Most First-Generation Friendly Online Colleges in Texas

These are the best online first-generation student friendly schools in Texas with robust online degree offerings.

First-generation students are those who represent the first wave of people in their family to attend college. Their parents, grandparents, and beyond have not attended college. This puts first-generation students in a special position, as completing higher education can significantly improve their opportunities and wealth, as well as the opportunities and wealth of future generations. Many first-generation students come from low economic class status, but they can take their families to middle class status or higher.

First-generation student friendly schools are identified as having student populations composed of more than 12% first-generation students. These schools recognize the significance of this portion of their student population, and often offer unique support and resources, including first-generation scholarships and grants, academic tutoring, credit for life experience, and professional development. Online colleges further help first-generation students through keeping costs low, and allowing for education to be completed flexibly.

The schools on this list are ranked in order of first-generation student population size. Many on this list are also military friendly and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, providing unique support, resources, and funding for students in these populations.

If you’re a first-generation student in Texas, let your search for the right online college start here.

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    1. St. Mary's University

      San Antonio, TX

      St. Mary's University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      27%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment3,513 (0% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs13
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$32,140 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See SMU’s full list of online degrees!
    2. Hardin-Simmons University

      Abilene, TX

      Hardin-Simmons University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      27%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment2,324 (6% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs10
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$30,140 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

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

      Marshall, TX

      East Texas Baptist University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      27%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment1,593 (8% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs7
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$27,210 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College A Most Affordable Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See ETBU’s full list of online degrees!
    4. Tyler Junior College

      Tyler, TX

      First-Gens

      27%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment12,585 (13% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs17
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$4,762 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online Community College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School

      See TJC’s full list of online degrees!
    5. Abilene Christian University

      Addison, TX

      Abilene Christian University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      26%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment5,292 (27% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs75
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$36,300 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #6 Best Texas Online CollegeA Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

      See ACU’s full list of online degrees!
    6. University of Dallas

      Irving, TX

      First-Gens

      26%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment2,481 (14% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs6
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$42,680 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

      See UD’s full list of online degrees!
    7. Our Lady of the Lake University

      San Antonio, TX

      First-Gens

      26%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment2,974 (33% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs8
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$29,218 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See OLLU’s full list of online degrees!
    8. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

      Belton, TX

      First-Gens

      26%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment3,846 (2% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs1
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$29,700 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See UMHB’s full list of online degrees!
    9. Rice University

      Houston, TX

      First-Gens

      24%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment7,282 (2% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs2
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$49,112 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

      See RU’s full list of online degrees!
    10. Baylor University

      Waco, TX

      Baylor University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      24%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment18,033 (7% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs22
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$47,364 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See BU’s full list of online degrees!
    11. Southern Methodist University

      Dallas, TX

      First-Gens

      24%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment11,824 (4% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs3
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$56,560 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See SMU’s full list of online degrees!
    12. Texas Christian University

      Fort Worth, TX

      First-Gens

      23%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment11,024 (2% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs17
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$49,250 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See TCU’s full list of online degrees!
    13. University of Texas at Austin

      Austin, TX

      First-Gens

      22%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment51,090 (0% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs2
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$10,824 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

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

      Houston, TX

      First-Gens

      22%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment3,741 (19% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs36
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$33,450 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See HBU’s full list of online degrees!
    15. Blinn College

      Brenham, TX

      Blinn College’s school logo

      First-Gens

      22%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment20,116 (2% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs50
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$4,296 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #9 Texas Online Community CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

      See BC’s full list of online degrees!
    16. Saint Edward's University

      Austin, TX

      First-Gens

      21%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment3,976 (3% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs2
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$47,440 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See SEU’s full list of online degrees!
    17. Lubbock Christian University

      Lubbock, TX

      First-Gens

      20%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment1,770 (4% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs2
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$23,330 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See LCU’s full list of online degrees!
    18. Texas Wesleyan University

      Fort Worth, TX

      First-Gens

      20%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment2,276 (7% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs11
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$31,816 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See TWU’s full list of online degrees!
    19. Texas Southern University

      Houston, TX

      First-Gens

      20%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment9,034 (7% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      USDE Special Government StatusHistorically Black College and University
      Number of Online Programs10
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$9,173 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      A Most Affordable Texas Online College A Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHistorically Black College and University

      See TSU’s full list of online degrees!
    20. Texas Tech University

      Lubbock, TX

      First-Gens

      19%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment38,742 (10% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs99
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$9,300 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #1 Best Texas Online CollegeA Most Affordable Texas Online College #2 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See TTU’s full list of online degrees!
    21. Texas A&M University

      College Station, TX

      First-Gens

      19%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment68,726 (3% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs13
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$12,153 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See TAMU’s full list of online degrees!
    22. University of Texas at Dallas

      Richardson, TX

      University of Texas at Dallas’s school logo

      First-Gens

      19%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment29,543 (0% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs15
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$13,442 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

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

      Nacogdoches, TX

      First-Gens

      19%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment12,969 (12% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs41
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$8,844 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #10 Most Affordable Texas Online College#8 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See SFASU’s full list of online degrees!
    24. McMurry University

      Abilene, TX

      First-Gens

      19%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment1,175 (6% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs4
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$28,099 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See MMU’s full list of online degrees!
    25. Dallas Baptist University

      Dallas, TX

      Dallas Baptist University’s school logo

      First-Gens

      18%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment4,487 (15% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs97
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$30,320 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #4 Best Texas Online CollegeA Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School

      See DBU’s full list of online degrees!
    26. University of St. Thomas

      Houston, TX

      First-Gens

      18%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment3,448 (12% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      USDE Special Government StatusAsian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs6
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$31,460 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      Disability Friendly SchoolFirst-Generation Student Friendly School
      Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
      Hispanic-Serving Institution

      See UST’s full list of online degrees!
    27. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

      Waxahachie, TX

      First-Gens

      17%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment2,050 (53% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs69
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$19,834 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #7 Best Texas Online CollegeA Most Affordable Texas Online College A Best Value Texas Online College Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

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

      San Angelo, TX

      First-Gens

      17%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment10,568 (14% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs39
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$7,637 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Top Texas Online College #4 Most Affordable Texas Online College#4 Best Value Texas Online CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See ASU’s full list of online degrees!
    29. University of Texas at San Antonio

      San Antonio, TX

      First-Gens

      17%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment32,594 (3% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs2
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$8,262 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See UTSA’s full list of online degrees!
    30. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

      Edinburg, TX

      First-Gens

      17%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment29,113 (9% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
      Number of Online Programs41
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$8,132 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly SchoolHispanic-Serving Institution

      See UTRGV’s full list of online degrees!
    31. Trinity Valley Community College

      Athens, TX

      Trinity Valley Community College’s school logo

      First-Gens

      17%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment6,233 (39% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePublic
      Number of Online Programs18
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$4,920 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      #2 Texas Online Community CollegeAdult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly School

      See TVCC’s full list of online degrees!
    32. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

      Dallas, TX

      Dallas Institute of Funeral Service’s school logo

      First-Gens

      28%

      TX Relative Cost

      Key FactsAnswers
      Total Enrollment254 (54% fully online)
      Public or PrivatePrivate Non-Profit
      Number of Online Programs3
      AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$11,870 per year
      Net Cost by Income
      Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

      TexasOnlineColleges.com Awards

      Adult Student Friendly School
      Experienced Online School
      First-Generation Student Friendly SchoolMilitary Friendly School

      See DIFS’s full list of online degrees!

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