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.
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Updated February 5, 2025
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Our Integrity Network

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.


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Online colleges in Texas are growing and adapting to Texas’ most in-demand careers. Last September, Texas State University Global announced 40 new online programs for bachelor of science in nursing, MBAs, and master’s in education degrees.

Even if you’re not a Texan, many online programs charge a flat rate, regardless of your state residency. Some, like our top most affordable college, Lamar University, offer in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition for some undergraduate programs.

Start Your Online College Journey Today

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas of 2025

#1

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,471

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,815

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

16,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,020

Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,020

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

81%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,471

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,815

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

16,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$7,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,109

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,403

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,560

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,560

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,109

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,403

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,637

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,934

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,174

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,136

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

40,773

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,934

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,174

Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,934

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,174

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,136

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

40,773

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,404

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,004

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

47,507

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,404

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,004

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,404

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,004

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

47,507

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get a Degree in Texas

Benefits of Getting a Degree Online

  • minusYou’ll receive the same credentials and prestige as in-person students while completing your degree with more flexibility.
  • minusAn online degree typically costs less than a traditional on-campus degree.
  • minusIn a BestColleges survey, 93% of online college students and grads say they think earning an online degree has or will have a positive ROI.

How Much Does Online College Cost in Texas?

In Texas, the average tuition and fees for in-state students are about $1,500 less than the national average ($9,750). If you come from out-of-state, Texas is cheaper than the national average for public and private tuition and fees.

You can drive that price even lower with financial aid if you apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify for grants, scholarships, and loans. Online students qualify for financial aid like in-person students.

Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-2023)

Public, In-State

$8,195

Public, Out-of-State

$24,743

Private

$40,142

Source: NCES

Scholarships for Texas Students

Texas has over two dozen scholarships available on the state-affiliated website for students based on financial need, academic achievement, and what career you can pursue.

Find more scholarships on Texas’ Comptroller website.

Is an Online Degree Worth It?

BestColleges found that 97% of online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others, and 93% said online learning has had or will have a positive return on investment.

An online degree is also usually more flexible, especially if you’re a working professional. Many online programs are also more affordable.

Online degrees can typically be completed in 2-6 years. Accelerated degrees usually condense 120 credits into 2-2.5 years but require full-time enrollment. Part-time degrees allow you to take your time completing the degree and are a more lenient option for those wanting to keep working while studying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Texas

Our top affordable college, Lamar University, costs an average of $6,228 per semester. Many undergraduate programs cost $314 per credit, and the university charges the same tuition for both out-of-state and in-state students.

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