Alabama is home to 84 institutions of higher education, including technical schools, liberal arts colleges, state universities, and top research institutions. Many of these schools offer on-campus and online degrees, making education accessible and affordable for Alabama residents.
The largest college in the state, University of Alabama (UA), enrolls nearly 40,000 students and offers more than 100 degrees online. UA and other public universities provide in-state tuition rates for Alabama residents, and students at all schools can take advantage of scholarships, grants, or other financial aid packages.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Alabama Online Colleges 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Jacksonville State University, the nonprofit school offers a comprehensive catalog that includes liberal arts and professional studies degrees. Online learning facilitates degree completion for busy students.
Degree-seekers complete a 120-credit bachelor’s program in an average of four years. Students complete a master’s program in about 24 months. Online programs offer live and recorded classes. Nontraditional students learn through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experience such as internships and practicums. Nontraditional learners submit assignments according to the class schedule.
Students can begin their education at the school with certificates or associate degrees. Distance learners receive support from online services such as tutoring and career advising. Enrollees pay competitive tuition rates for online degrees at Jacksonville State University. Prospective students can expect an average total aid of $8,257 per enrollee. The school has an acceptance rate of 55%.
Jacksonville State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
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
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nontraditional online learners at the University of Alabama in Huntsville earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus students. Distance learners at the public school can pursue nine online degrees. Many of the university's online programs rank among the best in the nation. The school enrolls students in a variety of bachelor’s and graduate programs. Online learners enjoy benefits such as asynchronous learning.
The school's online programs offer benefits such as flexible learning and affordability. Degree-seekers studying online can also transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Many institutions no longer require test scores. Applicants to the school can expect an 83% admission rate. The University of Alabama in Huntsville has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
University of Alabama in Huntsville Facts:
Institution Status: Public
Students Attending Classes Online: 3,306
Degrees Available Online: 9
Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 1
Tuition for Undergraduate Programs: $9,730 in-state; $22,126 out-of-state
Rate of Admission: 83%
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
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
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue liberal arts and professional studies programs at the University of Alabama, a nonprofit school. Online learners can conveniently earn accredited degrees.
Students typically complete a 120-credit bachelor's degree in four years. Learners can earn a master’s degree in about 24 months. Nontraditional learners use live and recorded classes to complete their program. Students earn degrees through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experiences such as internships and practicums. Distance learners complete assignments within a set time frame.
Distance learners can begin a bachelor’s degree at the school with a certificate or associate degree. Online learners enjoy online support services such as tutoring and career advising. Distance learners pay competitive tuition rates. Prospective students can expect an average total aid of $9,249 per enrollee. The school has an admission rate of 83%.
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a third-party accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
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
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Alabama at Birmingham operates as a public institution. The accredited school delivers many of its programs both in person and virtually. In total, 13,001 students take online classes at the school. Remote learning is available not just for single classes, but also for entire bachelor's degrees.
Top-choice majors are available for learners at the school. Many degree-seekers choose to earn a degree online because of the flexibility of the virtual learning environment. The school designs many programs for working professionals seeking a degree for career advancement. The institution offers seven online bachelor's programs and eight online master's programs for distance learners to choose from.
Completing a bachelor's program usually takes about four years. Transferring credits from previous institutions makes it possible for students to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in less time. Prospective applicants can reach out to the school to learn more about admission requirements and application deadlines.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
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
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Troy University, a public school, enrolls students on campus in Alabama. The college delivers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Learners choose from a catalog of 91 online degrees. The programs provide a rigorous liberal arts and professional education. Students can complete degrees in various disciplines.
Courses blend theoretical learning and practical experiences such as internships and fieldwork. Online learners may need to complete limited on-campus residencies. However, virtual learners complete most degrees online with no campus visits. Instructors bring the real world to the classroom. The school’s online services include academic tutoring. The rate of admission at Troy University is 88%. Students can pay for the affordable tuition with financial aid. Students pay the same tuition rates regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. Prospective students can expect an average total aid of $6,594 per enrollee.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
Online universities in Alabama offer tuition and living costs below the national average, helping you save more on a degree.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Alabama
Home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the visitor center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama is building a modern economy by investing in tech-heavy industries like logistics, automotive, and information technology. The state faces a severe shortage of registered nurses, making a nursing degree a strong choice for Alabama students.
Fast-Growing Jobs in Alabama
| Job |
Projected Growth, 2020-2030 |
Annual Mean Wage in AL, May 2023 |
| Registered Nurse |
8.1% |
$71,370 |
| Elementary Teachers |
6.1% |
$56,260 |
| Accountants and Auditors |
6.7% |
$76,200 |
| Software Developers |
19.8% |
$110,630 |
| High School Teachers |
6.7% |
$58,460 |
| Commercial Electricians |
10.6% |
$103,740 |
| Middle School Teachers |
6.1% |
$57,550 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
31.8% |
$99,270 |
| Lawyers |
7.8% |
$135,680 |
Source: Projections Central, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Alabama's Job Market
Alabama's online colleges offer the majors you need to pursue fast-growing careers. Some fields, like nursing, require just two years to complete a degree, while others, like law, may take seven or more years to finish.
