Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2025
Alabama is a vibrant place to attend an online college and start your career. From beautiful Gulf Shores to the vibrant college towns of Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Birmingham, and Mobile, Alabama is home to art, culture, sports, and history. It’s also known for its investment in diverse industries and growing businesses.
If you want a world-class education, strong communities, and a reasonable cost of living, Alabama has a lot to offer. Here, you’ll find Alabama’s best colleges, careers, and growing industries.
Alabama at a Glance
- In Alabama, 28.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Alabama is home to 14 historically Black colleges and universities — more than any other state!
- The average annual income is $55,350 across all occupations in the state.
- The Alabama Department of Labor projects that nurse practitioner jobs will grow by 50% between 2022-2032.
- As of December 2024, Alabama’s unemployment rate of 3.3% is 1.1% lower than the current national average.
5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
University of West Alabama (UWA) offers more than 50 online degrees, including 19 bachelor's and 27 master's programs. Majors cover career-focused areas like business, education, psychology, and counseling. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 93% of full-time, first-time undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid, contributing to the school's low average net price of $14,781.
Highlights
- Offers five eight-week online terms per year, with course load flexibility
- Practices inclusive admission policies that make education attainable and affordable
- Operates in-house scholarship programs for military students, education majors, and business majors
Know Before You Apply
- UWA has a six-year graduation rate of 38%.
- Only 25% of part-time, first-time bachelor's students return for their second year
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$13,356
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled5,860
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mobile
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
University of Mobile (UM) offers a curated selection of practical online bachelor's and master's degrees, covering areas like nursing, education, business administration, and ministry studies. UM features small class sizes and an impressive 100% retention rate for part-time, first-time bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Courses delivered in compact eight-week terms
- Offers programs in in-demand fields to meet the needs of working adults
- Awards $2,000 scholarships to first-year and transfer undergrads who visit campus before applying and enrolling
Know Before You Apply
- UM is a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention.
- Some graduate programs are only available in hybrid formats.
- Only 23% of admitted students elect to enroll.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- National Association of Schools of Music
- In-State$23,860
- Out-of-state$23,860
- In-State$13,405
- Out-of-state$13,405
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled1,804
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
With a dozen online bachelor's degrees and over 30 online master's programs, you can find your calling with University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The university's online degrees favor career-focused subjects with strong labor market demand. In 2022-2023, the school awarded over $17 million in institutional grants and scholarships to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
Highlights
- Has a generous admittance rate while still being somewhat selective
- Features tutoring, success advising, disability services, and other resources for distance students
- Provides benefits for active duty and veteran students, including free applications and flexible course completion options
Know Before You Apply
- Variable tuition rates apply to online programs.
- UAB students are exclusively enrolled in distance courses at rates that fall almost one-third below Alabama's statewide average.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Accrediting Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$11,040
- Out-of-state$26,520
- In-State$8,424
- Out-of-state$34,260
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled21,639
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Affordable tuition rates and generous transfer credit policies help make the University of North Alabama's (UNA) online learning experience efficient and accessible. Online undergraduate and graduate students at UNA can enroll in over 30 programs across fields like management, criminal justice, education, and nursing.
Highlights
- Reduces costs for online students with flat-rate tuition plans
- Offers scholarships to transfer students
- Grants one free course to new online students who enroll in two or more classes
Know Before You Apply
- Online graduate programs carry higher tuition fees.
- Only 16% of UNA students are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses.
- Male students have a lower six-year graduation rate (47%) than female students (58%).
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$10,200
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$8,910
- Out-of-state$17,820
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled10,529
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
As the Yellowhammer State's flagship research university, the University of Alabama (UA) offers about 74 fully or primarily online bachelor's and master's programs in career-ready fields like nursing, education, business, and public health. UA features an 87% retention rate for full-time students and a 74% overall graduation rate.
Highlights
- Offers several scholarships and grants for distance learning and online students
- Engages in military-friendly policies and offerings, including the UA Online Military Tuition Grant, which pays for six credits per semester
- Lets you take your first class for free to try out the program
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs require minimum standardized test scores or a particular high school or undergraduate GPA.
- A few programs are available only in a "primarily online" or hybrid format.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Explore More Programs in Alabama
Who Accredits Online Schools in Alabama?
Institutional accreditation certifies the quality of a college or university. Attending an accredited college makes it easier to transfer credits to other institutions, pursue graduate studies, and receive federal financial aid. Additionally, employers often look for accreditation to confirm the validity of your degree.
The leading accreditor for Alabama colleges is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, although Alabama colleges can receive accreditation from other recognized accreditors.
Depending on the degree, you can also look for programmatic accreditation, which may be required or preferred for certain fields. Common accreditors for Alabama degree programs include:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
Why Attend an Alabama College Online?
- Transfer Credits: Online colleges often let students transfer credits from other schools.
