Alabama is home to a thriving workforce. In May 2019, 1,974,170 individuals worked in the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many of these individuals worked in office and administrative support, production occupations, and sales positions.
Learners who want to establish a career in Alabama can get a headstart by attending one of the best colleges in Alabama. In-state residents typically pay the most affordable tuition at Alabama online colleges. However, learners do not need to live in the state to earn a degree from an Alabama school.
Selecting an online college in Alabama is an important decision, requiring a lengthy research process. To make the decision easier, we formed these rankings by considering factors like affordability, quality, and accessibility. The following guide highlights these and other notable features of the best online colleges in Alabama.
FAQ's for Online Colleges in Alabama
Do online credits cost more or less in Alabama?
The cost varies by institution. In 2017-18, the average undergraduate tuition in Alabama was $9,827, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The national average was $9,037 for the same year.
What is the most affordable college in Alabama?
Community colleges and public state schools such as University of Alabama, Jacksonville State University, and Auburn University offer some of the state's lowest tuition rates.
How long do you have to live in Alabama to get in-state tuition?
To qualify for in-state tuition, learners must live in Alabama for purposes other than just attending college. However, some universities offer exceptions for veterans and permanent full-time employees.
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Best Online Colleges in Alabama
#1 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 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 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 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 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
Why Choose Alabama for Online Higher Education?
Alabama features many growing industries. Aspiring aerospace and aviation, automotive, farming, and bioscience professionals may benefit from attending one of the many quality Alabama online colleges. The BLS also offers data on other thriving occupations in the state. Professors at Alabama colleges can often connect learners with local experts in these industries.
Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
Degree-seekers can explore programs in a variety of fields at online colleges in Alabama. The list below highlights some of the state's most common bachelor's programs. Keep in mind that the exact curriculum varies by program.
Business
Business students learn the ins and outs of running an organization. Most business programs offer a brief overview of leadership and management styles, financial basics, marketing, communication, and campaign management. Graduates earn jobs as entrepreneurs and entry-level business professionals. Most business degrees allow students to select a minor.
Communication
These majors learn how to effectively communicate verbally and through the written word. Some communication professionals work on an organization's internal communications while others focus on external communications. This versatile degree prepares graduates to work at large corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses in varying industries.
Education
Learners majoring in education can select a specialty and a desired age group to teach. Enrollees study theories that guide teaching principles. They learn how to create lesson plans and address various learning styles. Graduates earn jobs as teachers at public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Some education majors work as private tutors.
Engineering
This multi-subject degree involves business, math, and science. Learners discover how to design structures like roads, bridges, buildings, and machines. Students can choose one engineering concentration, like aerospace, agriculture, biomedical, civil, or chemical engineering. Learners should review a program's course descriptions before applying to ensure it aligns with their specific area of interest in engineering.
Nursing
This degree prepares learners to work as nurses in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and doctors' offices. Most nursing programs teach students how to administer medications, draw blood, keep detailed records, and assist with daily patient care. A bachelor's in nursing requires both traditional coursework and in-person clinical rotation hours.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Alabama
In-state and out-of-state learners can save money by attending an online college in Alabama. Online students do not incur fees for parking or living on campus. They can also complete assignments at their convenience, allowing them to continue working while earning their degree.
The exact cost for Alabama online colleges varies. The chart below highlights how private four-year colleges and public two-year colleges vary in price. Public colleges often feature large class sizes, but they receive government funds to subsidize students' costs.
Private colleges typically offer courses with smaller student-to-professor ratios, but the credits tend to cost more. Additionally, public two-year colleges usually cost less, so some students complete an associate degree at one of these institutions and then transfer it to a different school.
Average Undergraduate Tuition in Alabama
Location |
Public Four-Year College |
Private Four-Year College |
Public Two-Year College |
In-State |
$10,138 |
$16,119 |
$4,770 |
Out-of-State |
$25,782 |
N/A |
$9,612 |
Source: NCES
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Alabama
When selecting a major, students should consider their interests and the potential career's salary and job outlook. See below for six common careers in Alabama, according to the BLS.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Principals at elementary, middle, and high schools monitor their school's daily operations. They oversee the school's curriculum, faculty, finances, administrative functions, and educational resources. Most principals began their careers as teachers, later earning a degree in educational leadership or administration. Principals in public schools need state licensure.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
These professionals oversee an organization's computer-related activities. They suggest technological upgrades to enhance efficiency, ensure computer security software stays current, and delegate tasks to other information technology professionals. Types of computer and information systems managers include chief information officers, information technology directors, and chief technology officers.
Petroleum Engineers
These engineers design and oversee engineering methods for extracting gas and oil. They also maintain oil site machines to ensure they run safely and correctly. Petroleum engineers complete their work at drilling sites and in offices. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or petroleum engineering to qualify, but some accept a bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.
Financial Managers
These managers oversee investment activities and generate income reports for businesses. They work closely with other employees who create departmental budgets and seek ways to reduce company costs. Financial managers also study market trends to increase profits and determine expansion opportunities. Companies hire different types of financial managers, like treasurers, credit managers, and insurance managers.
Aerospace Engineers
These engineers design machines for spacecraft and aircraft purposes. They also construct satellites and missiles and ensure these products maintain quality and safety standards. Aerospace engineers typically specialize in one topic, like aerodynamics, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, or guidance and control systems. This career requires analytical, critical thinking, business, and math skills.
Personal Financial Advisors
These professionals work with clients to help them achieve financial goals. They explain investment opportunities and the risks associated with each one. Personal financial advisors also monitor accounts for their clients and decide what changes to make to ensure they possess enough money in savings for education or retirement purposes.
Source: BLS, Projections Central