The Best Online Colleges in Texas

Online college is a flexible, affordable alternative to the traditional college pathway. More and more, busy students and professionals are turning to fully online degree programs because they can get the education they need without disrupting their lives. Balancing coursework with other responsibilities can be challenging, but using a reputable online essay writing service can make managing assignments more efficient, ensuring that students maintain a high standard of work while staying on top of their studies

What follows is our list of the best online colleges in Texas. These colleges allow Texans to earn quality degrees on their own terms in a wide selection of high-demand fields. Whether looking for a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in social work, an MBA, a master’s in nursing, or an Ed.D in educational leadership, there’s something for you here. Staying in-state keeps the price of your degree down, but also makes sure you’re prepared for professional licensure in Texas.

Every college on this list is of high quality. It’s important to note, however, that academic quality isn’t the main determining factor in the ranking order. The best online colleges in Texas can’t just be high quality, they also have to fully serve online students. Because of this, the number of online programs each school offers and the number of students graduating from online programs at each school are majorly important factors in our ranking. This means that some major names in Texas higher education, while in themselves great, are absent from this list because they don’t serve online students as well as the colleges listed here, if they serve online students at all.

To be included in this ranking, a school must offer at least three online bachelor’s degrees. Any ties on this list were broken by which school has more first, second, or third place degree rankings on our site.

Here are the Best Online Colleges in Texas

#1. Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas


Texas Tech University, established in 1923, is a public, non-profit research university. It is the main institution in the Texas Tech University System, and has one of the highest student enrollments in the state, with over 38,000 students. Among its student population, 10% of students are enrolled fully online. Texas Tech University is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as having the highest level of research activity, and is known for projects in areas including health sciences and engineering.

Texas Tech University offers a sizable selection of nearly 100 fully online degree programs, with plenty of options at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. Students may pursue studies in liberal arts and humanities, teaching and education, business and management, science and technology, and nursing and healthcare. Undergraduates can earn degrees in topics including English, sociology, early childhood education, and applied leadership. Graduate students can complete MBAs, MEds, MS in Engineering degrees, and a whole range of MS and MA programs in liberal arts fields. Doctoral students may earn degrees in education, curriculum and instruction, and engineering.

Texas Tech is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school, with unique benefits for military students and their families, a disability friendly school, and a first-generation student friendly school.

On average, in-state undergraduate students at Texas Tech can expect tuition to cost $9,300, and graduate students can expect $5,958. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 78% of Texas Tech students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,766.

Texas Tech University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See TTU’s full list of online degrees!

#2. LeTourneau University

Longview, Texas

LeTourneau University’s school logo

Score

92

TX Relative Cost


LeTourneau University is a private, non-profit university established in 1946. It is an interdenominational Christian university, without specific religious affiliations. The university enrolls a student population of around 3,000, 45% of whom are enrolled fully online. The university takes its name from its founder, R.G. LeTourneau, an American industrialist, who started the university to serve soldiers returning from World War II.

LeTourneau University offers 38 fully online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Given that LeTourneau himself was an inventor of earthmoving machinery, it’s no surprise that the university is well known for its engineering programs. However, the online degree programs cover a broader range of topics. Students may earn degrees in areas including liberal arts and humanities, business and management, aviation studies, computer science and information technology, education, and nursing and healthcare. Humanities students may study subjects including criminal justice, psychology, and ministry. Business students may earn MBAs, and educators may pursue MEds.

LeTourneau University is a military friendly school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It also has a diverse student body.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition for undergraduates at LeTourneau is $31,270, and $18,618 for graduate students. 100% of LeTourneau University students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $17,327.

LeTourneau University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See LTU’s full list of online degrees!

#3. University of North Texas

Denton, Texas

Score

91

TX Relative Cost


The University of North Texas is a public, non-profit research university established in 1890. It is the flagship institution of the University of North Texas System, and was initially founded as a teacher’s college. UNT currently enrolls over 39,000 students, 10% of whom are enrolled fully online.

Students at UNT may choose from over 60 fully online degree programs, at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. UNT offers plenty of paths and fields of study to choose from, including MBAs in business and management, MS programs in computers and information technology, liberal arts and humanities, nursing and health card, and MEd programs in areas such as special education and educational leadership.

UNT is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a Purple Heart University, meeting the needs of veterans and their families through a variety of services and resources.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at University of North Texas is $11,044, and the cost for graduate students is $5,900. 82% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $8,776. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled.

The University of North Texas is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See UNT’s full list of online degrees!

#4. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, Texas


Dallas Baptist University is a Private, non-profit Christian university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The university was established as a two-year institution in 1898, and arrived at its current full-university status in 1985, when it adopted its current name. Dallas Baptist University enrolls over 4,000 students, with 15% of its student population earning degrees entirely online.

