Best Online Colleges in Texas

Benefits of Studying Online in Texas

As the largest state in the contiguous United States, Texas offers its residents a wealth of opportunities, both from a recreational and an economic perspective. Despite being the second most populous state in the US (accounting for nearly 9% of the nation's population) and second most land area (totalling more than 268,500 square miles), the Lone Star State is able to maintain a diverse economy across it's many cities. From the capitol (Austin), to the largest city (Houston) to the city that never sleeps (Dallas), each offers its own unique identity, but all manage to come together to form one of the most recognized identities in the US.

Employment Stats

The #2 states is also the nation's #2 employer, with more than 13.6 million persons employed (as of October 2022). That equates to 8.89% of the nation's entire workforce. One of the most impressive stats associated with Texas' economic health is its rate of job growth - between 2021 and 2022, the state added 694,000 new jobs, an increase of 5.37%. This wasn't enough to make Texas the fastest growing state (that was Wyoming with an impressive 10.35%) - but it did make Texas the fastest growing state with a population of more than 5 million people. Relatively speaking, it was more than double the nation's growth rate (2.59%).

Furthermore, looking at the overall labor market, Texas is far above the national median, boasting more than 11.6 million more employed people (or 589% more than the median state). In terms of its closest competitors, Texas had nearly 4 million more people employed than Florida (it's closest competitor at #3), a difference of 42.83%. California - the nation's largest employer, had just 4,093 (<1%) more individuals than the Lone Star State.

Job Opportunities

As the second-largest state in the US, Texas offers a unique mix of both career opportunities and cultural experiences. There are currently 803 unique positions available in the state, giving it an 11.2% advantage over the national median of 722 positions. This places Texas as the second-most diverse state in terms of job type, with only California having more variety (834).

The Lone Star State is home to a few good universities, the top of which is the University of Texas - Austin. The university is known for its programs in business and engineering, and has more than 50,000 students enrolled each year. Aside from Austin, Texas is also home to the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas. In addition, the state is home to a number of large companies, including Dell, Southwest Airlines and USAA.

All in all, the economic health of Texas suggests that those looking to pursue a degree, either online or in person, will have access to a vast array of employment opportunities, from many different industries. The combination of a large population and a large land area also provides students with the opportunity to explore and experience the Lone Star State's culturally diverse environment. As a result, Texas is an ideal choice for those looking to pursue their degree and gain invaluable experiences.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)