Best Online Colleges in Alabama of 2025
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.
5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,780
- Out-of-state$30,250
- In-State$10,780
- Out-of-state$30,250
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled38,316
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,568
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled22,289
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- In-State$6,600
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled8,526
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,312
- Out-of-state$18,624
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled14,901
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$18,200
- 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…
- The average annual salary in Alabama for all occupations is $53,400 as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- In the 2021-22 school year, the average cost of in-state tuition and fees for a public four-year university in Alabama was $10,737, according to the NCES data.
- Alabama is home to 14 historically Black colleges and universities — more than any other state!
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.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Job Growth Rate (2020-30) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $110,020 | 53.6% | Master’s |
| Epidemiologists | $70,580 | 50% | Master’s |
| Restaurant Cooks | $30,060 | 39.3% | None |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $63,590 | 37.8% | Associate |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $59,480 | 36.8% | Associate |
| Physician Assistants | $96,210 | 36.2% | Master’s |
| Mechanical Door Repairers | $43,500 | 35.3% | High school diploma |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $83,030 | 33.3% | Master’s |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $99,270 | 31.8% | Bachelor’s |
| Statisticians | $77,300 | 31.8% | Master’s |
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.
| School | City | Accreditation | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
| Amridge University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Public, 2-Year |
| Stillman College | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
| Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | SACSCOC | Public, 2-Year |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa | SACSCOC | Public, 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.
