Best Online Colleges in Texas for 2024

Get detailed info on Best Online Colleges in Texas and their online degrees, financial aid and scholarships, acceptance rate, tuition and fees.

Have you considered online postsecondary education? You’re not the only one, especially if you’re in Texas! Some of the best online universities are in Texas. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many educational institutions to offer online models of learning. However, online education was already popular before 2020. Just in 2018, there were 6,932,074 students enrolled in online school at degree-granting universities and colleges in the United States. 

There are many benefits to online learning,  including flexibility for other interests or work, lower costs, increased sense of responsibility and discipline, and greater access to courses, since the distance from a school isn’t an issue. 

Texas is one state that has many degree-granting institutions that offer online learning. There are many online degree programs in Texas for students to choose from, and there are many top online colleges in Texas. 

The Texas High Performing Schools Consortium works on providing quality education to its online students. In fact, digital learning is one of the consortium’s four principles, and includes engagement through electronic textbooks and online courses. Let’s walk through college education in Texas, and specifically through the best online schools in Texas. 

Opportunities for Online College Education in Texas

There are around 252 Title IV granting colleges in Texas, meaning 252 schools that provide financial aid to students. 

Texas is home to more than 100 public colleges, 50 private non-profit colleges, and 90 private, for-profit colleges in the state. 

Online colleges in Texas offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees. In 2015, 460,396 Texas students took at least one online college course. 

Furthermore, Texas has a huge network of online resources for university students such as the Texas Digital Library, providing students with tons of study material under a single portal. So, it’s easy to enroll in and complete distance learning at online schools in Texas.  

Top Online Colleges in Texas

Texas A&M University
#

1 Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 58%

Average Financial Aid: $9,272

Acceptance Rate: 67.00

Total Programs Offered (46)


13

Education Programs

9

Engineering Programs

6

Agriculture Programs

18

Other Programs


Texas A&M University is a public institution which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC). Texas A&M aims at providing quality programs at Undergraduate and Graduate levels in various disciplines such as Business Management, Law, Information Technology, Nursing, Safety and many more. The institution has well-reputed faculty with excellent knowledge and experience in their area of study.

The university is known for providing scholarships and other financial aids to students with good previous academic records. 72% of students studying at the university have received financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships.

Student life at A&M is not just about education, it is what a student takes from the opportunities provided to them. Several clubs and organizations are a part of A&M University that helps to develop leadership skills and interact with many people with different interests and passions.

Sam Houston State University
#

2 Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 72%

Average Financial Aid: $9,287

Acceptance Rate: 72.00

Total Programs Offered (65)


27

Education Programs

6

Business Management Programs

5

Information Systems Programs

27

Other Programs


Sam Houston State University is a private, not-for-profit institution with a history of over 100 years in providing quality education for all the traditional as well as non-traditional students. SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC).

The institution offers various degrees such as Bachelors, Master’s, Doctorate, Graduate and Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing, Music, Science, Business Management, Criminal Justice and more. Their online programs are well structured and are made for individuals who want to earn a degree from the comfort of their own place at their own pace.

The faculty is known for making the online classrooms as effective as on-campus classrooms by providing time and attention to students studying through online programs. A student can contact the support department anytime through call, chat, or mail.

The Financial Aid and Scholarship office at the university offers assistance to all qualified and talented students and veterans.

Texas Tech University (TTU)
#

3 Texas Tech University (TTU)

Lubbock, Texas


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 55%

Average Financial Aid: $6,712

Acceptance Rate: 63.00

Total Programs Offered (62)


23

Education Programs

7

Engineering Programs

7

Business Management Programs

25

Other Programs


Texas Tech University is a public institution that is known for the research conducted by the students and faculty and for providing a great education at a valuable price.

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC). It offers academic excellence in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate level and Graduate Certificate in various majors such as Media Studies, Science, Chemistry, Education, and many more.

TTU also has over 450 student organizations and financial assistance department provides scholarships to students based on their need, GPA, leadership, and a number of transferable hours. The deserving students of Texas Tech University are awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship that encourages research in Engineering, Math, and Science. Texas Tech is also a proud participant in the Tool Kit for being a Veteran Friendly Institution.

Dallas Baptist University (DBU)
#

4 Dallas Baptist University (DBU)

Dallas, Texas


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 94%

Average Financial Aid: $11,715

Acceptance Rate: 43.00

Total Programs Offered (107)


53

Business Management Programs

33

Theology Programs

7

Education Programs

14

Other Programs


Dallas Baptist University is a private, not-for-profit institution that provides christ-centered education to over 5000 students. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC).

DBU offers Associates, Bachelors, Masters as well as continuing education and Certificate programs in multiple disciplines and majors such as Arts, Business Management, Health Science, Theology, Sociology, and more. The university also offers 75+ degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Almost 80% of the faculty at Dallas Baptist University holds a doctorate or terminal degree and the student-faculty ratio is 13:1 to provide better quality education.

The Financial Aid Office is always ready to help students in planning for their academic career by providing financial assistance to meet their educational goals. Dallas Baptist also offers transfer scholarships to students who have a previous excellent academic record and have participated in other activities.

