Colleges and Universities in Grayson County: A Guide for 2026

Jane A.

6/5/26

Guide to colleges in Grayson County TX — Grayson College, online programs, trade schools, and higher education near Sherman and Denison. 2026.

Grayson College

Grayson College is the cornerstone of higher education in Grayson County. Founded in 1963 and based in Denison, the college serves approximately 5,000 to 6,000 students annually across credit and non-credit programs.

As a Texas public community college, Grayson offers substantially lower tuition than four-year universities — making it the most accessible and cost-effective entry point to higher education for county residents.

Academic Programs

Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS): Transfer degrees designed to articulate seamlessly with four-year Texas public universities.

Students completing the AA or AS can transfer as juniors to UT system, Texas A&M system, and other Texas public universities under the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Workforce-focused two-year degrees in healthcare, business, technology, criminal justice, and other career fields designed for students entering the workforce directly.

Certificates: Short-term certificate programs in healthcare, welding, automotive, cosmetology, HVAC, and other technical fields. Completion time ranges from one semester to two years.

Workforce and Technical Programs

Grayson College's workforce development programs are among its most impactful offerings for the county's economy. Programs are designed in close coordination with local employers to produce graduates with the specific skills the regional job market needs.

Healthcare programs: Nursing (ADN), vocational nursing (LVN), medical assistant, EMT, phlebotomy, and medical coding. The nursing programs have strong pass rates on licensing exams and direct pipeline relationships with Texoma Medical Center.

Technical trades: Welding, HVAC, automotive technology, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance. Hands-on lab training with industry-current equipment.

Business and technology: Accounting, business management, computer information systems, cybersecurity, and office technology programs serve the county's growing technology workforce needs.

Dual Credit — High School Students

Grayson College's dual credit program is one of its most significant community contributions. High school students in Grayson County ISD partnerships can earn college credit while completing their high school diploma — potentially entering college or the workforce with a meaningful head start.

Partner districts: Sherman ISD, Denison ISD, Van Alstyne ISD, Pottsboro ISD, and most other Grayson County school districts have active dual credit partnerships with Grayson College.

Cost: Dual credit tuition is waived or heavily subsidized for qualifying high school students under Texas HB 505. Contact the college's dual credit office for current partnership terms.

Campus and Facilities

Main campus: 6101 Grayson Drive, Denison, TX 75020

Sherman center: An off-campus instructional site in Sherman serves students in the western county.

Online: A growing catalog of fully online and hybrid courses accommodates working adults and remote learners.

Tuition (2026): Approximately $85 to $110 per credit hour for in-district students — among the most affordable community college rates in North Texas.

Four-Year University Access

Grayson County does not have a four-year university within its borders, but several options are accessible to county residents.

Texas A&M University — Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce is located approximately 45 miles east of Sherman — a manageable commute for students seeking a four-year public university experience. TAMUC offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across a broad range of disciplines and has a strong online program catalog.

University of North Texas (UNT) — Denton

UNT in Denton is approximately 70 miles southwest of Sherman. UNT Online offers bachelor's completion programs in business, education, applied arts and sciences, and other fields that work well for working adults in Grayson County.

Online University Options

Grayson County residents have full access to the online programs of Texas public universities — UT System, Texas A&M System, Texas Tech, and others — at competitive in-state tuition regardless of physical location.

Western Governors University (WGU): A regionally accredited, competency-based online university popular with working adults in healthcare, IT, business, and education. Flat-rate per-term tuition makes it cost-effective for students who can accelerate.

Trade, Technical, and Vocational Options

For students pursuing skilled trades and technical careers — the fastest path to good-paying employment in Grayson County's manufacturing, construction, and healthcare economy — several options exist beyond Grayson College.

Texas State Technical College (TSTC): TSTC campuses in Waco and North Texas serve students pursuing technical programs in engineering technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.

Apprenticeship programs: Union and non-union apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and ironwork trades offer paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction — a debt-free alternative to traditional college for students committed to a skilled trade career.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

FAFSA: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. Required for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and most institutional aid.

Texas grant programs: Texas Grant, TEXAS Grant, and the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) for community college students all support Grayson County students.

Grayson College Foundation scholarships: The Grayson College Foundation awards dozens of local scholarships annually. Application opens each spring for the following academic year.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Federally funded workforce training grants are available through the Texoma Workforce Solutions office in Sherman for qualifying adults seeking retraining in high-demand occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grayson County have a college?

Yes — Grayson College, based in Denison, is a fully accredited two-year community college serving approximately 5,000 to 6,000 students annually. It offers associate degrees, technical certificates, dual credit for high school students, and continuing education programs.

Can I transfer from Grayson College to a four-year university?

Yes. Grayson College's transfer degrees are designed to articulate with Texas public universities under the Texas Common Course Numbering System. Students completing the core curriculum transfer as juniors to UT, Texas A&M, and other Texas public universities.

What are the most popular programs at Grayson College?

The nursing and allied health programs consistently have the highest enrollment and strongest post-completion employment outcomes. Business, criminal justice, and computer information systems are the most popular academic transfer programs. Welding, HVAC, and automotive technology are high-demand workforce programs with strong job placement rates.