to similar student resources you would have on campus, such as online tutoring, career services, counseling, and disability services.
No. 2 Program: Texas Tech University
This public state university comes in second on our list for having one of the largest portfolios of programs, with 150+ undergraduate programs and over 350 master's, doctoral, and certificate programs.
In Texas Tech's online programs, you'll learn from the same prestigious faculty that on-campus students do — the university employs the same faculty who teach on-campus to teach online.
The university told BestColleges its high online retention rates (63%) are due to extensive student support services, an engaging and interactive learning environment, flexible and accessible program design, and regular feedback and communication from instructors and advisors.
Texas Tech offers one of the most expansive opportunities for online learners, even giving you a chance to study abroad. The university also offers counseling services, a writing center, an online library, a career center, and a military and veterans program (MVP) to ensure a smooth transition to college. MVP also provides one-on-one support and unique graduation regalia.
At Texas Tech University, we believe that every student deserves a personalized learning experience,
the university told BestColleges. This comprehensive support system helps online students stay engaged, manage their responsibilities, and succeed academically.
Why Texas Tech University Ranked Second
While Tech offers a wide array of programs, it's not as accessible as Parker University and does not have as high of a retention rate (63% vs. 73%). And while Parker guarantees every student a spot, Texas Tech has a 68% acceptance rate.
Texas Tech is about $6,500 more expensive than Parker and has more than double the student-to-faculty ratio.
However, if you prefer a broader selection of programs, want to study abroad, and don't mind a larger public university, consider Texas Tech.
No. 3 Program: LeTourneau University
If you're looking for a school that allows you to work on your own schedule, LeTourneau University may be for you. The university will enable you to finish most online courses in about seven weeks. You can take your time to attend courses and complete assignments or work at a faster pace.
LETU is a Polytechnic Christian University and offers 10+ undergraduate degrees, including business administration, theology and Christian ministry, computer science, aviation, and education.
While LETU may be the most expensive, with an average net price of $23,991, and the most exclusive of our top choices, you're almost guaranteed financial aid. The university offers nearly all students (99%) financial assistance.
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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:
- 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.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
How many online colleges are in Texas?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 74 Texas colleges offer online programs.
If one college doesn't fit your needs, plenty of Texas colleges offer programs to suit you. Some offer flexible online programs that allow you to work on your schedule, some offer synchronous lectures, and others provide hybrid on-campus and online classes.
Is online school free in Texas?
While there is no universal free online school in Texas, there are free courses you can take through online programs hosted by Udemy.
If you're an undergraduate, you can also submit the FAFSA to see if you qualify for a need-based scholarship if you're from a family making under a certain threshold.
Does the University of Texas offer online degrees?
UT Austin does not offer online degree programs. However, it does offer online semester-based courses and flexible self-paced courses for college credit through the University Extension. You can take anything from general education, business, language, math and science, and pre-health courses — no admission required.
How much does online college cost in Texas?
Texas has lower tuition rates than the national average. Attending a public four-year college in Texas as an in-state student cost an average of $8,195 in tuition and fees in 2022-2023. In comparison, private four-year colleges in Texas cost an average of $40,142 in tuition and fees.
Compared to a traditional degree, earning an online degree can be less expensive. You don't have to pay on-campus housing fees, transportation, or on-campus fees. Colleges may also provide flat rates for online tuition, regardless of your residency status.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,195 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $24,743 |
| Private Four-Year | $40,142 |
