Online Schools in Texas

Over 10.2 million workers call Texas their home state. From big cities like Houston and Dallas to small towns dotting the Lone Star State, educational opportunities abound both on-campus and online.

Over 10.2 million workers call Texas their home state. From big cities like Houston and Dallas to small towns dotting the Lone Star State, educational opportunities abound both on-campus and online.

Living and working in Texas

Per capita personal income was $36,484 in Texas in 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports, ranking the state 29th in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in Texas earned mean annual wages of $41,100 in 2009, or about $19.76 an hour.

Texas' economy is well on the way to recovery, the Texas comptroller's office reports. From March 2010 to March 2011, the state added more than 250,000 jobs in most industry sectors, including construction, leisure and hospitality, financial activities, professional and business services, educational and health services, and government.

Texas boasts a relatively low cost of living, meaning your paycheck goes further towards groceries, utilities, housing and more. According to ACCRA, cost of living in the state was about 9 percent lower than the national average in 2010, ranking Texas fifth nationally. Housing statewide scored particularly well, at about 18 percent lower than national averages.

Texas education and higher education budget

The state of Texas is home to 240 Title IV degree-granting institutions. Of those, 109 are public schools and 131 are private. With a national average of 88 schools per state, Texans have more to choose from. However, the size of the state could make it difficult for some prospective students to find a suitable school near home. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 3 million Texans live in rural areas, which may be a significant commute from a local college or university.

Budget issues have caused problems for higher education in the Lone Star State. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that in Texas, a 5 percent budget cut reduced funding for higher education by $73 million in 2011. Budget cuts could result in limited opportunities for financial aid, higher tuition and fewer teachers.

Students may consider options such as Texas online degree programs to avoid the fluctuating budgets of state schools and eliminate transportation hassles to colleges far from home. At accredited online colleges in Texas, students have the same access to federal financial aid as they would at any traditional campus-based program.

Choosing Texas online schools

Online schools in Texas offer degree and training options ranging from brief certificate and diploma programs up to advanced graduate degrees. Associate and bachelor's degrees are a popular option and can be found in fields ranging from health care to business to liberal arts.

Hybrid degree programs are another option offered by many schools with campuses in Texas that also offer online classes. The programs, which require some on-campus attendance in addition to online coursework, can be a good match for students who need some hands-on training but are looking for the convenience of an online degree.

Online education can be a good choice for self-motivated students hoping to meet some or all of their course requirements off-campus. For students considering degree programs that require laboratory work or other hands-on training, hybrid or traditional degree programs may be preferable.

High-growth jobs in Texas

The Texas Labor Market Information department projects significant growth in the state for certain careers. The occupations listed below are expected to be some of the fastest growing in the state from 2008 to 2018. They are listed along with their mean annual salary in Texas in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and recommended degrees:

• Petroleum engineers: 49.9 percent growth rate ($126,240). Bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering required, master's degree preferred.
• Middle school special education teachers: 41.9 percent growth rate ($49,860). Bachelor's degree plus certification required.
• Registered nurses: 32.3 percent growth rate ($64,670). Associate or bachelor's degree plus licensure required.
• Skin care specialists: 38.3 percent growth rate ($29,590). Associate degree plus licensure required.

Fields in a range of industries in Texas are poised to see a high level of growth in the coming years, and job opportunities are typically best for candidates with a college degree. Let Texas online schools help you train for an in-demand career.