Affordable Online Degrees for Texas Residents
ACE programs cost less, no matter your location.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Texas
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
If you’re a Texas resident considering returning to school, starting with in-state colleges is a natural first step. While Texas is home to many well-known universities, local options don’t always offer the flexibility or affordability adult learners need to make higher education truly worthwhile.
Ƶ (ACE) is a fully online college built to help students achieve a strong return on their educational investment. By combining affordable tuition, flexible scheduling and career-focused coursework, ACE supports Texas residents in advancing their education without unnecessary financial strain.
Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects an academic experience that prioritizes the relevance, support and practical outcomes that continue to attract students across Texas.
Why Choose ACE?
ACE programs are designed around the realities of adult life. From application through graduation and beyond, our programs support your goals while respecting your time and responsibilities. With our committed team of educators and support staff by your side, you can pursue a high-quality education that aligns with your career aspirations and without putting your budget or schedule at risk.
How ACE Compares
Texas institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and the University of Houston offer respected academic programs. However, ACE approaches online education from a fundamentally different starting point.
Because ACE was created as a fully online college, our programs are intentionally designed for working professionals. Coursework emphasizes applied learning, flexible pacing and affordability, often at a significantly lower cost than traditional universities.
Review the comparison below to see how ACE stacks up for Texas residents.

| ACE | University of Texas at Austin | Texas A&M University | Texas State University | University of Houston | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Some online options | Many online options | Extensive online options | Extensive online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 9 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-6 starts | 2-6 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0003 (total cost) | $12,0064 (average annual in-state cost) | $11,7484 (average annual in-state cost) | $8,9974 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,0514 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Our Unmatched Affordability
If affordability is a top priority when searching for online programs in Texas, ACE delivers clear value. Our straightforward tuition model helps students plan ahead without worrying about hidden costs or fees. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without debt.5 This financial flexibility allows graduates to fully focus on professional growth and learning rather than finances.
Our Unique Academic Experience
ACE programs are developed internally with close attention to evolving industry expectations, professional standards and practical application. Our academic team regularly evaluates and updates curricula to ensure coursework remains relevant and career-aligned.
Students learn from faculty who bring real-world experience into every course and understand what it takes to take your education directly into the workplace.
Your experience also includes:
- Uniform course design: Consistent course structure across programs helps you stay focused and confident from day one.
- Fully asynchronous learning: Except for required hands-on components in select programs, coursework can be completed on your schedule without mandatory live sessions.
- Comprehensive support: Students have access to a writing center, a robust digital library and free monthly tutoring throughout their program.
How ACE Supports Aspiring Texas Teachers
ACE has guided thousands of educators, from those at the beginning of their career to those leading the way. Our education programs are built to strengthen instructional practice, classroom management and professional confidence.
Whether you are pursuing a career change or expanding your credentials, ACE offers flexible pathways that support the needs of today’s educators.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Texas, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any .
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students inTexas?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students inTexasand other SARAparticipatingstates through its home-state authorization inIndiana.Read about this agreementtolearn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that onlineTexascolleges might not?
ACE is designed specifically for adult learners who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. Our programs combine affordable tuition, fully online delivery and coursework that connects directly to real workplace skills. Students learn from experienced faculty and complete assignments that areimmediatelyapplicable to their careers. Research also shows that for every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they gain $19.20 in higher future earnings.3
How can an ACE degree help me getanTexasteaching certificate?
ACE’sinitiallicensure programs help aspiring educators builda strong foundationin instructional strategies, assessmentpracticesand classroom technology. These programs are designed to prepare you for the next steps in the certification process while developing the skills needed to succeed in today’s classrooms.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3All values shown are an estimated value of the cost of tuition and fees. Actual amounts may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, the receipt of scholarship or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: , , , . Accessed Dec. 15, 2025.
5Internal research completed in November 2025
