Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas of 2025
Many affordable colleges in Texas offer flexible, online programs. See who stands out in our ranking of the best online colleges in the Lone Star State.
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Why Trust BestColleges
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Texas has one of the largest higher education networks in the United States. The number of degree-granting institutions in the Lone Star State is behind only California and New York. Texas also offers affordability: Tuition costs at the state’s public colleges fall well below the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Given the size and quality of its college system, students in Texas can enjoy easy access to online learning opportunities. We’ve ranked the most affordable online colleges in Texas, and highlighted some appealing career paths projected to grow in Texas.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,228
$16,020
84%
81%
$6,471
$13,815
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
$6,228
$16,020
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,228
$16,020
84%
81%
$6,471
$13,815
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$7,320
$19,560
85%
67%
$5,765
$13,109
75%
21,403
Public
Yes
$7,320
$19,560
Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$7,320
$19,560
85%
67%
$5,765
$13,109
75%
21,403
Public
Yes
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,443
$36,637
63%
40%
$6,885
$19,593
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
$8,443
$36,637
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,443
$36,637
63%
40%
$6,885
$19,593
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
63%
$6,956
$15,136
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
$8,934
$21,174
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
63%
$6,956
$15,136
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
University of North Texas
Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,404
$21,004
72%
65%
$6,350
$13,694
77%
47,507
Public
Yes
$8,404
$21,004
Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,404
$21,004
72%
65%
$6,350
$13,694
77%
47,507
Public
Yes
Cost of College in Texas
NCES data from the 2021-22 school year highlights two important affordability trends in Texas’s higher education costs. First, you’ll notice that public colleges in Texas cost, on average, less than the national average at both two-year and four-year colleges. This applies to tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state students.
On the other hand, you’ll find that Texas private colleges charge higher-than-average tuition rates, on average. Budget accordingly if you plan to attend one of the many private online colleges in Texas.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-year (In-State) | $8,185 |
| Public 4-year (Out-of-State) | $25,419 |
| Private 4-year | $38,807 |
| Public 2-year (In-State) | $2,859 |
| Public 2-year (Out-of-State) | $7,913 |
10 High-Demand Jobs in Texas
Texas has a large and historically strong economy that students can benefit from. Many career paths that require college training appear poised for rapid growth over the next ten years.
The table below highlights the 10 jobs with the highest projected growth rates between 2020-2030, as reported by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Notably, online colleges in Texas support paths to entry into many of the profiled career paths. If you plan to study in Texas but haven’t yet decided on a major, one of these jobs might pique your interest. However, please note that some jobs, like electricians and welders, require attending a vocational school — not a four-year college.
| Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 43% | $118,703 |
| Software Developers | 36% | $117,439 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 35% | $69,723 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 35% | $60,842 |
| Financial Managers | 33% | $163,018 |
| Electricians | 27% | $54,977 |
| Construction Managers | 24% | $103,806 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 23% | $71,537 |
| General and Operations Managers | 23% | $110,147 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 23% | $52,496 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Texas
Angelo State University features some of the lowest online tuition rates of any accredited four-year college in Texas. The school’s average tuition fees cost 20% less than those at Division I Texas public colleges and 70% less than the state’s typical private university. You can choose from nine fully online undergraduate programs and 24 online master’s programs.
Explore More College Resources
Best Online Colleges in Texas of 2025
Texas A&M University, University of North Texas, and LeTourneau University topped our list of the best online colleges in Texas. Learn more about our rankings.
Updated December 4, 2024
Best Vocational Trade School Programs in Texas
Trade schools can train you for growing industries and well-paid jobs at a reasonable cost. Find the best trade schools in Texas to start your career.
by Kasia Kovacs
Updated July 9, 2022
Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools
Considering Texas community colleges? Learn more about the best community colleges in Texas, the cost of a degree, and why so many students choose Texas.
Updated October 12, 2023
Other General Resources
generic
careers