Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

The best online colleges in Alabama are SACSCOC-accredited and budget-friendly. They also offer premier academics and a variety of degrees.
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Updated January 27, 2024

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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?



Online Colleges in Alabama Rankings Summary

Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
$10,780 $30,250 79%
#2 University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
$8,568 $20,400 89%
#3 University of North Alabama
Florence, AL
$9,600 $19,200 90%
#4 Troy University
Troy, AL
$9,312 $18,624 95%
#5 University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL
$9,100 $18,200 74%

2024 Best Online Colleges in Alabama

The school descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.

#1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Alabama, based in Tuscaloosa, has 219 total programs and a graduation rate of 72%. The school's student-to-faculty ratio of 19-to-1 allows for a balance between personalized attention and independent learning.

UA also aids 85% of its students financially, with an average award of $9,498. After aid, the average cost for students is $21,263. The university also offers 46 online degree programs, accommodating 40% of its enrolled students.

Key Points:

  • Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
  • Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,498
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
  • Number of Programs Available Online: 46
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
38,316
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, located in Alabama's largest city, offers a total of 184 programs. With a graduation rate of 62%, many students complete their studies successfully. The school also has a strong presence in online education, with 32 degree programs available online. This accounts for about 21% of its total programs, catering to the learning needs of various students.

At UAB, 97% of students receive some form of aid, with the average amount awarded being $8,815.

Key Points:

  • Avg. Cost per Credit: $488
  • Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,815
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
  • Number of Programs Available Online: 32
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,568
Out-of-state
$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,100
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
22,289
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of North Alabama

  • Florence, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Alabama, situated in the city of Florence, offers 93 programs for you to explore. With a graduation rate of 51%, just over half of students successfully complete their chosen programs. The university also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1, providing a good balance between class size and teacher support.

In terms of financial support, UNA is well equipped. An impressive 97% of students receive some form of aid. On average, the amount of aid awarded is $8,230. This brings the average price after aid to $12,379. Additionally, about one-third of programs are available online.

Key Points:

  • Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
  • Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,230
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
  • Number of Programs Available Online: 29
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$19,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,600
Out-of-state
$13,320
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
8,526
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

Troy University

  • Troy, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Troy University, based in the city of Troy, offers a total of 89 programs. Of these, 45 are available online. With 64% of its students enrolled in online programs, Troy offers flexibility in learning. The school also has a graduation rate of 52%.

When it comes to financial aid, Troy has a lot to offer. On average, students receive $7,973 in aid, reducing the average price after aid to $12,486. Furthermore, 94% of students receive aid, with 64% being awarded loans.

Key Points:

  • Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
  • Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,973
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
  • Number of Programs Available Online: 45
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,312
Out-of-state
$18,624
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,550
Out-of-state
$17,100
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
14,901
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of West Alabama

  • Livingston, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of West Alabama, located in Livingston, offers 53 total programs. The school has a graduation rate of 39%. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, students can receive personalized attention in their studies.

When it comes to financial aid, 94% of students at UWA receive some form of aid. The average amount of aid awarded is $6,940, which can help offset costs. Notably, more than half of the school's programs are available online, with 28 degree programs offered in a distance-learning format.

Key Points:

  • Avg. Cost per Credit: $410
  • Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,940
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
  • Number of Programs Available Online: 28
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,100
Out-of-state
$18,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,678
Out-of-state
$13,356
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
5,594
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

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We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.


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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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Alabama
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

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).

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.

Popular Online Colleges in Montgomery and Tuscaloosa
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

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

How long do you need to live in Alabama to get in-state tuition?

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.

Is The University of Alabama affordable?

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.

Does Alabama offer free college tuition?

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.

How many universities are in Alabama?

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.

What is the best college to go to in Alabama?

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.


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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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