Texas is a big state full of big schools. Some of Texas’ most prestigious universities have rich traditions stretching back a century or more.
It shouldn’t surprise you that many of these schools have embraced the world of online education. New and well-established colleges alike have adapted to meet the needs of people with jobs, families, and other commitments that make traditional education more difficult.
Online schools let you keep your priorities the same while still working towards a new credential. And the credentials they give you are usually the same as you’d earn on campus. So you’re free to pursue an education that fits with your life.
To help you sort through the top online schools in Texas, we’ve used data from The National Center for Education Statistics and ratings from school-ranking entities like TheBestSchools.org, AffordableCollegesOnline.org, BestColleges.com, OnlineColleges.net, and CollegeChoice.net.
We’ll show you each school’s:
- Location
- Tuition cost
- Admissions rate
- Graduation rate
- Number of online degrees
- Student population
- Student to faculty ratio
- Awards and accolades
- Accreditation
- Anything else we think will help you decide
Let’s find an online school you’ll love! For starters, here are some highlights:
Most affordable
If you live in Texas, a lot of these schools can give you a pretty affordable education. But there are a couple of schools that are going to be significantly more affordable, regardless of where you live. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (#4 on our list) costs $6,000 per year for Texans and $7,000 per year for everyone else.
But there’s one school that’s even more affordable. Depending on the program you choose at The University of Texas at Arlington (#9), you can finish your degree for less than $9,000.
Best graduation rate
An education is valuable in itself, but odds are you’re going to school because you want the credentials. A lot of the options on this list have pretty average graduation rates. Some are really low. If you’re worried about graduating, Texas Tech University is your best bet. Their graduation rate is 60%. That’s only 1% above average, but it’s the best offered by an online school in Texas.
Most online degree options
The degree program you choose can completely change your career path, so it’s important to find a field that interests you. Most schools don’t have nearly as many online options as they do on campus. Still, a couple of schools on this list have a pretty good selection. University of Houston’s Victoria campus (#5) gives you 95 options to choose from. To be fair, about half of these are degree completion programs.
Now, on to the top ten!
1. Dallas Baptist University
Location: Dallas, Texas
Tuition cost: about $26,000 per year
Admissions rate: 43%
Graduation rate: 59%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 20
- Graduate: 22
Student population: 5,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 12 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 2
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 2
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 3
- Rank on AffordableCollegeOnline.org: 5
Dallas Baptist University offers more than 40 online degree programs ranging from associate’s to master’s. About 25% of these degrees are related to Christian ministry, but there’s a good selection of liberal arts degrees as well. (You won’t find any STEM programs here.)
If you’re interested in pursuing graduate studies, DBU has several accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs as well as dual master’s degree programs.
As a Christian university, DBU’s religious perspective is still part of its non-ministry programs.
“There is more to a university education than the degree itself,” says Dr. Matthew Winn, director of online education. “At DBU, you will experience Christ-centered, genuine community as you interact with our faculty and students online. Our online classes are taught by the same faculty who teach our face-to-face classes, so that you get the same experience and education that you can get on our campus. We invite you to see how online education at DBU can equip you to be a servant leader wherever God takes you.”
2. Texas Tech University
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $8,500 per year
- Out-of-state: about $18,000 per year
Admissions rate: 63%
Graduation rate: 60%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 7
- Graduate: 31
Student population: about 37,000
Student to faculty ratio: 21 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 1
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 2
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 3
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 4
Texas Tech University has a variety of online undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate programs. There are also eight minors you can add to any of those majors.
At the undergraduate level, TTU mostly offers liberal arts degrees, but their master’s programs include both liberal arts and STEM fields. Quite a few of their programs are related to education.
TTU has a long history of off-campus education, and they’ve been doing distance education for over 20 years. Here’s what they want you to know about elearning at their campus:
3. LeTourneau University
Location: Longview, Texas
Tuition cost: about $28,000 per year
Admissions rate: 44%
Graduation rate: 53%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 14
- Graduate: 8
Student population: 2,700+
Student to faculty ratio: 12 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 1
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 1
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 3
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 4
LeTourneau University has over 20 online degrees to choose from. Like DBU, LeTourneau is a Christian university. They blend their Christian perspective with a culture of innovation. Here’s what that looks like:
LeTourneau says, “Claiming every workplace in every nation as their mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.”
