Online Colleges in Texas

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Prospective students can benefit from earning a degree at many great online colleges in Texas. As the state’s workforce grows and its primary industries expand, the unemployment rate shrinks and the demand for skilled and educated workers increases. Not only can a degree provide you with the skills and training required to enter the workforce, but it also grants an educational foundation from which to continue your studies. Moreover, Texas provides its residents with tuition discounts, financial aid opportunities, and numerous networking opportunities gained from joining a Texas university.

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Higher Learning Initiatives in Texas

Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN)

The Texas Virtual School Network, established in 2007 by the Texas Legislature, provides online learning opportunities to state students. To take advantage of these courses, students must be enrolled in a Texas public school district or an approved open-enrollment charter school. The Texas Education Agency reviews all courses to ensure they meet quality state standards. These types of classes benefit students looking to take specialized electives, make up lost credits, or accelerate their education.

Popular Degree Programs in Texas

The most popular degrees in each state typically reflect the current or projected future of the state’s industry. In Texas, most major industries continue to experience growth, so students can choose from a variety of jobs. According to Business Insider, the following majors represent two of the most popular choices in Texas, highlighting the state’s broad and niche industries.

Business Management and Administration: While this major ranks as the most popular across the entire country, students in Texas enroll in business majors more than any other major because the professional services industry continues to grow at significant rates. The broad skill set earned in this major also provides graduates with a solid foundation and the ability to move into many different fields.
  • Petroleum Engineering: Since Texas produces more than three times the amount of crude oil than any other part of the country, many students in the state choose the petroleum engineering major. Other factors contributing to the high number of petroleum engineering graduates include access to higher quality programs in Texas and the drive to compete with the clean energy industry.
  • Paying for College in Texas

    With the high cost of online colleges in Texas and across the country, price ultimately ranks as one of the biggest considerations for students. In Texas, the average tuition cost at a public four-year institution is higher than the national average. However, according to College Board, the tuition costs for two-year public institutions rank fifth lowest in the country. This information allows Texas students to compare their prospective program costs with the cost of the average online colleges in Texas.

    Tuition Prices

    The following table shows the average two- and four-year tuition costs within Texas compared to the U.S. average. These numbers only cover tuition and do not include any additional costs, such as transportation, books, materials, and rent.

    Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18

     Public Two YearPublic Four Year
    Texas$2,620$10,300
    U.S. Average$4,234$9,978

    Source: College Board

    Employment Outlook in Texas

    For students in Texas, the employment outlook appears very promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state’s unemployment rate ranks lower than the national average, which also represents the lowest rate in Texas in more than four decades. As most of the major industries continue to grow, demand for highly trained and skilled professionals in many well-paying industries grows as well. On average, the annual mean wage in Texas is just below the national average; however, the state not only employs some of the largest workforces in many of the major industries, like healthcare, management, business, and engineering, but Texas employees also earn some of the highest average wages in the country.

    Unemployment rate, August 2018
    Texas3.7%
    United States3.8%

    Source: BLS

    Annual Mean Wage, May 2017
    Texas$48,700
    United States$50,620

    Source: BLS

    Accreditation for Colleges in Texas

    While accreditation comes from different agencies and levels of administration, regional accreditation is the most popular. Regional accreditation derives from one of the six agencies recognized by the Department of Education. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges controls the accredited online colleges in Texas, awarding accreditation to those schools that meet the regional standards. For students, regional accreditation provides assurances that the school offers quality education and policies. Students can search the institutional accreditation database to ensure that their desired school or schools received the proper accreditation.

    While still important, national accreditation is less prestigious than regional accreditation. National accreditation typically signifies that a program meets the standards of a national association, most often seen in healthcare or legal professions. For both online and on-campus students, national accreditation assures that the program meets the requirements for examination or licensure. Some professions may even require that applicants receive a degree from a nationally accredited program, so students should verify the requirements from their prospective profession and then locate a program that satisfies those expectations.

    Scholarships for Texas Online College Students

    Students who need assistance in funding their education should explore scholarship opportunities. In Texas, like most states, scholarships come from different sources, such as private organizations, state funding, or specific schools and programs. The following list highlights some of the best scholarships available to students across Texas.

