Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio

online colleges in san antonio

The list of available online degrees in San Antonio, Texas, continues to grow. Students all over the country are finding that the city is offering some of the best online programs in the Lone Star State. But with so many schools to choose from, how does a student begin the research process to find the best program for them?

This ranking was created to answer that question. With the information that is relevant to online students, such as tuition rates and class sizes, this list of schools provides students with exact data to help them make their decision. And with a look at fields of study available at each school, along with the services available to online students, this is a great resource for anyone interested in attending a school in San Antonio.

Methodology

This ranking began with research that was conducted on the National Center for Education Statistics website and its College Navigator database. An initial group of schools was identified by searching for online degrees in San Antonio, Texas. After the group was created, further research was done by using individual school’s websites. Points were tallied based on the following factors:

Types of online degree options available (associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate): 1 point per degree level.

Cost per credit hour:
Under $250 – 4 points
$251 – $350 – 3 points
$351 – $450 – 2 points
Over $451 per credit hour – 1 point

Regional Accreditation:
Present – 1 point

Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 point

The final 10 schools, which can all be found within a 100-mile radius of San Antonio, Texas, were selected based on the total points accrued during the research process. They are listed below in descending order.

10. The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
The University of Texas at San Antonio offers online master’s programs.

Website

Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio have the option to complete online master’s degrees right from the comfort of their own home. This school provides graduate degrees as well as stand-alone online courses for students, making it easier for them to complete a 100 percent online degree or take additional online courses while completing their degree on campus. Students will find that this school is still building their online portal, so resources are minimal, but the dedication to online education is not. Online features include 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $687
Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 4

9. St. Mary’s University of San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
St. Mary’s University of San Antonio offers graduate degrees and certificates 100 percent online.

Website

St. Mary’s University of San Antonio is a great school for online degrees in San Antonio, Texas. Students at this school will be able to complete graduate degrees and certificates 100 percent online. Fields of study include international relations, software engineering, theology, and jurisprudence. Most programs come with concentrations or specializations, making it easier than ever to convert a general degree into a specialized program. Students at this school will thrive with small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff. Online features include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, financial aid services, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $970
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 5

8. Schreiner University

Kerrville, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Schreiner University offers online master’s degrees.

Website

Students at Schreiner University will have access to some of the best online programs available. This school confers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online or with minimal residency options; certificates and endorsements for Texas residents are also available. Fields of study include nursing, education, management science, and business administration. With small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff, students are well prepared for graduation and beyond. Online features include academic and career services, 24/7 technical support, online office hours, financial aid services, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $517
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 5

7. Texas A&M University in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Texas A&M University in San Antonio offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online.

Website

Texas A&M University in San Antonio is a great place to earn online degrees in San Antonio, Texas. This school provides students with the chance to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree; certificates and other qualifications are also available. Fields of study include business administration, communication studies, agricultural sciences, and engineering. Fully supported by the Texas A&M University system’s online portal, this is a fully functioning online degree program. Students will find that they have access to such online features as 24/7 technical support, financial aid services, online office hours, academic and career advising, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $516
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 5

6. Saint Edward’s University

Austin, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Saint Edward’s University offers online graduate and doctorate degrees as well as certificates and endorsements.

Website

The online programs available at Saint Edward’s University are perfect for working professionals and busy students alike. This school confers graduate and doctorate degrees as well as certificates and endorsements. Fields of study include business administration, educational leadership, and digital marketing and analytics. Students will find that aside from small class sizes and a dedicated online staff, they will also have access to experienced professors who have been trained in online education. Online features include academic and career advising, tutoring services, smartphone and tablet companion apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $1,540
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 6

5. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs online.

Website

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is home to excellent bachelor’s online degrees in the city. This school is nationally renown for its on-campus programs, something that it is slowly beginning to add to its catalog of online degrees. Students can study everything from dental hygiene to nursing to bioethics. Backed by a world-class faculty and a dedicated online staff, students will have no trouble meeting their educational goals. Online features include academic and career advising, online tutoring services, online office hours, financial aid services, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $738
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 7

4. The University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
The University of the Incarnate Word caps class sizes at 15 students.

Website

One of the best things about the University of the Incarnate Word is the number of degrees that are now conferred online. Students can choose from a variety of degrees and certificates at all levels of education. Fields of study include psychology, public administration, health sciences, criminal justice, and human resources. This school believes in a familial atmosphere, no matter the delivery method of education, so each program caps class sizes at 15 students. Along with a committed online staff and renown instructors, students will find the exceptional education they have always been looking for. Online features include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, financial aid services, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $970
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 8

3. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Our Lady of the Lake University caps class sizes at 10 students per course.

Website

Our Lady of the Lake University is home to a veritable group of online degrees in San Antonio, Texas. this school offers degrees at all levels of education; professionally accredited programs may also lead to additional qualifications. Fields of study include counseling, social work, business administration, and nursing. This school is nationally ranked in a number of categories by U.S. News and World Report. Class sizes are capped at just 10 students per course, making it easier than ever to engage with classmates and professors. Online features for the program include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, tutoring services, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $907
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 8

2. Concordia University at Austin

Austin, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Concordia University at Austin offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Website

Students who complete an online degree at Concordia University at Austin will be in a great position to compete in an evolving workforce. This school confers online degrees and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Fields of study include psychology, communication studies, business administration, and criminal justice and criminology. Students will have access to small class sizes, experienced instructors trained in online education, and a committed online staff. Online features include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, tutoring services, financial aid services, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $350
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 8

1. Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas

Top 10 Online Schools in Texas: San Antonio, Texas
Texas State University at San Marcos offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Website

Texas State University offers a variety of online degrees near San Antonio, Texas. Students at this school will be able to earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees as a hybrid or fully online program. Fields of study include computer information systems, criminal justice, interior design, and agriculture business and management. More degrees are being offered every year, with new ones already announced for 2019. Students will have access to a variety of online features, include academic and career advising, tutoring services, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $227
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Total Points: 8

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for an Online Degree?