LU has made our lists for top online bachelor in business management degree and top online bachelor in human resource management degree.
4. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $6,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $7,000 per year
Admissions rate: 81%
Graduation rate: 34%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 10
- Graduate: 6
Student population: 6,600+
Student to faculty ratio: 20 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on AffordableCollegeOnline.org: 1
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 5
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 9
- Other honors
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin provides a range of online degrees, particularly in the field of education. They also offer certificates and endorsements for those who already have degrees in education.
Additionally, they have numerous online classes that aren’t part of a degree program, but still earn credits. This could be a good option to explore a variety of subjects before committing to a program, or to get some credits under your belt to enroll in a degree completion program.
UTPB’s graduation rate is on the low side (about 25% below average), but that doesn’t necessarily mean people aren’t completing the program–it might just mean that it takes most students longer than six years (which isn’t crazy if you’re going to school part time).
5. University of Houston-Victoria
Location: Victoria, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $7,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $20,000 per year
Admissions rate: 48%
Graduation rate: 18%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 48
- Graduate: 47
Student population: 4,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 15 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on AffordableCollegeOnline.org: 2
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 6
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 7
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 8
The University of Houston-Victoria has a huge selection of online degrees, but at the undergraduate level, they’re all degree completion programs. So you can only enroll online if you’ve already earned a degree or accumulated some credits.
These programs are offered across the entire University of Houston system. Depending on the program you choose, your faculty may come from another UH campus.
The majority of UHV’s online undergraduate programs are business related, but their master’s degree programs cover a variety of fields. They also offer numerous certificate programs.
UHV’s online degree completion programs could be a good option for students transferring from another school like UTPB.
6. Texas Woman’s University
Location: Denton, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $7,000 per year
- Out-of-state: $17,000 per year
Admissions rate: 86%
Graduation rate: 38%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 12
- Graduate: 27
Student population: 15,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 19 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 4
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 5
Texas Woman’s University has about 40 online degree programs. All of the undergraduate programs are degree completion programs, and some are hybrid, meaning they include an on-campus component. These programs are primarily in business, education, and general studies.
Here’s what TWU says about its online programs:
“Students who take online courses must be motivated, self-disciplined, able to work independently, and have good time management and communication skills. Successful online students login frequently to read new announcements and course materials, and interact with classmates and the instructor. Online courses follow the same university calendar as face-to-face courses and are held to the same academic standards.”
TWU has a list of recommended strategies and best practices for online students, which provides some basic guidelines that students at any school should probably follow.
As you can probably tell by the name, TWU is primarily a school for women. They’re a proud member of the Women’s College Coalition. Men can still enroll though–about 10% of their students are men.
7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Location: Waxahachie, Texas
Tuition cost: about $20,000 per year
Admissions rate: 23%
Graduation rate: 41%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 49
- Graduate: N/A
Student population: 2,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 16 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on AffordableCollegeOnline.org: 4
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 7
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 9
Southwestern Assemblies of God University has a lot of online undergraduate degrees. Almost half of these are in Bible or ministry-related subjects. The rest are in business, psychology, counseling, human services, education, and other liberal arts. 13 of these programs are for associate’s degrees. SAGU has a wide range of graduate programs as well, but it’s unclear which, if any, are available online.
Online students “get access to full campus support and resources. Students can take advantage of the Career Center for job training and assistance, the Wellness Center for fitness classes and facilities, the Counseling Center and more.”
Obviously, you’ll need to live near campus to take advantage of some of these resources.
SAGU also shares what being part of a Christian college means for your education:
“Everything we do springs from a Christian worldview. SAGU creates an environment that strengthens your faith and your mind, integrating faith and learning.”
