Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

Nalea J. KoBlake Weil
By
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Updated on April 29, 2024
Edited by

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.

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2024 Best Online Colleges in Alabama

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

#1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

The University of Alabama

  • Location-markerTuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,780
  • Out-of-state$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,780
  • Out-of-state$30,250
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled38,316
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Location-markerBirmingham, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,568
  • Out-of-state$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,100
  • Out-of-state$19,188
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled22,289
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of North Alabama

  • Location-markerFlorence, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,600
  • Out-of-state$19,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,600
  • Out-of-state$13,320
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled8,526
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

Troy University

  • Location-markerTroy, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,312
  • Out-of-state$18,624
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,550
  • Out-of-state$17,100
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate95%
  • Students Enrolled14,901
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2024

University of West Alabama

  • Location-markerLivingston, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,100
  • Out-of-state$18,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,678
  • Out-of-state$13,356
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled5,594
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes

Why Go to an Online College in Alabama?

  • Alabama’s unemployment rate was just 3.0% as of February 2024, lower than the national average.
  • Online colleges often let students transfer credits from other schools.
  • Some online colleges in Alabama offer accelerated degrees, so you can finish your degree faster and potentially save money
  • Online college can be more affordable than studying in person.
  • Online schools in Alabama often use flexible learning formats that let you balance coursework with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or childcare.

Did You Know…

How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Alabama?

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.

How Much Do Online Colleges in Alabama Cost?

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.

What Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs in Alabama?

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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Alabama
JobMedian Annual Salary (2023)Job Growth Rate (2020-30)Minimum Education Required
Nurse Practitioners$110,02053.6%Master’s
Epidemiologists$70,58050%Master’s
Restaurant Cooks$30,06039.3%None
Occupational Therapy Assistants$63,59037.8%Associate
Physical Therapist Assistants$59,48036.8%Associate
Physician Assistants$96,21036.2%Master’s
Mechanical Door Repairers$43,50035.3%High school diploma
Orthotists and Prosthetists$83,03033.3%Master’s
Medical and Health Services Managers$99,27031.8%Bachelor’s
Statisticians$77,30031.8%Master’s
Sources: BLS, Projections Central

Popular Alabama Cities for Online College Students

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

Montgomery

A vibrant city sometimes called the birthplace of the civil rights movement, Montgomery is the state capital of Alabama. The city is home to historical monuments, riverfront views, and cultural sites. Online schools in Montgomery include Alabama State University and Trenholm State Community College.

Tuscaloosa

Alabama’s fifth-largest city, Tuscaloosa, is a college town that houses the University of Alabama (UA). Students here can enjoy the city’s unique culture, including the intense fandom around UA’s football team. UA online students can benefit from being close to in-person activities, such as mandatory labs and externships.

Popular Online Colleges in Montgomery and Tuscaloosa
SchoolCityAccreditationType
Alabama State UniversityMontgomerySACSCOCPublic, 4-Year
Amridge UniversityMontgomerySACSCOCPrivate, 4-Year
Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomerySACSCOCPublic, 4-Year
Faulkner UniversityMontgomerySACSCOCPrivate, 4-Year
Shelton State Community CollegeTuscaloosaSACSCOCPublic, 2-Year
Stillman CollegeTuscaloosaSACSCOCPrivate, 4-Year
Trenholm State Community CollegeMontgomerySACSCOCPublic, 2-Year
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosaSACSCOCPublic, 4-Year

Resources for Alabama College Students

Alabama Community College System

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

Alabama Commission on Higher Education

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.

More Questions About Online Schools in Alabama

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