Best Online Colleges in Alabama
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.
Featured Online Bachelor’s Programs
Best 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 Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled37,840
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- 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 Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled22,563
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$30,240
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$30,240
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,737
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Athens State University
- Athens, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,180
- Out-of-state$12,360
- In-State$6,936
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,867
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled9,238
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,730
- Out-of-state$22,126
- In-State$10,632
- Out-of-state$24,430
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled9,999
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- In-State$6,660
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled8,086
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,896
- Out-of-state$15,792
- In-State$7,956
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled14,224
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,800
- Out-of-state$15,600
- In-State$7,650
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled16,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mobile
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,700
- Out-of-state$22,700
- In-State$11,260
- Out-of-state$11,260
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled2,016
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,152
- Out-of-state$10,152
- In-State$4,482
- Out-of-state$4,482
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled110
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationNo
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,248
- Out-of-state$33,248
- In-State$20,587
- Out-of-state$20,587
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled5,729
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$13,356
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled5,734
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled775
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$39,336
- Out-of-state$39,336
- In-State$7,182
- Out-of-state$7,182
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled1,191
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$21,000
- Out-of-state$21,000
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled2,961
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$12,130
- Out-of-state$12,130
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,156
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Oakwood University
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,974
- Out-of-state$18,974
- In-State$13,680
- Out-of-state$13,680
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled1,374
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Judson College
- Marion, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,240
- Out-of-state$17,240
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled229
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationNo
- In-State$8,610
- Out-of-state$17,220
- In-State$10,128
- Out-of-state$20,160
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled5,977
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alabama
What is the cheapest online college 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.
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.
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