Cheapest Online Degrees in Texas
Texas residents have access to one of the most extensive public-university online program networks in the US, with in-state online per-credit rates between $222 and $269 across the Texas A&M System, the Texas State University System, and the UT System. The TEXAS Grant program plus the Federal Pell Grant cover need-based costs, and TASFA provides an alternative path for Texas residents who are not federal-aid eligible.
Texas Public Universities With Significant Online Offerings
SACSCOC regional accreditation across Texas public universities. Per-credit tuition from each school's official online tuition page; out-of-state premium noted.
UT Permian Basin Online
Source$246/credit (in-state)
~$668/credit (out-of-state)
Public UT System school. 30+ online programs. SACSCOC regional accreditation. AACSB business accreditation.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional; AACSB business
Texas Woman's University (TWU) Online
Source$263/credit (in-state)
~$675/credit (out-of-state)
Public university in Denton, TX. Strong online nursing (CCNE), business (AACSB), and health-sciences programs. Open to men and women despite the historical name.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional; CCNE / AACSB by program
Tarleton State University Online
Source$262/credit (in-state)
~$670/credit (out-of-state)
Member of the Texas A&M System. Stephenville-based. 40+ online programs including AACSB business and CAEP education.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional; AACSB / CAEP by program
Texas A&M University-Commerce Online
Source$269/credit (in-state)
~$745/credit (out-of-state)
Member of the Texas A&M System. 50+ online programs. AACSB business, CAEP education.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional; AACSB / CAEP by program
Sul Ross State University Online
Source$222/credit (in-state, lower-division online)
~$632/credit (out-of-state)
Public university in Alpine, TX. Smaller online catalogue but very low Texas-resident pricing. Member of the Texas State University System.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional
Texas A&M University-Texarkana Online
Source$255/credit (in-state)
~$696/credit (out-of-state)
Member of the Texas A&M System. Texarkana-based. 30+ online programs.
Accreditation: SACSCOC regional
Texas-Specific Financial Aid
Four primary programs that stack to bring out-of-pocket cost down. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) administers state-level aid; the College for All Texans portal is the central reference.
Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
State-level alternative to the FAFSA for Texas residents who are not eligible for federal financial aid (typically undocumented or non-citizen Texas residents who qualify for in-state tuition under HB 1403 / SB 1528). Submitted to each Texas school individually. Schools then determine eligibility for state aid programs.
SourceToward EXcellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant
Need-based state grant for Texas residents enrolled at eligible Texas public 4-year schools. Award amounts vary by school and demonstrated financial need; typically up to $5,000+/year. Continues for up to 5 years if academic progress is maintained.
SourceTexas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
Need-based state grant for Texas residents at eligible Texas public 2-year community / technical / state colleges. Used most commonly for the 2-year transfer pathway into a Texas SUS online bachelor's.
SourceFederal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395/year (2024-25). Stacks with TEXAS Grant at Texas SUS schools. Eligible at any Title IV school in Texas. File FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
SourceThe Texas 2+2 Community College Pathway
Texas has aggressive community college pricing for in-state residents. Western Texas College charges $65/credit; Central Texas College $93/credit; Tarrant County College $55/credit for in-district residents. Completing 60 credits at a Texas community college then transferring into a Texas SUS online program is one of the lowest-cost paths to an accredited bachelor's degree in the US.
Articulation agreements between Texas community colleges and Texas SUS public universities are well-established. The Texas Common Course Numbering System makes credit transfer predictable.
Cheapest Online Community CollegesCompare with private options
Texas public schools are strong for Texas residents. Private alternatives (WGU, SNHU, UF Online for the in-state-rate-everywhere model) sit on the homepage master comparison.