Students at DBU may choose from nearly 100 fully-online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels., as well as plenty of certificate programs. Students interested in pursuing education careers can earn MEds in areas such as curriculum and instruction and educational administration. DBU offers bachelor’s in business and MBA degrees in areas such as finance, marketing, and health care management. Psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary studies degrees are all available online, and there are plenty of ministry and theology options as well.

DBU is a military friendly school, a disability friendly school, and a first-generation student friendly school. The university is committed to the mission of advancing a Christ-centered worldview, and producing Christian servant leaders.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at Dallas Baptist University is $30,320, and the cost for graduate students is $18,072. 97% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $13,118.

Dallas Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See DBU’s full list of online degrees!

#5. Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Score

90

TX Relative Cost


Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit university with over 21,000 students enrolled. Established in 1879, SHSU is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Texas. 17% of its student population are enrolled fully online.

SHSU offers over 70 fully online programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. Liberal arts students enjoy a healthy selection of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as communications, history, political science, and public administration. Business students may earn BBAs and MBAs. Students and professionals in criminal justice may complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, digital forensics, and homeland security. Educators and future educators may earn MEds in subjects such as curriculum and instruction, school leadership, and special education, as well as two EDd programs.

Sam Houston State University is a military friendly school Veteran’s Resource Center, and has a diverse student body.

The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students at Sam Houston State University is $8,536, and for graduate students is $5,765. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 86% of Sam Houston State University students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,323.

Sam Houston State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See SHSU’s full list of online degrees!

#6. Abilene Christian University

Addison, Texas


Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. ACU enrolls over 5,000 students, 27% of whom are completing degrees entirely online. Initially established as the Childers Classical Institute, the school gained full accreditation in 1951; previously it included a lower school that started in the seventh grade.

Abilene Christian University offers a selection of over 50 fully online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. Students may select from programs in information technology and computers, business, Christian ministry, education, and health and human services. Business students may select from MBA and MS in management programs with concentrations in areas such as international business, analytics, healthcare administration, marketing, and supply chain management. Educators and future educators may earn MEd and EDd degrees in areas such as higher education, conflict management, and student affairs. Nursing students may complete DNP and BSN to DNP tracks. Students interested in ministry may complete MA and MDiv programs in areas such as ministry and bible, student and family ministry, and ministerial leadership.

Abilene Christian University is a military friendly school, a first-generation student friendly school, and a disability friendly school.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at Abilene Christian University is $36,300, and the cost for graduate students is $22,356. 100% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $20,187.

Abilene Christian University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See ACU’s full list of online degrees!

#7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Waxahachie, Texas


Established in 1927, Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, non-profit Christian university officially endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA. The university began as three unconnected bible schools which eventually merged and relocated. SAGU has a small student population of over 2,000 students, 62% of whom are enrolled fully online. Since the online student population makes up the majority of the total student population, SAGU caters to the online student experience.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers over 60 fully-online degree programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. Its programs span a healthy selection of subjects, including theology and Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs, a Doctor of Ministry, children and family, counseling, social work, business administration and an MBA, human services, criminal justice, education, and psychology. Students with diverse career goals can find online options at SAGU that fit their needs.

SAGU is a military friendly school, serving the unique needs of military students and their families, as well as a first-generation student friendly school. Also, the university offers up to 45 college credits for life experience, making this an attractive option for students who have professional experience or previous education.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at SAGU is $22,188, and the cost for graduate students is $21,528. 99% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $11,369.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See SAGU’s full list of online degrees!

#8. University of Houston–Victoria

Victoria, Texas


Established in 1973, the University of Houston – Victoria is a public, non-profit university with over 4,000 students enrolled. Though originally an off-campus center of the University of Houston, UHV became its own institution in 1983. It is still part of the University of Houston System. 6% of its students are enrolled fully online.

UHV offers over 100 fully online bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs. This number includes nearly 50 online master’s degree options, and degrees in a wide range of areas, including psychology and counseling, liberal arts and humanities, science and engineering, computers and technology, business and finance, nursing and healthcare, and criminal justice and law.

UHV is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and has a diverse student body.

On average, the annual cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at UHV is $6,781, and for graduates it is $6,338. 94% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $5,944.

University of Houston–Victoria is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See University of Houston–Victoria’s full list of online degrees!

#9. University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, Texas


Established in 1895, the University of Texas at Arlington enrolls over 48,000 students. It was initially part of the Texas A&M University System before becoming part of the University of Texas System in 1965. UT Arlington is a public, non-profit research university, and 39% of its student population is enrolled fully online.

