Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas of 2024
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
2024Texas 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, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,228
- Out-of-state$16,020
- In-State$6,471
- Out-of-state$13,815
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled16,320
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$15,408
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,456
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled16,338
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,593
- Out-of-state$16,385
- In-State$5,558
- Out-of-state$12,920
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,577
- Out-of-state$18,817
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$12,292
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,534
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$23,112
- In-State$5,865
- Out-of-state$15,320
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled24,003
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Amberton University
- Garland, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$8,550
- In-State$6,840
- Out-of-state$6,840
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,002
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Downtown
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,882
- Out-of-state$15,740
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$14,535
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled15,077
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,295
- Out-of-state$18,111
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled42,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$23,760
- Out-of-state$23,760
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,954
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,648
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,108
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled21,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
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.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 9th, 2024.
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 November 12, 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