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Nursing
As a nursing student, you can complete an associate or bachelor's program. A direct-entry master's degree qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX, a standardized test required of all aspiring nurses. Nursing majors demand general education, science, nursing courses, and clinical hours.
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Education
You can earn a degree in elementary, middle grades, or secondary education, which can lead to initial licensure as a teacher. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, consider pursuing an initial-licensure master's degree in education.
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Accounting
A major in accounting or a degree in business with a concentration in accounting can help you qualify for professional roles in finance and other business sectors. Schools offer these programs at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. To sit for the certified public accountant exam, you generally need 150 credits, equivalent to a bachelor's degree plus a master's degree.
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Legal Studies
An undergraduate degree in pre-law studies or another field can help you qualify for admission to law school. To become a lawyer, you must complete a bachelor's degree and a three-year juris doctor, then pass the Alabama Bar Exam.
Cost of Living in Alabama
In addition to paying your tuition, you also need to budget for living expenses, including rent, groceries, gasoline, car payments, and doctor's visits. Studying online may allow you to continue working and build savings while getting your degree, lowering your overall financial burden. As an online student, you may also save money by avoiding lengthy commutes to campus.
Average Cost of Living in Alabama
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$9,935 |
| Groceries and Food |
$4,226 |
| Transportation |
$10,519 |
| Medical Care |
$3,138 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Alabama
Financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, can help you meet tuition and living expenses. Typically, scholarships are awarded on merit, and you must compete against other applicants. Grants and work-study programs are largely need-based and may only require an application.
Students attending UA online can access over 35 scholarships, including program-specific awards for working professionals. Award amounts vary.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Deadline: June 1
This grant, available to returning students of the University of Alabama, provides awards equal to the value of three hours of in-state tuition.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,155 (undergraduate) or $1,320 (graduate)
- Deadline: Fall – Aug. 1, Spring – Dec. 1, Summer – May 1
This scholarship is open to first-time online college graduates, faculty, or staff members of UA or partner community colleges. This grant is equal to the cost of one three-credit-hour course during the first semester of enrollment.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,155 (undergraduate) or $1,320 (graduate)
- Deadline: Fall – Aug. 1, Spring – Dec. 1, Summer – May 1
The Linly Heflin Unit provides this scholarship for female Alabama residents attending or planning to attend four-year institutions in the state. Each candidate must have significant financial need and a sound academic record. An ACT score of 23 or higher may be superscored.
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Jan. 10
This scholarship awards financial aid to one exceptional female college student enrolled in a college in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, or Alabama. They must pursue a STEM degree and be a member of the armed services, a veteran, or a direct descendant of an honorably discharged veteran.
- Scholarship Amount: May 1
- Deadline: $1,500
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Alabama
Qualifying out-of-state students receive in-state tuition at select Alabama colleges through a benefit known as "tuition reciprocity." For example, Auburn University offers in-state tuition to Alabama state government employees, their spouses, and their dependents, even if they reside in other states.
The Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market allows students in 15 states, including Alabama, to pursue degrees that public institutions do not offer in their home state. Participating schools charge in-state tuition to these non-resident students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Alabama
What is the cheapest online college in Alabama?
The cheapest Alabama online college is the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The in-state tuition of $8,832 makes it significantly cheaper than other options in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That means you can earn a bachelor's degree for as little as $35,328 over four years.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Alabama?
Troy University admits 93% of its applicants, per NCES data, landing it among the easiest colleges to get into in Alabama. You can choose from over 109 online degrees at Troy University, with majors in fields like sports psychology, human services, economics, and business.
How much does online college cost in Alabama?
Online tuition prices are typically the same as attending on campus, but there are different financial aid opportunities and fees. Some universities charge a discounted flat rate for online students, while others use the same tuition rates as on-campus students. According to NCES, the average cost of tuition in Alabama is $11,081 for in-state students at public institutions and $17,687 for private universities.
Is online college free in Alabama?
Online college in Alabama isn't free, but you can significantly reduce costs with scholarships and grants. You can also benefit from tuition that's lower than the national average. In addition, community colleges in Alabama offer low-cost options to earn a degree for as little as $5,039 annually for in-state students.
Do I need to be a resident of Alabama to attend an online college in Alabama?
The great news is that you don't need to be a resident of Alabama to attend an Alabama online college. However, some colleges charge additional fees for out-of-state students, even for online degrees.
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