UT Arlington offers over 30 online degree programs at bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate levels. Students may complete RN to BSN programs, MBAs, master of science in nursing degrees, master of social work degrees, master of education degrees, and a doctor of nursing practice. For busy students seeking professional advancement in high-demand areas, the University of Texas at Arlington has plenty of convenient options to offer.

UT Arlington is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school.

On average, the in-state undergraduate tuition for students at UT Arlington is $11,040; graduate students can expect to pay around $8,474. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 90% of University of Texas at Arlington students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,339.

The University of Texas at Arlington is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See UTA’s full list of online degrees!

#10. West Texas A&M University

Canyon, Texas

Score

86

TX Relative Cost


Established in 1910, West Texas A & M University is a public university with nearly 10,000 students enrolled, 34% of whom are enrolled fully online. WTAMU became a full university in the 1960s, but was initially founded as a teacher’s college. It is part of the Texas A&M University System.

WTAMU offers more than 50 fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs to choose from. Undergraduates have a wide array of options to choose from in business and finance, criminal justice and law, liberal arts and humanities, and nursing and healthcare. At the graduate level, students may choose from more than 15 master’s degrees, including MBA and MEd tracks. Doctoral students may pursue an EdD in educational leadership.

WTAM is a military friendly school with unique resources for military students and their families. It is also a first-generation student friendly school and has a diverse student body.

The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students at West Texas A&M University is $8,135; for graduate students, it is $4,823. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 90% of West Texas students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $6,144.

West Texas A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See West Texas A&M University’s full list of online degrees!

#11. Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas


Established in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university with over 12,500 students enrolled, 12% of whom are enrolled fully online. Stephen F. Austin is one of four independent public universities in the state of Texas. Though actually established by Texas State Senator Wilfred Roy Cousins, Sr., the university’s name is a tribute to one of the founding fathers of Texas, Stephen F. Austin.

Stephen F. Austin State University offers over 40 fully online bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs to choose from. Undergraduates have options including an online RN-to-BSN, and bachelor’s in business administration tracks. Graduate students may select from over 25 master’s degree options in areas including business and finance, education and teaching, and nursing and healthcare.

SFASU is a military friendly school, a first-generation student friendly school, and a disability friendly school.

On average, in-state undergraduate students at Stephen F. Austin State University pay $8,844 in tution, and graduate students pay $5,112. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 86% of Stephen F. Austin State University students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,160.

Stephen F. Austin State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Stephen F. Austin State University’s full list of online degrees!

#12. Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas


Established in 1928, Angelo State University is a public university with over 10,000 students enrolled, 14% of whom are enrolled fully online. ASU gained full university status in 1967; it was initially opened as a junior college. It is now part of the Texas Tech University System, boasting the second-largest campus.

ASU offers more than 35 fully online bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs. Its master’s degree offerings include more than 15 options to choose from, including MSN tracks, MEd tracks, an MBA, and an MS in criminal justice.

Angelo State University is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school, and a first-generation student friendly school.

On average, in-state undergraduate students at Angelo State University can expect a tuition rate of $7,637; graduate students can expect $4,059. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 94% of Angelo State University students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $6,519.

Angelo State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Angelo State University’s full list of online degrees!

#13. Houston Baptist University

Houston, Texas


Established in 1960, Houston Baptist University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church. It has over 3,500 students enrolled, 19% of whom are enrolled fully online.

HBU offers over 35 fully online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Its offerings include more than 20 master’s degrees to choose from, with options such as MBA tracks, MEd tracks, MDiv tracks, MSN tracks, and counseling degrees. HBU also offers an EdD with tracks in educational leadership or executive leadership in mental health and human services. Deeply committed to Christian principles, the general HBU curriculum includes Community Life and Worship Credits

HBU is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school and a first-generation student friendly school.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at HBU is $33,450, and the cost for graduate students is $10,350. 100% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $21,270.

Houston Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Houston Baptist University’s full list of online degrees!

#14. Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas


Lamar University is a public university with over 15,000 students enrolled, 45% of whom are enrolled full online. Though previously the flagship university of the Lamar University system, it joined the Texas State University System in 1995.

Lamar University offers more than 40 fully online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This number includes over 25 master’s degrees to choose from, such as MBAs, MSNs, and MEds. Lamar also offers an EdD in educational leadership. All of its programs are designed to cater to the needs of working professionals.

Lamar University is a military friendly school, serving the unique needs of military students and their families. It is also a disability friendly school, and has a diverse student body.

On average, in-state undergraduate students at Lamar University pay an annual tuition of $8,494; graduate students can expect $6,324. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled. 82% of Lamar University students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,431.

Lamar University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Lamar University’s full list of online degrees!

