Texas Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide
This guide to teaching degrees in Texas was designed to help aspiring teachers in the state research the colleges and universities that offer educator preparation programs. Texas requires all teachers to complete an approved teacher preparation program from an accredited school to work in the state’s education system. To help you find the best option for your career goals, this page provides a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs and lists of the most affordable and top-ranked teaching programs in Texas.
Table of Contents
- TX Teacher Preparation Program Comparison
- 25 Affordable TX Bachelor’s in Education Programs
- Top-Ranked Texas Education Programs
- Best Bachelor’s in Education Programs
- Best Online M.Ed. Programs
- Schools With Associate Degrees in Education
Comparison of Texas Schools With Teacher Preparation Programs
The table below compares 77 Texas teacher preparation programs across key factors. All listed institutions are not-for-profit and approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Completing a state-approved program is a key step toward licensure. While Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation is not required for licensure, we include it because CAEP is a nationally respected accreditor whose standards are recognized or accepted in many states.
Data includes enrollment, completion, and pass rates for traditional and alternative programs, based on the 2024 Title II Report (2022-2023 school year). Traditional programs are usually part of a bachelor’s degree, while alternative certification programs target career changers and may lead to a certificate or master’s degree. Many schools offer both—review our Texas traditional certification guide and our Texas alternative certification guide for more. Net price reflects the average annual cost for in-state undergraduates—tuition, books, room and board—minus grants and scholarships.
| State-Approved School | CAEP Accred.?1 | Trad. Teacher Program Enrollment2 | Trad. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers2 | Trad. Licensing Exams Pass Rate2 | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment2 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers2 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate2 | Net Price3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene Christian University | No | 171 | 36 | 97% | — | — | — | $28,725 |
| Angelo State University | No | 166 | 89 | 84% | 4 | 2 | N.Av. | $12,420 |
| Arlington Baptist University | No | 3 | 1 | N.Av. | — | — | — | $21,684 |
| Austin College | No | 16 | 15 | 100% | — | — | — | $24,085 |
| Baylor University | No | 352 | 96 | 99% | — | — | — | $40,133 |
| Concordia University Texas | No | 59 | 29 | N.Av. | — | — | — | $26,362 |
| Criswell College | No | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | $12,740 |
| Dallas Baptist University | Yes | 108 | 44 | 98% | 13 | 5 | N.Av. | $26,062 |
| Dallas Christian College | No | — | — | — | — | — | — | $28,981 |
| East Texas Baptist University | No | 94 | 23 | 100% | — | — | — | $23,200 |
| Hardin-Simmons University | No | 75 | 22 | 71% | — | — | — | $21,567 |
| Houston Baptist University | No | 107 | 28 | 88% | 12 | 4 | N.Av. | $18,782 |
| Howard Payne University | No | 60 | 30 | 77% | — | — | — | $24,515 |
| Huston-Tillotson University | No | 3 | 3 | N.Av. | 2 | 2 | N.Av. | $14,375 |
| Jarvis Christian College | No | 3 | — | — | 3 | — | — | $14,732 |
| Lamar University | Yes | 243 | 56 | 84% | — | — | — | $11,116 |
| LeTourneau University | No | 104 | 28 | 100% | — | — | — | $25,661 |
| Lubbock Christian University | No | 76 | 32 | 97% | — | — | — | $24,745 |
| McMurry University | No | 88 | 29 | 86% | 17 | 1 | N.Av. | $20,963 |
| Midwestern State University | Yes | 197 | 53 | 81% | — | — | — | $10,094 |
| North American University | No | 1 | 1 | N.Av. | 5 | — | — | $9,886 |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | No | 45 | 26 | 83% | — | — | — | $18,671 |
| Paul Quinn College | No | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | $14,237 |
| Prairie View A&M University | No | 107 | 15 | 93% | 56 | 15 | N.Av. | $13,794 |
| Rice University | No | 60 | 17 | 100% | 1 | 1 | N.Av. | $19,215 |
| Sam Houston State University | Yes | 1518 | 368 | N.Av. | 48 | 22 | N.Av. | $13,904 |
| Schreiner University | No | 27 | 13 | 77% | 3 | 1 | N.Av. | $25,771 |
