In much of the U.S., the demand for online learning is on the rise. Alabama is no exception. In 2021, the University of Alabama saw record enrollment in its online programs, with more than 6,000 students taking at least one online class. You can find similar trends at other colleges and universities across the state.
With online degrees becoming more widely available, it’s important to select the right school. The best online colleges in Alabama offer accredited degree programs at affordable prices and with strong student support services. This guide highlights Alabama’s top-tier online colleges to help you find a quality program that fits your schedule and your budget. Get started on your college search with our in-depth rankings, and continue reading to find other helpful information on being an online college student in Alabama.
Top Online Colleges in Alabama for 2023
With so many accredited schools offering online degrees, choosing the right one for you can be difficult. To help you find the best Alabama online colleges, we’ve researched and analyzed schools based on their ability to prioritize student needs as they work toward their academic and career goals.
Colleges and universities on this list rank high due to affordable tuition, generous financial aid opportunities, low student-to-teacher ratios, outstanding student support and career placement services, and numerous online degree options. Keep reading to see which ones stand out as the best online colleges in Alabama for 2023.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Tuscaloosa, AlabamaPublic $$$
The University of Alabama offers more than 90 bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree and certificate programs in online and hybrid formats. Online students interact with professors and complete lessons through Blackboard with its easy-to-use tools that allow for interacting, discussing assignments, and submitting coursework. Blended/hybrid courses use a combination of online and face-to-face interaction to allow students to continue their education while building their careers and maintaining other responsibilities. Admission requirements vary by program and level, and some programs require standardized test scores and/or a minimum high school or undergraduate GPA. Online students can receive financial aid and use resources like academic coaching and skill-building, tutoring, the writing and career center, and more.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences in Public Relations with a concentration in Digital Communication
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $385/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Learning and Assessment
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $440/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Doctor of Philosophy Mechanical Engineering
- Credits: 72
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $440/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Birmingham, AlabamaPublic $$
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has several programs with most or all of their course content online. Self-Paced programs allow students to select courses on campus and/or online. In Enhanced Online with Premium, students earn their degrees 100% online with structured program offerings, guaranteed seating, and accelerated courses with tuition premiums. Some programs have on-campus or experiential requirements. All online programs at UAB implement top technology that includes Lightboard and Podium and are purposefully created for synchronous online learning where students and professors meet in real-time. Many of the university’s online and hybrid/blended courses have gone through the Quality Matters peer review process to ensure quality instruction and continuous improvement.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Industrial Distribution
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $458/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Nutrition Sciences, MS
- Credits: 48
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $682/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Biotechnology MS
- Credits: 37
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $682/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Florence, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
All of Heritage Christian University’s degrees are available online. The same admissions and academic policies apply regardless of course delivery. Online courses are offered both synchronously and asynchronously for maximum opportunity and flexibility and are delivered through Populi. Students must meet the minimum technology requirements to participate. At HCU, coursework and research help students gain doctrinal, historical, and systematic perspectives of Christianity and its worldwide mission. Students must also spend time in the field to learn how to communicate effectively, grow in sensitivity to the world’s needs, and connect their educational growth with their spiritual growth.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Credits: 128
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $8,616/year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 63
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $5,156/Year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education
Master of Divinity
- Credits: 75
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $5,156/Year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
7/1
-
Huntsville, AlabamaPublic $$
The University of Alabama Huntsville provides a growing number of individual online courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in areas like electrical engineering, information systems, and technical writing. UAH consistently updates its offering of Hybrid Online classes (51% or more online), with degrees that include Biology, Education, English, First Year Experience, and Health & and Physical Education. Courses are delivered online via video streaming, videoconferencing, Canvas, Panopto (records live classes and consolidates audio and video lectures alongside materials presented by faculty members), and/or other interactive technologies. All online classes are taught by UAH faculty members with advanced degrees and real-world experience in the courses they teach. Some courses require the proctoring of on-site and online examinations.
Program Highlights:
Master of Information Systems
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12 months to 22 months
- Cost: $24,420/program
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
- Credits: 26
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $12,200/program
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cybersecurity, MS Interdisciplinary – Management Track
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $789-$1,782/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Auburn, AlabamaPublic $$$
Auburn University offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, professional credit, and personal enrichment online programs in many different subjects. It provides students with access to quality education with courses delivered via distance and continuing education. Courses are conveniently accessible and allow students to expand their knowledge, advance career skills, or earn college degrees. Courses are delivered via Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats. In some cases, a proctor must be available for exams.
