Online Colleges In Alabama

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.

Best Online Colleges in Alabama

Why Choose Alabama for Online Higher Education?

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.

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