Barry PhilipsOnline education has become an increasingly popular option for students in Texas who want greater flexibility, accessible learning options, and the ability to study from home. From K–12 virtual schools to colleges and universities offering online degrees, Texas has a wide range of institutions serving different educational needs.
In this guide, we explore 50 online schools in Texas and their general admission requirements. Requirements can vary by programme, grade level, and academic year, so prospective students should always confirm the specific requirements of their chosen programme before applying.
Top 50 Online Schools in Texas and Requirements
1. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers a selection of online and distance-learning opportunities through different departments and programmes.
General requirements: Requirements vary by programme. Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, while graduate applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree and may need transcripts, test scores, recommendations, or other programme-specific materials.
2. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University provides online education through several colleges and departments, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes.
General requirements: Applicants generally submit academic transcripts and meet programme-specific academic requirements. Graduate applicants normally need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
3. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University offers numerous online degrees and professional programmes, making it one of the major online education providers in Texas.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent and must satisfy admission requirements. Graduate requirements usually include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, and programme-specific prerequisites.
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers online programmes in areas such as business, education, technology, healthcare, and liberal arts.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the programme and degree level. Applicants may need transcripts, proof of previous education, and programme-specific documents.
5. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas provides online undergraduate and graduate programmes across several academic fields.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate applicants typically need an appropriate bachelor’s degree and may need additional programme-specific materials.
6. University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington has a substantial online education portfolio, including programmes in nursing, business, education, public health, and other disciplines.
General requirements: Applicants must satisfy university admission requirements as well as the requirements of their selected programme. Some professional programmes have additional prerequisites.
7. University of Texas at Dallas
UT Dallas provides online learning opportunities in selected academic and professional fields.
General requirements: Students generally need appropriate prior academic qualifications, official transcripts, and any additional materials required by the chosen programme.
8. Texas State University
Texas State University offers online degrees and courses for students seeking flexible study options.
General requirements: Undergraduate students generally need a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet admission standards. Graduate applicants normally need a bachelor’s degree and programme-specific qualifications.
9. University of Texas at San Antonio
UTSA offers online and hybrid programmes in areas including business, cybersecurity, education, and other disciplines.
General requirements: Requirements vary according to programme and degree level. Applicants should be prepared to provide transcripts and meet academic prerequisites.
10. Baylor University
Baylor University offers online graduate, professional, and other flexible learning programmes.
General requirements: Requirements differ by programme. Graduate applicants generally need an accredited bachelor’s degree and may need essays, recommendations, resumes, or other application materials.
11. Southern Methodist University
SMU provides several online graduate and professional programmes.
General requirements: Applicants typically need previous academic qualifications appropriate to the programme. Some programmes require transcripts, professional experience, recommendations, essays, or standardized tests.
12. Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University offers selected online and flexible educational programmes.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the programme. Applicants may need transcripts, prior degrees, application materials, and evidence of meeting programme-specific academic standards.
13. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers online programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels.
General requirements: Students generally need a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate admission. Graduate programmes usually require a bachelor’s degree and additional programme-specific documentation.
14. Lamar University
Lamar University is known for providing flexible online education across several academic disciplines.
General requirements: Applicants generally provide academic records and meet university admission standards. Certain programmes may require prerequisite courses, professional experience, or additional documentation.
15. Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University offers online programmes in education, business, nursing, and other areas.
General requirements: Requirements vary by programme. Applicants generally need appropriate previous education and official academic records.
16. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University provides online degree programmes in fields such as healthcare, education, business, and liberal arts.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, while graduate applicants typically need an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
17. University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler offers online undergraduate and graduate programmes designed for students seeking flexible study options.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the degree. Students may need transcripts, prerequisite coursework, and other programme-specific materials.
18. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University provides online programmes in several disciplines.
General requirements: Applicants generally need previous academic qualifications appropriate to their level of study. Graduate programmes may have additional requirements.
19. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers online programmes for undergraduate and graduate students.
General requirements: Undergraduate admission generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree and programme-specific qualifications.
20. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers various online and distance-learning programmes.
General requirements: Applicants need to meet university admission requirements and any additional requirements associated with their chosen programme.
21. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV provides online programmes in selected academic and professional areas.
General requirements: Requirements vary according to degree level and programme. Applicants generally provide transcripts and meet relevant academic standards.
22. University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP offers online courses and programmes in several disciplines.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree and programme-specific prerequisites.
23. University of Texas Permian Basin
UTPB offers online undergraduate and graduate programmes.
General requirements: Applicants must meet admission requirements for their selected programme. Transcripts and evidence of prior education are commonly required.
24. Angelo State University
Angelo State University provides online degrees and courses in several areas.
