Online Colleges in Texas

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

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.

Source: BLS

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.

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