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Online college is a great option for those seeking a bachelor's degree. Only 27.4% of Alabama residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, making college graduates more competitive in the state's job market.
Alabama boasts a number of prestigious online colleges. Students attending online colleges in Alabama benefit from strong academics, reasonable tuition rates, and flexible schedules.
Why Consider Online Colleges in Alabama?
- Alabama's unemployment rate was just 2.7% as of November 2022, lower than the national average.
- Online colleges often let students transfer credits to complete their degrees.
- Some online colleges in Alabama offer accelerated degrees, allowing you to save time and money.
- Online college is often more affordable compared to studying in person.
- Online schools in Alabama let you balance coursework with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or childcare.
Did You Know?
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The average annual salary in Alabama for all occupations is $48,110, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). -
The average cost of in-state tuition and fees for a public four-year university in Alabama is $10,617, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). -
Alabama has more historically Black colleges and universities than any other state in the country!
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How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Alabama?
Accreditation is the process of ensuring an academic program meets a certain set of standards.
Going to an accredited school means that you're protecting yourself from scams, that your program is rigorous enough to give you a good education, and that your degree will be accepted when applying for professional licenses and jobs.
Both entire schools and individual programs can be accredited. The former holds institutional accreditation; the latter holds programmatic accreditation.
While programmatic accreditors vary depending on what subject you're studying, the primary institutional accreditor for online schools in Alabama is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Top Online Schools in Alabama
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These rankings include
#1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $385
Graduate | $440
Degrees Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
The Tuscaloosa-based UA has a catalog of more than 90 online and hybrid bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
You can pick from fully online majors such as advertising, criminology and criminal justice, hospitality management, and nursing. Other programs may require on-campus components. For example, the bachelor's in manufacturing systems engineering and master's in social work are mostly online, except for labs and clinicals.
As an online learner, you can access library resources, tutoring services, and 24/7 technical help. What you need to get admitted depends on the degree, with some undergraduate programs requiring standardized test scores.
#2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $458-$525
Graduate | $458-$525
Degrees Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
From its campus in Birmingham, UAB offers both blended and online degrees for undergraduates and graduate students. Asynchronous and synchronous degrees entail courses you can complete in seven, 10, or 14 weeks.
Many of UAB's dual degrees — such as the business administration and optometry dual degree — offer a blended schedule with both online and in-person elements. Many undergraduate majors are available entirely online, including accounting, criminal justice, finance, and information systems.
First-year applicants may submit ACT or SAT scores but are not required to do so. Transfer students need at least 24 transferable credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
#3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $320
Graduate | $350-$525
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
Online learning at the nearly 100-year-old UNA allows you to pick from 12 undergraduate and 30 graduate degrees.
Fully online undergraduate majors include foreign languages, interdisciplinary and professional studies, nursing, professional management, and sociology. For graduate students, UNA offers online degrees in accounting, education, finance, history, kinesiology, and nursing.
The university does not require standardized test scores for first-year students. In addition, there are no application fees for online learners.
#4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
Troy University
Troy, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $388
Graduate | $475-$550
Degrees Offered: Certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
Pursue a certificate, undergraduate, graduate degree entirely online at Troy University, which currently offers more than 100 programs through TROY Online.
You can earn an online associate degree in general education or a bachelor's degree in subjects like business, computer science, criminal justice, and nursing. Troy's online graduate degrees include computer science, early childhood education, management, nursing, school counseling, and sports management.
Accelerated degrees can save you time and money. Troy offers discounted tuition rates if you enroll in an accelerated program. With five start dates, you can start your online degree anytime.
#5 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
Athens State University
Athens, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $241
Graduate | $348
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
Athens State, which was founded in 1822, offers 15 online bachelor's degrees and eight master's programs designed for transfer students. This upper-division college only accepts juniors, seniors, and graduate students — no first- or second-year students.
At the bachelor's level, you can pursue an online degree in accounting, aerospace systems management, advanced manufacturing management, homeland and corporate security, nursing, logistics and supply chain management, or psychology. Graduate students, meanwhile, can earn an online degree in subjects like supply chain management, interdisciplinary studies, and religious studies.
The admissions office should contact you within 24-48 hours after you submit an application.
#6 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $90-$755
Graduate | $90-$755
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
Faulkner University provides a Christian education both online and on its Montgomery campus. The university's online catalog includes two associate degrees, 11 bachelor's degrees, 11 master's degrees, and three doctorates.
Choose from online majors in fields like biblical studies, business, computer and information science, forensic psychology, and HR management. Online master's degrees include business administration, biblical studies, school counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. You can also earn your doctorate online in biblical studies, humanities, or health sciences.
Faulkner has a test-optional admissions policy for first-year applicants.
#7 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $275-$395
Graduate | $375-$780
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctorate
With 30 years of experience in distance learning, Amridge has more than 40 online programs taught from a Christian perspective. You can pick from associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees offered by the College of General Studies, the College of Business and Leadership, the School of Education and Human Services, or the Turner School of Theology.
