Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

Alabama saw a rise in college enrollment in 2023. The state enrolled 222,438 undergraduates in college, an increase of 3% from the previous year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) also reports that, as of the 2021-22 school year, Alabama had 59 higher education institutions, including 34 four-year schools. The University of Alabama enrolls the highest number of students in the state — almost 40,000 as of fall 2023.

Learners can study virtually or on campus at online colleges in Alabama. Review our list of the best schools in the state and learn how much tuition costs.

The school descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.

Accreditation is the process of ensuring an academic program meets academic standards. Going to an accredited school means protecting yourself from scams, ensuring that your program is rigorous enough to give you a good education, and affirming that employers and professional organizations will recognize your degree.

Entire schools and individual programs can both hold accreditation. Schools overall receive institutional accreditation, while programs and departments can hold programmatic accreditation.

The primary institutional accreditor for online schools in Alabama is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Programmatic accrediting agencies vary by field of study.

The average annual cost of tuition and fees in Alabama ranges from $4,920 for in-state students at two-year colleges to $27,145 for out-of-state students at public four-year universities, according to NCES data from the 2021-22 academic year.

Some online colleges in Alabama let you pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where you live. In general, expect to pay more for your education if you’re an out-of-state student or if you’re attending a private institution.

Students can save money by applying for scholarships and grants. Completing the FAFSA and meeting with your school’s financial aid office are important steps to help make college more affordable.

Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Alabama are in the healthcare field. To take advantage of these in-demand careers, consider majoring in areas like biology, chemistry, or another natural science. Degrees in the physical sciences can prepare students for healthcare jobs and for any advanced education or certifications needed for healthcare roles.

Although students at online colleges can take their courses anywhere, Alabama has several populous cities where you can live while enrolled in online school.

This site provides information about Alabama state community colleges and programs, adult education, career training, and financial aid opportunities.

In addition to learning about general higher education initiatives in the state, ACHE can help you find information about schools, programs, and sources of financial aid.