University of The Incarnate Word (UIW)
#

5 University of The Incarnate Word (UIW)

San Antonio, Texas


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 99%

Average Financial Aid: $17,786

Acceptance Rate: 92.00

Total Programs Offered (33)


20

Business Management Programs

4

Education Programs

3

Health Science Programs

6

Other Programs


The University of The Incarnate Word is a Catholic private institution that is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The online programs from the institution help individuals pursue their degree even without going to the campus from the comfort of their own place and time. The university offers online as well as on-campus programs in over 90 disciplines and majors such as the Human Resources, Psychology, History, and many more.

Financial support is provided to students in the form of loans, grants, and other institutional scholarships. Almost 90%of students receive some sort of aid every year. The Incarnate Word is a veteran-friendly school.

Several student clubs and organizations such as the Fashion Club, Business Club, Business Club, Student Nurses Association, and many more are available to help them widen their horizons in their field of interest.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)
#

6 Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)

Waxahachie, Texas


Institution Type: Private For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 89%

Average Financial Aid: $8,066

Acceptance Rate: 23.00

Total Programs Offered (47)


13

Theology Programs

6

Business Management Programs

6

Human Services Programs

22

Other Programs


Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a 4-years for-profit private Christian institution that is assessed and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university is the mixture of two bible colleges with the diverse student body from almost all parts of the world.

SAGU is leading in offering top quality online and on-campus UG, Graduate and Certification programs in several different disciplines such as Marketing, Religious Studies, Accounting, and Biblical Studies. The university provides the necessary support to all students by giving them access to advanced tools and resources.

The university tries to help the students by offering financial aid to students through scholarships, grants, and Loans. The university supports veterans by offering them financial help and help with PTSD if they need any.

The university has many student-run organizations to help you build your leadership qualities and help understand different cultures interacting with different people.

LeTourneau University
#

7 LeTourneau University

Longview, Texas


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 98%

Average Financial Aid: $17,313

Acceptance Rate: 44.00

Total Programs Offered (37)


11

Business Management Programs

5

Criminal Justice Programs

4

Education Programs

17

Other Programs


Le Tourneau University is a Christian not for profit, private institution that is providing education to over 3,175 students in Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degree levels in various disciplines such as Human Services, Behavioural Science, Aviation, Business Management, and more. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC).

The online programs offered are flexible and offer 24 hours of support services to help students continue their online education with ease from the comfort of their own home. The university is a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program that helps provide education to Military members with the help of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The university offers financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. In 2018, 90% of the students received scholarships from the Institute.

Wayland Baptist University (WBU)
#

8 Wayland Baptist University (WBU)

Plainview, Texas


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 92%

Average Financial Aid: $10,186

Acceptance Rate: 100.00

Total Programs Offered (21)


4

Education Programs

4

Business Management Programs

2

Theology Programs

11

Other Programs


Wayland Baptist University is a leading Christian private, not-for-profit institution accredited by SACSCOC. The university is over 100 years old which was set up by a physician whose commitment to providing quality education is very high.

WBU offers more than 60 UG and Graduate degree programs in the majors such as Business Management, Arts, Applied Science, and more. The student to faculty ratio of the university 17:1, it means that the university provides the students with personalized one-on-one attention.
The online programs offered help Veterans study from anywhere, being a Military friendly university, helps veterans and their dependents with financial assistance as well.

There are several different student organizations at Wayland Baptist University from the Spanish club to International Choir. The university also offers several different scholarships for students based on academic excellence and other factors.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)
#

9 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Dallas, Texas


Institution Type: Private For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 71%

Average Financial Aid: $29,539

Acceptance Rate: 49.00

Total Programs Offered (18)


8

Business Management Programs

4

Computer Science Programs

2

Information Systems Programs

4

Other Programs


Southern Methodist University (SMU) is over 100 years old private for-profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs through their online as well as on-campus system. The university is accredited and is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for offering various online as well as on-campus programs.

A student can even choose to earn their degree fully online from the convenience of their own place. SMU makes sure to provide the same quality of education that what their on-campus students get in numerous majors such as Finance, History, Journalism, Management, and many more.

Scholarships are also offered to students based on need and exemplary academic skills. SMU has over 200 student organizations including Advertising Club and Debate Club, these student-run organization help the students to learn how to take charge, learn about things of their interest as well as meet different people.

Angelo State University
#

10 Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 87%

Average Financial Aid: $6,875

Acceptance Rate: 74.00

Total Programs Offered (28)


11

Education Programs

7

Homeland Security Programs

4

Nursing Programs

6

Other Programs


Angelo State University is a public university accredited by SACSCOC. The popular majors available here include Business, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Biology and Animal Science and Husbandry.

In this university, 40% of students receive the largest endowed scholarship in the nation called ‘Carr Academic Scholarship’. Around 86% of students are offered a financial aid package with some type of financial aid. The average freshman retention rate and student satisfaction rate is 64%.

The university has been ranked 96th in ‘Regional Universities West’ by the U.S. News. Its athletic team is a part of NCAA Division II and Athletic Lone Star Conference.