Program Highlights:
Online Bachelor of Computer Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $541/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Industrial and Organizational Psychology, M.S.
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $850/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Master of Science – Aerospace Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $949/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Florence, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Marion, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
5/1
-
Troy, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Montevallo, AlabamaPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Montgomery, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Jacksonville, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Mobile, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Livingston, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Montgomery, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Normal, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Montgomery, AlabamaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Mobile, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Tuscaloosa, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Talladega, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Birmingham, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Tuskegee, AlabamaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Wadley, AlabamaPublic $
Southern Union State Community College uses Canvas for all online lectures, assignments, readings, quizzes, and exams.This user-friendly program connect students and teachers in virtual, hybrid, and online courses. SUSCC also offers online proctoring for exams, so you don’t have to travel to a testing center for exams. Online students have access to technical support, career advising, online tutoring, writing coaches, and academic advising.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $4,920/year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Business Management and Entrepreneurship
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $4,920/year
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Information Systems
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $4,920/year
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Birmingham, AlabamaPublic $
Lawson State Community College offers distance education through its eCollege programs and online courses. Blackboard is used to manage online all coursework. Online instructors; use Web 2.0 technologies, social networking, threaded discussions, email, web conferencing, audio lectures and video lectures to interact with;students. Online students have access to an online library, technical support services, online tutoring, eTesting, financial aid, and other resources. Online courses have a testing fee and specialized equipment for online testing from home.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Business Administration
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Business Education
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Computer Science
- Credits: 60-64
- Length:2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Mobile, AlabamaPublic $
Bishop State Community College, a state-supported, open-admission community college in Alabama, offers a variety of completely online degrees. It uses Canvas for all online coursework and assignments. Bishop State offers student support, student counseling, academic advising, IT services, virtual career services, and the TRIO program (a federally-funded program for disadvantaged and disabled participants) to its online students. It also provides assistance with financial aid applications, registration, career exploration, academic mentoring, tutoring, and academic transfer counseling.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Sociology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Speech Communications
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Hanceville, AlabamaPublic $
Wallace State uses Blackboard to manage its 20+ online programs. It is considered the best online community college in Alabama with with its clear, confident, and convenient online programs and courses. Students can access coursework, assignments, quizzes, readings, and lectures completely online. Wallace State offers online students Blackboard program assistance, IT support, academic and advising assistance, use of an online tutoring lab, career services, and a federally funded TRIO support program for disadvantaged students.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Graphic Art and Design
- Credits: 66
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Mobile Web Technology
- Credits: 67
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Manufacturing Management
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Andalusia, AlabamaPublic $
Lureen B. Wallace Community College offers online programs through Canvas, which requires an operating system with the latest compatible web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge). Tutorials for Canvas are available to all students along with 24/7 online tutoring service. Online students also have access to financial aid, academic advising, and library resources. LBWCC offers a laptop loan program to ensure all students have access to the internet and the tools they need to be successful.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Science
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $164/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Gadsden, AlabamaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Tuscaloosa, AlabamaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Tanner, AlabamaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Popular Online College Learning Modes in Alabama
Whether your priority is earning a 100%-online degree or finding flexible class formats, there’s an online college in Alabama that meets your needs. To make the best choice, consider what works with your lifestyle and learning preferences. The profiles of standard online course formats below can help you evaluate your options.
Fully-Online vs. Hybrid & Blended
Fully online, hybrid, and blended programs offer varying degrees of freedom. While students of fully online programs never have to visit campus to earn their degrees, hybrid and blended programs have mandatory in-person components. Blended programs supplement traditional instruction with online lectures, projects, and simulations, so living near campus is essential. Hybrid programs, on the other hand, replace part or all the in-person instruction with online alternatives, making it easier to study from a distance. The blended/hybrid program and the fully online college program in Alabama spotlighted below will help you understand how these options work.
