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Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas

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2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas

57 Schools Ranked
$8,078 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$19,387 Avg Student Debt

Today's students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking. Our analysis looked at 57 schools in Texas to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Associate Degree Schools in Texas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Central Texas College

Killeen, Texas
$11,657 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Central Texas College to be the best school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in Texas.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,657 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Central Texas College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 74% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Central Texas College

#2

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
$18,961 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at El Centro College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Texas.

On average, associate degree students take out $18,961 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since El Centro College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 92% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$3,094 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,379 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Collin County Community College District. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $3,094 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Collin County Community College District. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,104. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,379 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Collin County Community College District does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Collin County Community College District Report

#4

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, Texas
$22,004 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Wayland Baptist University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $22,004 to cover tuition and fees at Wayland Baptist University. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Wayland Baptist University. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Wayland Baptist University Report

#5

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
$4,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,401 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 57 schools in Texas that were part of this year’s ranking, South Texas College landed the # 5 spot on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $4,530 in tuition and fees if they attend South Texas College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,920. Associate Degree recipients from South Texas College accumulate an average of $8,401 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that South Texas College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#6

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
$4,848 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,481 Avg Student Debt

Lone Star College System came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,848 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Harris Montgomery. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,168. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,481 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at North Harris Montgomery. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Lone Star College System

#7

Lee College

Baytown, Texas
$3,882 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,284 Avg Student Debt

Lee College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $3,882 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Lee College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,302. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,284 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Lee College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 49% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lee College

$8,580 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,220 Avg Student Debt

Austin Community College District landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

In-state students pay an average of $8,580 in tuition and fees if they attend Austin Community College District full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,590. On average, associate degree students take out $16,220 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Austin Community College District. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#9

Tarrant County College District

Fort Worth, Texas
$17,198 Avg Student Debt

Tarrant County College District came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,198 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Tarrant County College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Tarrant County College District Report

$4,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,859 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, McLennan Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Students from Texas who attend MCC full time pay an average of $4,200 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,910. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,859 in student loans.

Online courses are available at MCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full McLennan Community College Report

#11

Panola College

Carthage, Texas
$3,672 Average Tuition & Fees

Panola College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Panola College is $3,672. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,680.

Online courses are available at Panola College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 72% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Panola College

#12

Weatherford College

Weatherford, Texas
$5,700 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,268 Avg Student Debt

Weatherford College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list.

Students from Texas who attend Weatherford College full time pay an average of $5,700 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,800. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,268 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Weatherford College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 37% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, Texas
$33,100 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,041 Avg Student Debt

University of the Incarnate Word landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

UIW does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $33,100. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $19,041 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UIW does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of the Incarnate Word Report

#14

Midland College

Midland, Texas
$4,620 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,310 Avg Student Debt

Midland College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,620 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Midland College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,880. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,310 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Midland College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Midland College Report

#15

Northwest Vista College

San Antonio, Texas
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,060 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Northwest Vista College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northwest Vista College is $6,592. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. Associate Degree recipients from Northwest Vista College accumulate an average of $13,060 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Northwest Vista College. In 2019-2020 about 42% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northwest Vista College Report

#16

San Antonio College

San Antonio, Texas
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,504 Avg Student Debt

San Antonio College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at San Antonio College is $6,592. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,122. Associate Degree recipients from San Antonio College accumulate an average of $16,504 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that San Antonio College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Hallmark University

San Antonio, Texas
$23,845 Avg Student Debt

Hallmark University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

On average, associate degree students take out $23,845 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Hallmark does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 76% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#18

North Central Texas College

Gainesville, Texas
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,150 Avg Student Debt

North Central Texas College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend NCTC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,080. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,150 in student loans.

NCTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full North Central Texas College Report

#19

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas
$4,344 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,597 Avg Student Debt

Houston Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $4,344 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Houston Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,460. On average, associate degree students take out $23,597 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Houston Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Houston Community College Report

#20

Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas
$3,168 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,641 Avg Student Debt

Amarillo College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Amarillo College is $3,168. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,704. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,641 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Amarillo College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 57% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Amarillo College

#21

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, Texas
$13,960 Avg Student Debt

San Jacinto Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas list.

Associate Degree recipients from San Jacinto College accumulate an average of $13,960 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that San Jacinto College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$16,405 Avg Student Debt

Texas State Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list.

On average, associate degree students take out $16,405 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at TSTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 97% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Texas State Technical College Report

#23

Navarro College

Corsicana, Texas
$4,508 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,157 Avg Student Debt

Navarro College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in Texas ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $4,508 in tuition and fees if they attend Navarro College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,368. Associate Degree recipients from Navarro College accumulate an average of $19,157 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Navarro College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 59% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Navarro College Report

$24,393 Avg Student Debt

Remington College - North Houston Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list.

Associate Degree recipients from Remington College - North Houston Campus accumulate an average of $24,393 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, Remington College - North Houston Campus is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Remington College - North Houston Campus Report

$17,404 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,477 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Southwestern Assemblies of God University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $17,404. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Southwestern Assemblies of God University accumulate an average of $29,477 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southwestern Assemblies of God University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 67% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

Best Associate Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

View Best Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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