- Graduate Faster: Some online colleges in Alabama offer accelerated degrees, so you can finish your program faster and potentially save money.
- Save Money: Online college can be more affordable than studying in person.
- Balance Responsibilities: Online schools in Alabama often use flexible learning formats that let you balance coursework with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or childcare.
How Much Does College Cost in Alabama?
Alabama’s public in-state tuition rates are slightly higher than the national average. Tuition is around $1,500 higher than average at a two-year institution and is around $1,300 higher at a four-year public institution.
Out-of-state students could save by qualifying for in-state tuition through the academic common market. Alabama is part of the Southern Regional Education Board, along with 14 other states: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to plan for the costs of a computer with a strong internet connection, books, and other supplies. You’ll also need to cover your living costs while you study.
Financial Aid for Alabama Students
Alabama financial aid programs include a generous mix of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. You can fill out the FAFSA to access federal financial aid and then look into Alabama-specific opportunities, including:
- Alabama Student Assistance Program: ASAP is a need-based grant ranging from $300-$5,000 per academic year. You must be an Alabama resident and an undergraduate student attending one of around 80 eligible Alabama institutions.
- Alabama Student Grant Program: This grant, which is not need-based, awards up to $3,000 per academic year to students at one of 11 eligible independent Alabama colleges.
- (Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program: This program offers financial assistance to adults who are 25 or older who do not have at least 24 consecutive months of college credit prior to their current enrollment. You must complete a college degree program aligned with Alabama’s high-demand occupation list to qualify.
- Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program: This program awards Alabama National Guard members tuition support to attend a public postsecondary educational institution in the state.
Popular Cities for Students and Professionals in Alabama
Alabama’s major cities with the greatest opportunities include Montgomery, Huntsville, and Birmingham. With excellent colleges, culture, entertainment, and job prospects, there are many Alabama cities to consider as a student or after graduation.
- Birmingham: Birmingham is home to multiple colleges, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and hosts numerous cultural events. The job market is strong, with a 3.1% unemployment rate as of November 2024. Major employers include Walmart, Mercedes-Benz, Regions Bank, Brookwood Baptist Health, and UAB. The city is also the headquarters of the Southeastern Conference.
- Huntsville: Huntsville is the largest city in Alabama, with seven public and private colleges. The Rocket City also hosts NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and technology and aerospace companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Adtran, and Dynetics. The city is known for excellent job prospects and growing industries.
- Montgomery: As the capital of Alabama, Montgomery’s major employers include the State of Alabama, Montgomery Public Schools, and Maxwell Air Force Base. Private employers include Walmart, Hyundai Motors, and Baptist Health. Montgomery has multiple colleges and cultural attractions, including a fine arts museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Career Opportunities in Alabama
Alabama has invested in various growing industries, including aerospace, education, healthcare, banking, and multiple manufacturing industries, including automobile manufacturing, mineral extraction, and steel production.
The largest employers in the state are Redstone Arsenal, UAB, Maxwell Air Force Base, and the Mobile County Public School System. Other major employers include AT&T, DCH Health System, Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai.
Alabama’s unemployment rate was 3.3% as of December 2024, which is lower than the national average. The state’s major cities have the lowest unemployment rates.
What are the fastest-growing jobs in Alabama?
Alabama’s fastest-growing careers span diverse industries and include statisticians, information security analysts, speech-language pathologists, marine engineers, and naval architects.
The fastest-growing career in Alabama is nurse practitioner, which the Alabama Department of Labor projects will grow by 50% from 2022-2032. Other fast-growing healthcare jobs include physician assistants, health service managers, occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapy assistants.
| Job | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 50.0% | $106,930 | Master’s degree |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 32.6% | $61,990 | Associate degree |
| Physician Assistants | 32.5% | $101,620 | Master’s degree |
| Statisticians | 30.4% | $67,490 | Master’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 29.4% | $92,950 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 29.1% | $60,890 | Associate degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 27.2% | $111,110 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 25.1% | $72,560 | Master’s degree |
What are the top-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying jobs in Alabama are grouped mainly in IT, healthcare, finance, and leadership. However, Alabama stands out in that a nursing position — nurse anesthetist — is one of the highest-paying jobs in the state and is projected to grow by 15.6% from 2022-2032.
Other fast-growing, high-paying Alabama careers include financial managers, computer and information systems managers, architectural and engineering managers, and dentists.
| Job | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $179,160 | 15.8% | Master’s degree |
| CEOs | $164,400 | -5.9% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Dentists | $229,820 | 8.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $157,520 | 7% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Engineers | $146,480 | 0.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial Managers | $138,040 | 16.5% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physicists | $114,690 | 0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $133,500 | 11.5% | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alabama
There are 61 colleges in Alabama that award an associate degree or higher. Of those, Alabama has 38 public colleges, 19 private nonprofit colleges, and four for-profit colleges.