| Southern Methodist University | No | 306 | 72 | 100% | 8 | 7 | N.Av. | $41,444 |
| Southwestern Adventist University | No | 45 | 13 | N.Av. | 4 | 3 | N.Av. | $20,654 |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University | No | 34 | 18 | 72% | 7 | 1 | N.Av. | $23,931 |
| Southwestern University | No | 27 | 17 | 100% | — | — | — | $29,830 |
| St. Edward’s University | No | 54 | 30 | 83% | — | — | — | $30,072 |
| St. Mary’s University | No | 42 | 21 | 95% | 2 | 1 | N.Av. | $18,827 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Yes | 882 | 352 | 95% | 30 | 8 | N.Av. | $12,649 |
| Sul Ross State University-Alpine | No | 85 | 16 | 73% | 11 | 2 | N.Av. | $11,367 |
| Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande | No | 126 | 46 | 53% | 4 | 2 | N.Av. | $11,368 |
| Tarleton State University | No | 501 | 205 | 100% | 75 | 19 | 100% | $15,181 |
| Texas A&M International University | No | 510 | 103 | 95% | 10 | 5 | N.Av. | $4,165 |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | No | 92 | 42 | 96% | 49 | — | — | $3,637 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | No | 1562 | 622 | 99% | — | — | — | $19,906 |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | No | 507 | 210 | 89% | 61 | 18 | 100% | $12,853 |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | No | 351 | 135 | 90% | 8 | 1 | N.Av. | $14,294 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | No | 299 | 72 | 89% | 8 | 3 | N.Av. | $13,466 |
| Texas A&M University-San Antonio | No | 549 | 135 | 85% | — | — | — | $11,175 |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | No | 92 | 10 | N.Av. | 79 | 10 | N.Av. | $11,201 |
| Texas Christian University | No | 323 | 99 | 87% | — | — | — | $40,220 |
| Texas College | No | 13 | 3 | N.Av. | — | — | — | $15,178 |
| Texas Lutheran University | No | 109 | 37 | 65% | 18 | 5 | N.Av. | $19,128 |
| Texas Southern University | Yes | 190 | 22 | 100% | — | — | — | $13,481 |
| Texas State University | No | 1800 | 584 | 86% | 19 | 9 | 100% | $13,750 |
| Texas Tech University | Yes | 1078 | 370 | 97% | 27 | 5 | N.Av. | $15,452 |
| Texas Wesleyan University | No | 108 | 14 | 100% | 41 | 10 | N.Av. | $23,479 |
| Texas Woman’s University | No | 536 | 118 | 99% | 143 | 27 | N.Av. | $10,087 |
| Trinity University | No | 16 | 14 | 100% | — | — | — | $31,141 |
| University of Dallas | No | 24 | 9 | N.Av. | 3 | 3 | N.Av. | $27,450 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | No | 557 | 188 | 100% | 13 | 3 | N.Av. | $14,667 |
| University of Houston-Downtown | No | 693 | 206 | 57% | 25 | 5 | N.Av. | $12,087 |
| University of Houston-Houston | Yes | 787 | 406 | 79% | 56 | 13 | 92% | $14,480 |
| University of Houston-Victoria | No | 223 | 65 | 94% | 56 | 13 | N.Av. | $9,657 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | No | 190 | 73 | 93% | 5 | — | — | $27,629 |
| University of North Texas-Dallas | No | 297 | 18 | 100% | 13 | — | — | $13,781 |
| University of North Texas-Denton | No | 1498 | 551 | 86% | 26 | 10 | 70% | $13,782 |
| University of St. Thomas | No | — | — | — | — | — | — | $19,940 |
| University of Texas-Arlington | No | 761 | 238 | 84% | 36 | 6 | N.Av. | $15,220 |
| University of Texas-Austin | No | 531 | 217 | 90% | 55 | 29 | 100% | $16,892 |
| University of Texas-Dallas | No | 159 | 63 | 100% | 36 | 9 | N.Av. | $11,185 |
| University of Texas-El Paso | No | 1123 | 251 | 88% | 119 | 49 | 95% | $8,758 |
| University of Texas-Permian Basin | Yes | 264 | 100 | N.Av. | 271 | 57 | N.Av. | $7,424 |
| University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley | Yes | 1900 | 385 | 86% | — | — | — | $4,419 |
| University of Texas-San Antonio | No | 962 | 310 | 82% | 43 | 19 | 94% | $10,934 |
| University of Texas-Tyler | No | 310 | 85 | 84% | 27 | 7 | N.Av. | $11,658 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | No | 68 | 22 | 100% | — | — | — | $23,041 |
| Wayland Baptist University | No | 65 | 9 | N.Av. | 2 | 2 | N.Av. | $25,220 |
| West Texas A&M University | No | 488 | 94 | 100% | 434 | 54 | 93% | $13,105 |
| Wiley College | No | 15 | 2 | N.Av. | — | — | — | $14,687 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Education Programs in Texas
Our list of the most affordable bachelor’s in education programs is based on the net price per year for undergraduate tuition. Net price is the average cost of attendance after grants and scholarships are applied. These 25 most affordable schools have a net price under $13,500.