    Top 10 Percent Scholarship Program

    Who Can Apply: Presented to students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class, this scholarship rewards Texas students planning to enroll in a Texas college or university. Applicants must also boast a 3.25 GPA.
    Amount: Up to $2,000

    Apply Here

    Toward EXcellence, Access and Success Grant Program (TEXAS Grant)

    Who Can Apply: To qualify for this program, Texas students must enroll in a bachelor’s program in Texas and demonstrate financial need. Some students may require a 2.5 GPA or proof of registration with Selective Service, depending on eligibility.
    Amount: Up to $9,348

    Apply Here

    Texas Educational Opportunity Grant

    Who Can Apply: This grant rewards Texas students enrolled in an associate program and who demonstrate financial need. Recipients may renew the grant if they maintain satisfactory academic performance.
    Amount: Up to $5,862

    Apply Here

    The Urban Scholarship Fund

    Who Can Apply: Awarded to seniors graduating from high schools in 29 of the largest Texas cities, this scholarship rewards students who demonstrate financial need. The value of the award depends on a students desired level of higher education.
    Amount: Up to $2,000

    Apply Here

    Don’t Mess with Texas

    Who Can Apply: Presented to students who best demonstrate a commitment to reducing litter in their communities and schools, this scholarship requires applicants to submit an essay and attend a Texas college or university.
    Amount: $2,000-$6,000

    Apply Here

    Terry Foundation Freshman Scholarship

    Who Can Apply: Presented by the Terry Foundation, this scholarship rewards freshmen who demonstrate community leadership, academic proficiency, and financial need. Applicants must attend and reside in one of the 13 universities affiliated with the program.
    Amount: Varies

    Apply Here

    George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation

    Who Can Apply: Presented to high school seniors from the Houston area, this scholarship rewards students displaying strong academic performance and financial need. Applicants must have an SAT score of 1000 or an ACT score of 21 for eligibility.
    Amount: $20,000 over four years

    Apply Here

    Rebekah Assembly of Texas (Irma Gesche Scholarship)

    Who Can Apply: Presented by the Rebekah Assembly of Texas, this scholarship rewards Texas students who demonstrate community involvement, academic proficiency, and financial need.
    Amount: $1,000

    Apply Here

    Diamonds in the Rough Scholarship

    Who Can Apply: Presented to Texas women enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program, this scholarship from the Diamonds in the Rough Ministry requires applicants to boast a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay.
    Amount: Varies

    Apply Here

    Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

    Who Can Apply: Presented to students who graduated in the top third of their high school class and boast a 3.0 GPA, this scholarship awards students who commit to four years of service within the armed forces. Recipients must also receive appointment from the governor or lieutenant governor.
    Amount: Up to $4,000

    Apply Here

    Resources for Students in Texas

    • College For All Texans: This resource provides nearly all the financial aid information needed for Texas students, from scholarship facts and applications to college and university information. Students and their families can also use the site to make a financial aid plan and learn which program best matches the student’s financial situation.
    • Texas Education Agency: This agency monitors education in Texas. For students, the TEA provides resources on financial aid, school and student data, and program information. Students can also find resources on certifications, licensure, and accreditation on the state.
    • Texas Higher Education Data: This resource allows students to access detailed information on Texas education. Prospective learners can look at program and school data, like graduation rates and faculty research projects, along with student information like enrollments and distance education statistics. This resource also offers links to workforce reports for students wanting to plan for future employment opportunities.
    • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: The board strives to improve Texas’ student outcomes and the higher education system as a whole, but the site also doubles as a resource for students looking for financial aid information, school and program data, and tips for getting the most out of college and university.
    • The Texas State University System: While the Texas State University System provides access to the programs and offerings at each of its seven affiliated institutions, the system also provides resources for students looking for information on the best online colleges in Texas programs, professions, and financial aid opportunities.