Note: You have to be 22 to enroll in SAGU’s online programs.
8. Midwestern State University
Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $9,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $11,000 per year
Admissions rate: 74%
Graduation rate: 41%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 4
- Graduate: 12
Student population: 6,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 18 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 10
Midwestern State University has a handful of online bachelor’s degrees and a small selection of master’s degrees. Most of these options fall under the fields of either education or medicine.
Here’s what MSU wants you to know about their degree programs:
“Midwestern State University is a leading public liberal arts university committed to providing students with rigorous undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and the professions. Through an emphasis upon teaching, augmented by the opportunity for students to engage in research and creative activities alongside faculty and to participate in co-curricular and service programs, Midwestern State prepares its graduates to embark upon their careers or pursue advanced study. The university’s undergraduate education is based upon a comprehensive arts and sciences core curriculum. The understanding that students gain of themselves, others, and the social and natural world prepares them to contribute constructively to society through their work and through their private lives.”
If you aren’t a resident of Texas, you can use this interactive state authorization map to find out which degree programs your state is eligible for.
You can see how graduates felt about their education at MSU with this exit survey.
Fun fact: MSU is the only university in Texas that’s a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
9. The University of Texas at Arlington
Location: Arlington, Texas
Tuition cost: about $8,000-$30,000 total
Admissions rate: 70%
Graduation rate: 48%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 3
- Graduate: 13
Student population: 45,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 25 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 8
The University of Texas at Arlington has a pretty sparse offering of online degree programs. If you plan on becoming a nurse, or working in education or public administration, you have a few options. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
Every online degree at UTA is priced a little differently, but the total tuition cost is prominently displayed next to every program listed on the site.
Here are the top 10 reasons to enroll in UTA’s online degree programs:
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And here’s what five graduates had to say about their experience in the online program:
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10. University of North Texas
Location: Denton, Texas
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $20,000 per year
Admissions rate: 72%
Graduation rate: 52%
Number of online degrees:
- Undergraduate: 5
- Graduate: 19
Student population: 38,000+
Student to faculty ratio: 26 to 1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 4
- Rank on OnlineColleges.net: 6
University of North Texas has more than 20 online degrees in liberal arts, including education, business, and mental health. They have several online certificate programs as well.
Additionally, UNT is “one of the largest providers of online credit courses,” and you can explore their offerings through a class search tool.
Here’s what it means to be part of University of North Texas:
Fun fact: University of North Texas is more than 125 years old! That makes it the oldest school on this list.
A quick note on transferring schools
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, more than one-third of all college students transfer schools before graduating. In order to transfer your credits from one school to another, the two schools usually have to be accredited by the same organizations.
Thankfully, all of these schools are regionally-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. That means you should be able to transfer between them pretty easily. So you might start your degree at a school like The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and then take advantage of a degree completion program at a school like University of Houston-Victoria—or even transfer out-of-state.
Should I go to an online school in Texas?
These are the top online schools in Texas. And none of them made the cut for our list of the best online schools in the country. Unless you’re really attached to one of these schools because you grew up rooting for their teams, or someone you know went there, I’d recommend broadening your search.
If you’re looking at in-state schools because you heard out-of-state schools cost more, you should know: that doesn’t apply to a lot of online schools. Notice how some of the colleges on this list don’t separate in-state and out-of-state tuition? Many schools have one tuition rate for all online students, regardless of where they live. And since you won’t have to move anyways (you’re an online student, after all), it certainly can’t hurt to look.
The most undergraduate degrees offered by any of these schools is 95—and half of them are degree completion programs. Most offer a lot fewer than that. But some schools in other parts of the country offer well over 100 fully online degree options. Check it out.
The best school is really up to you
We can’t tell you exactly which online college is the best choice for you—and you shouldn’t let anyone else do that, either. You have to weigh the factors that are most important to you and let that guide your decision. Choosing a school is a huge investment—both in terms of what it immediately costs you and how it affects your life. So take your time.
We hope this list has helped make the decision a little easier for you. Good luck in your future studies!