#15. University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, Texas


The University of Texas at Tyler is a public university established in 1971. UT Tyler has over 9,500 students enrolled, 27% of whom are enrolled fully online. Though initially independent, the university joined the University of Texas System in 1979.

UT Tyler offers more than 25 fully online degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This number includes more than 15 master’s degrees, with options such as MBA tracks, MEd tracks, MSN tracks, an MPA, and an MS in criminal justice. Advanced students may also pursue a PhD in nursing, or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

UT Tyler is a military friendly school with a Military and Veterans Success Center. It is also a disability friendly school, and has a diverse student body.

Undergraduate students at UT Tyler, on average, pay an annual tuition of $8,742; graduate students pay $5,850. 85% of University of Texas at Tyler students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $7,463. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled.

University of Texas at Tyler is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See University of Texas at Tyler’s full list of online degrees!

#16. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas


The University of the Incarnate Word is a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The university was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1881 as a college for women. It now enrolls a co-ed student population of over 8,000, 19% of whom are enrolled entirely online.

Students at University of the Incarnate Word can choose from 42 fully-online degree programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Most programs fall under the umbrella of business studies, including a DBA, MBAs, BBAs, and topics like accounting, information technology, marketing, sport management, and finance. The school also offers online criminal justice and psychology programs.

UIW is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school, and a disability friendly school.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at UIW is $32,576, and the cost for graduate students is $17,280. 99% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $16,268.

The University of the Incarnate Word is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See UIW’s full list of online degrees!

#17. Concordia University Texas

Austin, Texas


Concordia University Texas is a private, Christian university affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. It was established in 1926 and joined the Concordia University System in 1993. It has over 2,500 students enrolled, 28% of whom are enrolled fully online.

Concordia University Texas offers more than 10 fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Its six online master’s programs include an MBA, and five MEd tracks. Students may also pursue an EdD in educational administration, or an EdD in curriculum and instruction.

Concordia University Texas is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school, and a disability friendly school.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at Concordia University Texas is $32,860, and the cost for graduate students is $10,890. 100% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $16,318.

Concordia University Texas is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Concordia University Texas’s full list of online degrees!

#18. University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, Texas


The University of Texas at El Paso is a public university with over 25,000 students enrolled, 9% of whom are enrolled fully online. Established in 1914 as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, it became part of the University of Texas Systems in 1967.

The University of Texas at El Paso offers 20 fully online bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs. These numbers include eight master’s degrees to pick from, such as an MS in construction management, three MSN tracks, two MEd Tracks, an MFA in creative writing, and an MS in systems engineering.

UTEP is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is also a military friendly school, with a Military Student Success Center and opportunities for military students and their families.

The average in-state tuition cost for undergrads at the University of Texas at El Paso is $9,161; for graduate students, the average is $5,497. 86% of UTep students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $6,979. The university offers a tuition guarantee, so your cost of tuition will never increase while you are enrolled.

University of Texas at El Paso is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See University of Texas at El Paso’s full list of online degrees!

#19. East Texas Baptist University

Marshall, Texas


Bachelor’s Ranking Highlights

Established in 1912, East Texas Baptist University is a private Christian university with over 1,500 students enrolled. The university is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was established in 1912. 8% of the ETBU student population is enrolled fully online.

ETBU offers seven fully online bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. Undergraduates may choose from a BS in clinical lab science, a bachelor of applied sciences in business studies, or a BAS in leadership studies. Its four master’s degrees include an MEd in college and university leadership, a dual MBA/MA in integrated Christian ministry and business administration, an MA in theological studies, and an MA in Christian ministry.

East Texas Baptist University is a military friendly school, a disability friendly school, and a first-generation student friendly school.

The average cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at ETBU is $27,210, and the cost for graduate students is $13,050. 99% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, averaging $14,978.

East Texas Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See East Texas Baptist University’s full list of online degrees!

#20. Southwestern Adventist University

Keene, Texas


Associate Ranking Highlights
Bachelor’s Ranking Highlights

Established in 1893, Southwestern Adventist University is a private Christian university with over 650 students enrolled. The university is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist faith. 6% of the SAU student population is enrolled fully online.

SAU provides Bachelor’s Degrees and Certificates in Business, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing (RN to BSN), Psychology, and General Studies.The RN to BSN program may be completed in 40 weeks by taking classes in 8-week modules. The cost for this program is $250 per credit hour.

SAU provides support services for online students, including writing tutoring, tutoring for exams, and spiritual guidance. Financial aid is available and includes a variety of merit and need based scholarships.

Southwestern Adventist University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See Southwestern Adventist University’s full list of online degrees!

Published: .

Updated: .