    Online Schools in Texas

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 32%
    • Average Net Price: $13,665

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    Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary

    Jacksonville, TX


    • Graduation Rate: N/A
    • Average Net Price: N/A

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    Baptist University of the Americas

    San Antonio, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 15%
    • Average Net Price: $11,385

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    Concordia University-Texas

    Austin, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 32%
    • Average Net Price: $21,644

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    Dallas Christian College

    Dallas, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 25%
    • Average Net Price: $20,153

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    Dallas Baptist University

    Dallas, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 54%
    • Average Net Price: $23,018

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    Hallmark University

    San Antonio, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 39%
    • Average Net Price: $17,465

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    Houston Baptist University

    Houston, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 45%
    • Average Net Price: $20,966

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    Hardin-Simmons University

    Abilene, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 47%
    • Average Net Price: $19,836

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    Lamar University

    Beaumont, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 32%
    • Average Net Price: $16,033

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    Lubbock Christian University

    Lubbock, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 43%
    • Average Net Price: $19,091

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    LeTourneau University

    Longview, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 61%
    • Average Net Price: $20,246

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    McMurry University

    Abilene, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 37%
    • Average Net Price: $19,314

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    Midwestern State University

    Wichita Falls, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 40%
    • Average Net Price: $11,449

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    Our Lady of the Lake University

    San Antonio, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 27%
    • Average Net Price: $19,287

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    Parker University

    Dallas, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 40%
    • Average Net Price: $27,919

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    Southwestern Assemblies of God University

    Waxahachie, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 38%
    • Average Net Price: $24,210

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    Schreiner University

    Kerrville, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 34%
    • Average Net Price: $20,037

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    Stephen F Austin State University

    Nacogdoches, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 44%
    • Average Net Price: $20,213

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    Sam Houston State University

    Huntsville, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 48%
    • Average Net Price: $14,112

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    South Texas College

    McAllen, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 18%
    • Average Net Price: $2,472

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    St. Mary’s University

    San Antonio, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 57%
    • Average Net Price: $19,060

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    University of St Thomas

    Houston, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 48%
    • Average Net Price: $19,597

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    Southwestern Adventist University

    Keene, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 36%
    • Average Net Price: $18,285

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    Texas A & M University-College Station

    College Station, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 80%
    • Average Net Price: $12,050

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    Texas A & M University-Commerce

    Commerce, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 36%
    • Average Net Price: $10,909

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    Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

    Corpus Christi, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 39%
    • Average Net Price: $15,374

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    Texas A & M University-Central Texas

    Killeen, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 59%
    • Average Net Price: $13,723

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    Texas A&M University-Texarkana

    Texarkana, TX


    • Graduation Rate: %
    • Average Net Price: $7,592

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    Tarleton State University

    Stephenville, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 39%
    • Average Net Price: $15,536

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    Tyler Junior College

    Tyler, TX


    • Graduation Rate: N/A
    • Average Net Price: N/A

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    The King’s University

    Southlake, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 40%
    • Average Net Price: $18,999

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    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 62%
    • Average Net Price: $15,267

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    Texas Woman’s University

    Denton, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 47%
    • Average Net Price: $10,582

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    Texas State University

    San Marcos, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 55%
    • Average Net Price: $14,278

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    University of Houston

    Houston, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 46%
    • Average Net Price: $14,633

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    University of Houston-Clear Lake

    Houston, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 29%
    • Average Net Price: $12,270

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    University of Houston-Downtown

    Houston, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 12%
    • Average Net Price: $10,302

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    University of Houston-Victoria

    Victoria, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 29%
    • Average Net Price: $11,876

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    University of North Texas

    Denton, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 48%
    • Average Net Price: $10,462

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    The University of Texas at Arlington

    Arlington, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 40%
    • Average Net Price: $15,271

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    The University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 38%
    • Average Net Price: $10,327

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    The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

    Odessa, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 37%
    • Average Net Price: $7,769

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    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Brownsville, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 39%
    • Average Net Price: $5,983

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    The University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 41%
    • Average Net Price: $13,986

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    Wayland Baptist University

    Plainview, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 36%
    • Average Net Price: $17,609

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    West Texas A & M University

    Canyon, TX


    • Graduation Rate: 44%
    • Average Net Price: $12,729

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