Is it worth it to live and study in Alabama?

It can be worth it to live and study in Alabama, depending on your personal and academic goals. Alabama has a lot to offer in terms of its rich history and culture, and thriving economy. Students living in the state benefit from attending prestigious colleges and universities at lower-than-average tuition rates.

Do you have to live in Alabama to attend online college there?

You do not have to live in Alabama to attend an online college in the state. However, students who live in the state pay the most affordable tuition rates. Nonresident students can ask prospective schools if they waive out-of-state tuition for online students.

Best Online Colleges in Alabama

Check out this guide to the best online colleges in Alabama, and learn about tuition fees and the highest-paying jobs in the state.

Edited by

Updated April 14, 2024

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.

Alabama — a state of historical significance and diverse landscapes — offers a canvas of natural beauty, from mountains to beaches. It’s also home to 62 prestigious colleges and universities and has one of the nation’s most thriving business environments.

Attending a college in Alabama can equip you with the skills necessary to thrive in one of the state’s top five industries: aerospace, automotive, technology, and medicine.

Even if you live outside of the state, you can still pursue a degree from one of the best online colleges in Alabama from the convenience of your home.

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

In this Article

Best Online Colleges in Alabama

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

37,840

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

90%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

37,840

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$20,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,188

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

22,563

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,400

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,400

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,188

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

22,563

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

30,737

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

30,737

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Athens State University

Athens, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,000

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,867

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,360

Athens State University

Athens, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,180

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,360

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

93%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,000

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,867

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,440

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,200

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

9,238

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,440

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,440

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

82%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,200

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

9,238

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,126

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,632

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,430

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

9,999

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,126

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,126

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

96%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,632

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,430

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

9,999

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,660

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,320

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

8,086

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,200

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,200

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

80%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,660

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,320

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

8,086

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$7,896

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,792

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,912

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

14,224

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,896

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,792

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,896

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,792

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,912

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

14,224

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Troy University

Troy, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$7,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

92%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,300

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

16,497

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,600

Troy University

Troy, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,600

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,300

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

16,497

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Mobile

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$22,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,260

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,016

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,700

University of Mobile

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,700

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,260

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,260

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,016

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#11

Heritage Christian University

Florence, AL4 yearOnline

$10,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,482

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,482

Retention Rate

100%

Students Enrolled

110

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,152

Heritage Christian University

Florence, AL4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,152

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

79%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,482

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,482

Retention Rate

100%

Students Enrolled

110

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

#12

Samford University

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$33,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,587

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,587

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

5,729

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,248

Samford University

Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,248

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

37%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,587

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,587

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

5,729

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#13

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

5,734

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,200

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,200

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

82%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

5,734

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#14

Amridge University

Montgomery, AL4 yearOnline

$9,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

775

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Amridge University

Montgomery, AL4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

775

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#15

Spring Hill College

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$39,336

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,336

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

54%

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,182

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,182

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

1,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,336

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,336

Spring Hill College

Mobile, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,336

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,336

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

77%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,182

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,182

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

1,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#16

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$21,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,350

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

2,961

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,000

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,000

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,350

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

2,961

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#17

Talladega College

Talladega, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$12,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,000

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,156

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,130

Talladega College

Talladega, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,130

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

94%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,000

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,156

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#18

Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$18,974

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,974

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,680

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

1,374

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,974

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,974

Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,974

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,974

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

81%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,680

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

1,374

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#19

Judson College

Marion, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$17,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

56%

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

229

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,240

Judson College

Marion, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,240

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

31%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

229

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

#20

Alabama A&M University

Normal, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,220

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,128

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,160

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

5,977

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,220

Alabama A&M University

Normal, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,610

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,220

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

96%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,128

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,160

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

5,977

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

How Much Does Online College Cost in Alabama?

College costs vary significantly by institution type and where you live. Students who attend a public college pay much less than those who attend a private college.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in-state tuition and fees for a student living in Alabama versus an out-of-state student were around $16,700 less per year in 2022.

Online colleges often prove more cost-effective than on-campus programs due to reduced overhead and infrastructure expenses. Additionally, some schools may waive out-of-state charges for their online programs, increasing affordability and accessibility for students from different locations.

Cost of College in Alabama (2021-2022)
Institution Type	Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State)	$10,737
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)	$27,145
Private Four-Year	$17,168

Source: NCES

Highest-Paying Jobs in Alabama

The May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report highlights many high-paying careers for Alabama professionals with a bachelor’s degree. Professionals in the best-paying fields specialize in overseeing companies, directing financial activities, managing others, and selling scientific and technological products.

The table below features some of the highest-paying jobs in Alabama in 2023.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Alabama
Career	Mean Annual Salary (May 2023)
Chief Executives	$221,030
Natural Science Managers	$123,040
Architectural and Engineering Managers	$157,230
Sales Engineers	$126,270
Financial Managers	$149,750

Source: BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alabama

The University of North Alabama is the cheapest online college in Alabama, according to NCES. The average full-time student paid an annual net price of $9,837 for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Your total cost of attendance will ultimately depend on factors such as the type of institution you attend and financial aid.