Health Informatics, MSHI at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Blended/Hybrid)
As part of the Health Informatics MSHI at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, students prepare for careers in managing and organizing sensitive patient information in healthcare and government facilities. UAB designed this program specifically for full-time professionals, so they can live where they want and keep up with their career and personal responsibilities as they earn a master’s degree. Students follow the same curriculum as on-campus courses, attending online classes led by the same professors as their traditional degree-seeking peers. The mandatory in-person requirement of this hybrid program is limited to a three-day residency each fall and spring semester. Expect to pay $525 per credit hour and spend two years earning the 45 credit hours to obtain this MSHI.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Troy University (Fully-Online)
Troy University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology as a fully online degree. Coursework includes classes in developmental psychology, theories of personality, and applied behavior analysis, to prepare students for careers in criminal justice, social work, and human resources. Troy online offers the same quality courses as traditional on-campus programs but with classes delivered in a nine-week format, so you can earn your degree in almost half the time of those enrolled in standard sixteen-week terms. All online students receive the same support as on-campus students, too, with services including counseling, writing centers, online tutors, and career advisors. Online classes are delivered through the Canvas Learning Management System, which is approachable for students with any level of technical experience. All online students pay an affordable rate of $388 per credit hour.
Timing It Right: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
Students attending online colleges in Alabama should carefully compare asynchronous and synchronous courses. Synchronous courses mirror a traditional classroom experience, except classes take place in an online classroom format. Asynchronous learning offers more flexibility since students can access course content any time they choose. While asynchronous students must still complete assigned work on deadline, they’re not required to attend classes at a specific time. Each kind of program is highlighted below to give you an idea of the main differences in these types of learning.
Elementary Education – M.Ed. at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (Asynchronous)
The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s master of elementary education program furthers students’ credentials with an overall focus on differentiated instruction. As with all of UAH’s online courses, students receive full online access to all recorded lectures during the semester they’re registered for a course. Attending classes is as simple as viewing lecture content whenever it’s convenient, and students can find all course syllabi, assignments, and documents using the Canvas online service. Pre-recorded course lectures are online via Panopto for unlimited asynchronous viewing. For locally-based students, getting professor approval to join a live class from time to time is possible. This MEd program costs $421 per credit and takes 33 credit hours to complete.
Master of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama (Synchronous)
The University of Alabama designed its online Master of Library and Information Studies to meet the needs of busy students aspiring to careers in information studies professions. Students complete the entire 36 credit hours of coursework via web-based technology that creates a virtual-learning campus environment, so students attend classes in real-time and are expected to actively engage in discussions. Classes meet synchronously at specific times each week during the fall and spring semesters. Courses are typically scheduled for evening hours to accommodate working students, and all incoming students begin in the fall term. Online students usually enroll in two courses each semester, completing the MLIS program in as few as six semesters. Expect to pay $440 per credit hour.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Study
While studying on a customized schedule is one of the most significant benefits of earning a degree from one of the best online colleges in Alabama, you’ll still need to decide how many classes to take each semester. A full-time path takes more time commitment in the short term, but you can graduate and be career-ready sooner than part-time students. However, a part-time course load might be a better fit for working professionals or those with additional commitments to maintain alongside their studies. The program profiles below can help you decide if part-time or full-time is right for you.
Online Master of Business Administration at Auburn University (Part-Time)
Auburn University’s Online MBAhas a highly adjustable pace to meet the needs of working professionals balancing life obligations while earning their degrees. The online coursework provides students with the same curriculum, resources, and professors as the full-time MBA program on a more flexible scheduling model. Though the average student completes the online MBA in 31 months, students have up to six years to complete their master’s degrees. Auburn uses the Canvas learning platform to facilitate group projects, discussions with faculty, and course access. As a part of the Auburn family, online MBA students participate in the same global business experience and company visitation opportunities as their on-campus peers. Program tuition is $900 per credit hour.
Hospitality and Events Management, BS at the University of North Alabama (Full-Time)
The bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Events Management at the University of North Alabama gives students the educational foundation they need to succeed in a thorough curriculum and team-based learning environment. Students complete coursework online and participate in specialized hands-on learning experiences by partnering with hospitality businesses in the community or abroad. After graduation, many find careers as hotel general managers, property managers, or restaurant managers. UNA offers a unique “finish in four” program to encourage students to complete their undergraduate degree within four years. With a qualifying enrollment of 12-18 credit hours per semester, students receive a banded, flat tuition rate that costs less than paying per credit hour for part-time study.