Online majors include business administration, Christian ministry, criminal justice, human development, legal studies, liberal studies, organizational leadership and management, and web development.
First-year students applying to associate and bachelor's programs must submit standardized test scores. Transfer students must submit official transcripts. GPA requirements vary by program.
#8 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
United States Sports Academy
Daphne, AL - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $484
Graduate | $720-$820
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctoral
Located in Daphne, the Academy has taught undergraduate and graduate students sports management and other sports-related subjects since 1972. Flexible online degrees let you choose from traditional 16-week courses or FastTrack courses you can finish in five weeks. Active-duty military personnel can take 18 weeks to complete a course.
The Academy offers online degrees in sports management, sports coaching, sports studies, strength and conditioning, and sports exercise science. These degrees use an asynchronous format and do not require set course times.
Prospective undergraduate and graduate students must submit an online application and transcripts. Those transferring to an undergraduate program may transfer up to 90 credits.
#9 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2023
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $325
Graduate | $429-630
Degrees Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate
UWA offers more than 60 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Available online areas of study include business, communication, nursing, teaching, psychology and counseling, public safety, school administration, and science and the environment.
While UWA doesn't require you to submit standardized test scores, you must send in high school transcripts or GED scores, if applicable. Undergraduate transfer students may transfer up to 90 credits, while graduate students may transfer up to nine credits.
2 Popular Cities for Online Colleges in Alabama
Although students at online colleges can take their courses anywhere, Alabama has some great cities you can live in while enrolled in online school.
Montgomery
A vibrant city that's considered the birthplace of the civil rights movement, Montgomery is home to a wealth of historical monuments, riverfront views, and cultural sites.
Alabama State University and Trenholm State Community College are some of the more popular choices for online colleges in Montgomery.
Tuscaloosa
Alabama's fifth-largest city, Tuscaloosa, is a college town that is the home of The University of Alabama. Students here can enjoy the city's unique culture, including the intense fandom around UA's football team.
UA online students can benefit from being close to in-person activities, such as mandatory labs and externships.
| School | City | Accreditation | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
| Amridge University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Public, 2-Year |
| Stillman College | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 2-Year |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
How Much Do Online Colleges in Alabama Cost?
The average annual cost of tuition and fees in Alabama ranges from $5,048 for in-state students at two-year colleges to $27,005 for out-of-state students at public four-year universities, according to 2020-2021 NCES data.
Some online colleges in Alabama may let you pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where you live. In general, though, expect to pay more for your education if you're an out-of-state student or if you're attending a private college.
Students can save money by applying for scholarships and grants. Completing the FAFSA and speaking to your school's financial aid office are good first steps toward making college more affordable.
What Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs in Alabama?
Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Alabama are in the healthcare field. You may consider majoring in an area like biology, chemistry, or another natural science.
Physical science majors can prepare students for healthcare jobs and for any advanced education or certifications needed for healthcare roles.
| Job | Median Annual Salary in AL (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate in AL (2020-2030) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $99,750 | 54% | Master's |
| Epidemiologists | $60,840 | 50% | Master's |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | Unavailable | 50% | High school diploma |
| Restaurant Cooks | $24,360 | 39% | None |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $62,510 | 38% | Associate |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $61,040 | 37% | Associate |
| Physician Assistants | $95,980 | 36% | Master's |
| Mechanical Door Repairers | $39,100 | 35% | High school diploma |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $64,550 | 33% | Master's |
| Information Security Analysts | $84,970 | 32% | Bachelor's |
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Resources for Alabama Online College Students
Alabama Community College System
This site provides info on Alabama state colleges and programs, adult education, career training, and financial aid opportunities.
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
In addition to detailing general higher education initiatives in the state, ACHE can help you find info on open education in Alabama, special programs, and financial aid opportunities.
Alabama State Department of Education
The Alabama State Department of Education website contains details on distance education initiatives and programs throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Alabama
Prospective students must live in Alabama for at least 12 consecutive months in order to qualify for in-state tuition. This rule applies to any prospective student who is 19 or older, married, and/or financially independent.
If you are younger than 19, unmarried, and/or financially dependent, your parents or guardians must qualify for Alabama residency for you to get in-state tuition.
The University of Alabama is a relatively affordable school. Online undergraduate coursework costs $385 per credit, with an additional $15 per credit in fees. Most courses are three credits.
Assuming a course load of 15 credits per semester, this comes out to around $6,000 per semester, which is notably lower than the national average tuition cost of $9,375 for in-state students at four-year public universities.
Generally speaking, Alabama does not offer free college tuition. Alabama does offer a number of grants, however, including the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program, that can offset or completely cover tuition for eligible students.
Alabama has a total of 33 four-year universities. Some notable universities in Alabama include The University of Alabama, Alabama State University, and Faulkner University.
Many of these schools offer online courses and degree programs.
The best college to go to in Alabama depends on your goals, budget, and interests.
You should choose a school based on what qualities work best for you. Be sure to consider factors like total cost, whether you can complete your degree fully online, and what programs or majors the school offers.