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 Online Colleges in Alabama
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.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2023-2033 | 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 |
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.
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.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.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.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.
What Is the Cost of College in Alabama?
According to NCES data, the cost of public colleges for in-state students in Alabama is slightly higher than the national average, about $1331 more per year. In-state and out-of-state students could save more through online programs that offer lower flat tuition rates.
Private education in Alabama stands out for its affordability. The average price of a private four-year college in Alabama is just 50% of the national average.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in AL | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $11,081 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $28,315 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $17,687 | $35,248 |
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.
UA Online Scholarships
You can access more than 40 UA Online scholarships through one application. After you are accepted to the University of Alabama, you can apply online through myBama. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, in the spring and fall. You can reapply each year.
Back to Bama Tuition Grant
If you started but didn't complete a bachelor's degree at the University of Alabama, the Back to Bama Tuition Grant can help you cover the costs of coming back. The grant pays for one course in your first semester when you enroll in a UA Online degree program.
To be eligible for the Back to Bama Tuition Grant, you must have completed at least 15 hours at UA and not hold an undergraduate degree.
Bama Link
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.
Linly Heflin Scholarship
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.
Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship
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.
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
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 NCES. That means you can earn a bachelor's degree for as little as $35,328 over four years.