Online degrees are in an enviable position to provide students with every career pathway possible in the United States and, in many cases, all over the world. There is simply no limit to what a student can accomplish with an online degree; the only limit is the one that the student places on themselves and their goals. In fact, online degrees are so useful that employers are actively encouraging their employees to complete one in order to help with their careers.

But, if online education can lead to all careers is a rule, there are always exceptions. Some careers, such as a medical or law profession, will require an on-campus degree at some point. These degrees are considered to be terminal education and will help students become licensed to practice these professionals. However, they must be completed on a campus because students will need to undertake supervised hands-on training that can only be completed at a specialist school.

Is it Possible to Earn a Dual Degree From an Online School?

Yes, it is currently possible to earn an online dual degree. There are caveats to this, which students should consider before undertaking the endeavor. These include whether the school allows dual degrees, degree type, and a student’s schedule.

Many schools offer dual degrees on campus but not online. This is because schools may not have two offerings which would make sense for a dual degree. This type of program is generally found in business or computer science but may be difficult to find when crossing fields, such as trying to earn a degree in business and in one of the humanities. Schools that offer online dual degrees will generally have this reflected on the school website.

Degree type matters as well. Dual degrees are often found at the graduate level, while dual bachelor’s degrees is very difficult to find. Alternatively, it may be possible to enter a program that offers an undergraduate and graduate degree, although these cannot be conferred concurrently due to the nature of undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Students will need to keep in mind that the school must already confer both degrees online in order for them to appeal to the school for a dual degree program.

Finally, dual degrees are conferred concurrently; students will need to complete both sets of degree requirements at the same time so that they can graduate with both degrees. This will take a lot of time and effort on the student’s part; scheduling and time management are key in this program. Therefore, students who work full-time and have personal responsibilities will need to weigh the necessity of earning dual degrees against the responsibilities that are already on their plate. It is best to consider that earning dual degrees is twice the coursework of one degree, which may not be a worthwhile effort for a student who already has a busy schedule.

Why are Online Class Sizes Smaller Than On-Campus Class Sizes?

Online class sizes, on average, tend to be smaller than on-campus classes for several reasons. The popularity of a program, class cap size and degree designation play the biggest role in how big a class size can be in any given online program. The good news is that this means more individualized attention for students who would oftentimes be lost in the crowd on campus.

The popularity of a program and the selectiveness of a school for the program play a role in class sizes. Undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and nursing are often the most popular, but other programs, such as psychology, social work and human resource management are still popular. However, the number of students applying to the program varies; the number of students who are accepted into the program is up to the school. This is because many online programs are just as selective as their on-campus counterparts, making it difficult for many students to make the cut to enter the program.

The second factor is the class cap size. Online programs often cap the number of students in a course to ensure that the professor isn’t overwhelmed by their students as well as to provide individualized attention to each student. However, online programs also cap the number of students in the entire program, making the online student body significantly smaller than the on-campus program.

Finally, degree designation plays the final role. Degree designation refers to the level of education for the online program. Graduate degrees are by far the most popular with undergraduate and doctorate degrees attracting fewer students. Because fewer students are vying for positions within an online program, class sizes are naturally smaller.

Should a Working Professional Take on a Full Course Load if They are Working Full-Time?

This can only be determined by the individual. A professional may not have any trouble at all completing a full course load while balancing a full-time career or they may extreme difficulty and drop out of the program before graduation. However, it is prudent to consider the requirements of a full course load, the length of term for the online program, and the amount of time a professional has in their schedule.

A full course load is defined differently for an online student than an on-campus student. Generally speaking, a full course load can be anywhere between three to five courses; the limit is determined by the school. If each course requires 10 hours of studying each week, not including lectures and assignments, then that translates to 30 hours a week, which is nearly a full-time job. Alternatively, part-time status can translate to one or two courses every term, which is 10 to 20 hours of work each week.

Online term lengths also vary, which is another consideration for students. Online terms can last anywhere from four to 16 weeks in length. While short course lengths may seem ideal for a working professional, what this translates into is an intensive course that will require more time devoted to schoolwork. In fact, it is recommended, and sometimes required, that students who take on four-week terms only take one course per term so that their education does not suffer under the weight of the requirements of the course.

The final consideration and perhaps the most important is how much time a professional has in their schedule that they can reasonably dedicate to studying. Full-time professionals may have to work overtime or have a job that requires frequent travel, something that may make completing a full course load every term more difficult. In this case, it may be easier for the student if they try to study part-time at first so they can become accustomed to their school schedule.

The fact that online degrees exist and are becoming easier to find is a good step forward for higher education in the United States. Students who have jobs and other responsibilities now have the freedom to complete their education in a way that makes sense for them. This ranking of the top online degrees in San Antonio, Texas, is a great place to start for students who are interested in taking the step to complete their goals.

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