- Texas A&M University-Central Texas ($3,637)
- Texas A&M International University ($4,165)
- University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley ($4,419)
- University of Texas-Permian Basin ($7,424)
- University of Texas-El Paso ($8,758)
- University of Houston-Victoria ($9,657)
- North American University ($9,886)
- Texas Woman’s University ($10,087)
- Midwestern State University ($10,094)
- University of Texas-San Antonio ($10,934)
- Lamar University ($11,116)
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio ($11,175)
- University of Texas-Dallas ($11,185)
- Texas A&M University-Texarkana ($11,201)
- Sul Ross State University-Alpine ($11,367)
- Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande ($11,368)
- University of Texas-Tyler ($11,658)
- University of Houston-Downtown ($12,087)
- Angelo State University ($12,420)
- Stephen F. Austin State University ($12,649)
- Criswell College ($12,740)
- Texas A&M University-Commerce ($12,853)
- West Texas A&M University ($13,105)
- Texas A&M University-Kingsville ($13,466)
- Texas Southern University ($13,481)3
Top-Ranked Schools With Education Programs in Texas
Best Bachelor’s in Education Programs in Texas
Our list of the top 23 bachelor’s in education programs is based on the traditional pathway pass rate data from the 2024 Title II Reports.
- Austin College (100%)
- East Texas Baptist University (100%)
- LeTourneau University (100%)
- Rice University (100%)
- Southern Methodist University (100%)
- Southwestern University (100%)
- Tarleton State University (100%)
- Texas Southern University (100%)
- Texas Wesleyan University (100%)
- Trinity University (100%)
- University of Houston-Clear Lake (100%)
- University of North Texas-Dallas (100%)
- University of Texas-Dallas (100%)
- University of the Incarnate Word (100%)
- West Texas A&M University (100%)
- Baylor University (99%)
- Texas A&M University-College Station (99%)
- Texas Woman’s University (99%)
- Dallas Baptist University (98%)
- Abilene Christian University (97%)
- Lubbock Christian University (97%)
- Texas Tech University (97%)
- Texas A&M University-Central Texas (96%)2
Best Online Master of Education Programs in Texas
Visit our ranking of the best online Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in Texas to see the full list plus a breakdown of the most affordable schools.
- University of Houston
- Texas Tech University
- Lamar University
- Texas A&M University-College Station
- Texas A&M University-Commerce
Schools With Associate Degrees in Education
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level required to qualify for state certification, an associate degree can be the first step toward a career in education. It can qualify graduates for careers in non-licensed roles in early childhood education, after-school care, and related areas. The credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can also typically be transferred toward a bachelor’s degree. The 60 Texas schools below offer associate degrees in education.3 Schools with an asterisk (*) also offer four-year teaching programs and/or alternative route to certification programs.
- Alvin Community College
- Amarillo College
- Angelina College
- Austin Community College District*
- Blinn College
- Brazosport College
- Central Texas College
- Cisco College
- Clarendon College
- Coastal Bend College
- College of the Mainland
- Collin County Community College District
- Dallas Baptist University*
- Dallas College*
- Del Mar College
- El Paso Community College
- Frank Phillips College
- Grayson College
- Hill College
- Houston Community College*
- Howard College
- Kilgore College
- Lamar State College-Orange
- Lamar State College-Port Arthur
- Lee College
- LeTourneau University*
- Lone Star College System*
- McLennan Community College*
- Midland College
- Navarro College
- North Central Texas College
- Northeast Lakeview College*
- Northeast Texas Community College
- Northwest Vista College*
- Odessa College
- Palo Alto College*
- Panola College
- Paris Junior College
- Ranger College
- San Antonio College*
- San Jacinto Community College
- South Plains College
- South Texas College
- Southwest Texas Junior College
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University*
- St. Philip’s College*
- Tarrant County College District
- Temple College
- Texarkana College
- Texas College*
- Texas Southmost College
- Texas State Technical College
- Trinity Valley Community College
- Tyler Junior College
- University of the Incarnate Word*
- Vernon College
- Weatherford College
- Western Texas College
- Wharton County Junior College
References:
1. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
2. US Department of Education 2024 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
3. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/