General requirements: Students generally need to satisfy undergraduate or graduate admission standards and provide required academic documentation.
25. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University offers online programmes at multiple academic levels.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate applicants normally need an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
26. University of Houston-Downtown
UHD provides online programmes in areas such as business, public service, humanities, and professional studies.
General requirements: Requirements vary by programme. Applicants generally submit academic records and meet admission requirements for their selected degree.
27. University of Houston-Clear Lake
UH-Clear Lake provides online and flexible programmes, particularly at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels.
General requirements: Applicants generally need previous college coursework or a relevant bachelor’s degree depending on the programme.
28. University of Houston-Victoria
UHV offers online programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels.
General requirements: Applicants must meet institutional and programme-specific admission requirements, which can include transcripts and prerequisite coursework.
29. Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University offers a range of online undergraduate and graduate programmes.
General requirements: Requirements vary by degree. Applicants generally submit academic records and meet the institution’s admission standards.
30. Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University provides online programmes for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate education.
General requirements: Applicants generally need appropriate previous academic qualifications and application materials. Graduate programmes may require additional documentation.
31. St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University offers online programmes designed for students seeking flexible educational pathways.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the programme and degree level. Academic transcripts and other application materials may be required.
32. University of St. Thomas-Houston
The University of St. Thomas-Houston offers selected online and flexible programmes.
General requirements: Applicants generally need appropriate prior education and must satisfy programme-specific admission criteria.
33. Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Wesleyan University provides online and flexible learning options in selected fields.
General requirements: Students generally submit academic records and satisfy admission requirements appropriate to their intended programme.
34. University of the Incarnate Word
The University of the Incarnate Word offers online programmes across selected disciplines.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, while graduate students usually need an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
35. Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University offers online programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels.
General requirements: Applicants generally need previous academic qualifications, transcripts, and any programme-specific application materials.
36. Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas provides online degree options for students pursuing flexible higher education.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the programme. Students generally need appropriate academic credentials and application documentation.
37. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University offers online courses and selected online programmes.
General requirements: Applicants generally need to meet university admission standards and provide relevant academic records.
38. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University provides online learning opportunities in selected disciplines.
General requirements: Undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree and programme-specific qualifications.
39. Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University offers online degree options at different levels.
General requirements: Applicants generally submit academic records and meet the requirements established for their chosen programme.
40. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
UMHB provides online programmes in selected areas, including graduate and professional education.
General requirements: Requirements vary by programme. Applicants may need transcripts, previous degrees, and additional programme-specific materials.
41. Texas College
Texas College offers distance-learning opportunities and online courses for eligible students.
General requirements: Students generally need to satisfy undergraduate admission requirements and provide appropriate academic documentation.
42. Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University provides online learning opportunities in selected academic fields.
General requirements: Applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate study and must meet the institution’s admission requirements.
43. Wiley University
Wiley University provides online and flexible learning opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
General requirements: Applicants generally need appropriate previous academic qualifications and supporting documentation.
44. Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University is known for providing flexible education through online and other distance-learning formats.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the programme. Students generally provide transcripts and meet the academic standards for their chosen degree.
45. University of Phoenix – Texas
University of Phoenix provides online degree programmes accessible to students in Texas and elsewhere.
General requirements: Admission requirements vary according to the programme. Applicants generally provide information about their previous education and meet programme-specific requirements.
46. Texas Virtual Academy
Texas Virtual Academy provides tuition-free online public-school education for eligible Texas students in applicable grade levels.
General requirements: Eligibility generally depends on Texas residency, grade level, age, and other requirements established for the applicable virtual-school programme.
47. Texas Connections Academy
Texas Connections Academy offers online public-school education for eligible students in Texas.
General requirements: Students generally need to meet residency, grade-level, age, and enrollment eligibility requirements. Parents or guardians are typically involved in the enrollment process.
48. iSchool High at Lewisville
iSchool High at Lewisville provides a flexible public-school learning model with online and technology-supported education.
General requirements: Enrollment requirements depend on grade level, available spaces, residency, and applicable school policies.
49. Texas Online Preparatory School
Texas Online Preparatory School provides online education for eligible Texas students.
General requirements: Students generally must meet Texas residency and applicable grade-level requirements. Enrollment may also depend on available capacity and school-specific policies.
50. K12-powered Texas Online Schools
Several Texas virtual schools operate using K12-powered educational platforms and serve eligible students through online learning.
General requirements: Requirements depend on the specific school. Common requirements can include Texas residency, appropriate grade level, age eligibility, required enrollment documentation, and parent or guardian participation.
What Are the General Requirements for Online Schools in Texas?