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Alabama
When applying to any of the best online colleges in Alabama, confirm that an institution has the proper regional, national, and/or program accreditations. A school or program’s accreditation status can affect your eligibility for financial aid, ability to transfer credits to another school, or licensure in certain professions (e.g., mental health counseling, nursing, etc.). Look for school accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the regional accreditation agency overseeing Alabama institutions. If you’re obtaining a degree in a highly regulated field with strict licensing requirements, like nursing, watch for accreditation by an approved authority, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This guide to accreditation offers more details on this important credential.
Cost of Earning Your College Degree Online in Alabama
The average in-state public tuition in Alabama is $20,993 per year, with out-of-state students paying slightly more for the same degree at $27,005. In many cases, earning an online degree is more affordable than participating in an on-campus degree program. As an online student, you won’t need access to as many on-campus facilities as traditional degree-seeking students, and reduced tuition costs reflect this reality. Online students also don’t pay as much out-of-pocket for room and board, commuting, or parking on campus.
Some schools charge online students a rate equivalent to or greater than the in-state rate for on-campus programs. However, the online rate at most schools is still less expensive than that paid by out-of-state, on-campus students. The table below compares the in-state and out-of-state tuition costs for traditional versus online degrees at five Alabama colleges to illustrate the typical costs of an online degree in Alabama.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | $545/credit | $1,385/credit | $385/credit | $385/credit |
| Jacksonville State University | $333credit | $665/credit | $333/credit | $333/credit |
| Troy University | $388 /credit | $776/credit | $388/credit | $776/credit |
| University of South Alabama | $359/credit | $718/credit | $396/credit | $396/credit |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | $343/credit | $770/credit | $343/credit | $363/credit |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Alabama College Students
When earning an online degree in Alabama, you’re eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus learners. There are several types of state- and city-based financial aid programs in Alabama to help fund your education, including:
- Alabama Student Assistance Program
- Alabama Student Grant Program
- Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program
- Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program
- The Birmingham Promise
- Central Alabama Community Foundation Scholarships
- Police Officer’s and Firefighter’s Survivors Educational Assistance Program
You can also view a list of the available student aid administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, Alabama’s online students are eligible for federal government grants, such as the Pell Grant, and scholarships. You may also earn individual scholarships awarded by colleges or private organizations and receive educational loans.
To apply for all types of financial aid, the first step you’ll have to take is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Funds from grant and scholarship programs typically do not need to be paid back. However, any funds you receive from student loans must be paid back, along with any applicable interest. If you need help finding out more about your options for financial aid, check out this complete guide.
Fastest-Growing College-Level Careers in Alabama
If you’re still unsure which degree or school is right for you, looking at the fastest-growing career paths in your state is a great first step to finding the best online colleges in Alabama. The table below shows the ten careers expected to experience the most rapid growth rates in Alabama over the next decade.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Median Annual Earnings (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 53.6% | $102,410 |
| Epidemiologist | 50% | $63,940 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 37.8% | $64,320 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 36.8% | $61,060 |
| Physician Assistant | 36.2% | $95,470 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetist | 33.3% | $64,320 |
| Information Security Analyst | 32.1% | $96,520 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 31.8% | $94,070 |
| Statistician | 31.8% | $68,500 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | 30.8% | $55,010 |
Additional Resources for Online College Students in Alabama
This guide to college applications and financial aid programs was published by Alabama Possible, a state-wide non-profit organization that works toward equity in prosperity by providing educational opportunities.
University of Alabama’s Guide to Navigating Online Courses
If you’re curious about how you’ll access courses and navigate attending classes as an online student, this tour of UA’s online learning programs is an excellent example of what to expect after you’ve enrolled.
UAB Online Learning Self Assessment
To help students figure out if they’re a good fit for the online learning environment, the University of Alabama at Birmingham published this online quiz. After answering questions about your learning style and time management skills, you’ll receive UAB’s recommendations.
Alabama Fast: FAFSA Application Survival Toolkit
This comprehensive online guide provides information and resources to support high school students, parents, school counselors, career coaches, and administrators in making more informed decisions about the FAFSA process.
Calhoun Community College’s distance learning program developed this free Massive Online Open Course to help prepare online students for placement in college-level math. Students can also access a similar course to boost their English skills.