Although requirements vary considerably between institutions, prospective students should expect some common requirements.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
College-level online programmes generally require applicants to have completed high school or an equivalent qualification. GED credentials may also be accepted by many institutions.
Official Transcripts
Colleges and universities commonly request official transcripts showing previous academic performance.
Minimum GPA
Some online programmes establish minimum GPA requirements, particularly competitive graduate and professional programmes.
Prerequisite Courses
Certain degrees require applicants to complete specific courses before admission. Healthcare, education, technology, and other professional programmes may have particularly detailed prerequisites.
Standardized Test Scores
Some programmes may request SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, or other examination scores, although requirements differ significantly among institutions and programmes.
Bachelor’s Degree
Most graduate online programmes require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
Application Form
Students normally need to complete an online application and submit any required application fee or supporting documents.
Letters of Recommendation
Certain graduate and professional programmes may request academic or professional recommendation letters.
Personal Statement or Essay
Some programmes ask applicants to explain their educational goals, professional experience, or reasons for choosing the programme.
English-Language Requirements
International students may need to demonstrate English-language proficiency through an accepted examination or another approved method, depending on the institution.
How to Choose an Online School in Texas
Choosing an online school involves more than looking at whether a programme is available online. Students should consider accreditation, programme quality, tuition, scheduling, technology requirements, student support, graduation requirements, and career relevance.
For K–12 students, parents should also examine curriculum structure, teacher support, attendance expectations, technology requirements, and eligibility rules.
For college students, it is particularly important to check whether the specific online programme—not merely the university—is appropriately accredited or professionally recognized where applicable.
Comparison Table: Top 50 Online Schools in Texas
| # | Online School | Main Level | General Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records and programme requirements |
| 3 | Texas Tech University | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 4 | University of Houston | Undergraduate/Graduate | Transcripts and programme requirements |
| 5 | University of North Texas | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 6 | UT Arlington | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records and prerequisites |
| 7 | UT Dallas | Undergraduate/Graduate | Previous academic qualifications |
| 8 | Texas State University | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 9 | UT San Antonio | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 10 | Baylor University | Graduate/Professional | Bachelor’s degree for graduate study |
| 11 | Southern Methodist University | Graduate/Professional | Programme-specific qualifications |
| 12 | Texas Christian University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 13 | Sam Houston State University | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 14 | Lamar University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 15 | Stephen F. Austin State University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 16 | Texas Woman’s University | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 17 | UT Tyler | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 18 | West Texas A&M University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 19 | Texas A&M-Commerce | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 20 | Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 21 | UTRGV | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 22 | UTEP | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 23 | UTPB | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 24 | Angelo State University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 25 | Tarleton State University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 26 | University of Houston-Downtown | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 27 | UH-Clear Lake | Undergraduate/Graduate | Previous college education |
| 28 | UH-Victoria | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 29 | Dallas Baptist University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 30 | Abilene Christian University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 31 | St. Edward’s University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 32 | University of St. Thomas-Houston | Undergraduate/Graduate | Previous education |
| 33 | Texas Wesleyan University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 34 | University of the Incarnate Word | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 35 | Our Lady of the Lake University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 36 | Concordia University Texas | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 37 | Texas Southern University | Undergraduate/Graduate | University admission requirements |
| 38 | Prairie View A&M University | Undergraduate/Graduate | High school or bachelor’s degree |
| 39 | Houston Christian University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 40 | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 41 | Texas College | Undergraduate | Academic records |
| 42 | Jarvis Christian University | Undergraduate | High school or equivalent |
| 43 | Wiley University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic qualifications |
| 44 | Wayland Baptist University | Undergraduate/Graduate | Academic records |
| 45 | University of Phoenix | Undergraduate/Graduate | Programme-specific requirements |
| 46 | Texas Virtual Academy | K–12 | Eligibility and residency |
| 47 | Texas Connections Academy | K–12 | Residency and grade eligibility |
| 48 | iSchool High at Lewisville | K–12 | Enrollment eligibility |
| 49 | Texas Online Preparatory School | K–12 | Residency and grade eligibility |
| 50 | K12-powered Texas Online Schools | K–12 | School-specific eligibility |
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Conclusion
Texas offers a broad range of online education opportunities, from tuition-free virtual K–12 schools to online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional programmes. The right choice depends on the student’s educational level, preferred field of study, budget, schedule, location, and long-term goals.
Before applying, prospective students should carefully review the admission requirements for the specific programme they want to study. Requirements can change, and admission to a university does not necessarily guarantee admission to every online programme offered by that institution.
Whether you are a Texas high school student looking for a fully online education or an adult seeking an online college degree, the 50 institutions above provide a useful starting point for exploring online education in Texas.