2025’s top online colleges in Alabama include Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. See the full list below.
Alabama is home to a variety of online colleges that cater to students seeking flexible education options. These institutions, such as Auburn University and The University of Alabama, offer programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees in fields like business, engineering, and healthcare. With affordable in-state tuition and financial aid opportunities, online education in Alabama is accessible to many. This guide explores key institutions and addresses common questions to help you choose the right path.
College Rankings with Filters
Auburn University
- Location
- Auburn, AL
- Average Net Price
- $24,297
- Average Cost
- $33,650
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $32,960
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 78%
- Admission Rate
- 44%
- Average SAT
- 1292
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 25,234
- Median Debt
- $21,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,337
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Heritage University
- Location
- Toppenish, WA
- Average Net Price
- $7,564
- Average Cost
- $25,946
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $19,500
- Retention Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Admission Rate
- NA
- Average SAT
- NA
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 796
- Median Debt
- $14,573
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,416
- Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The University of Alabama
- Location
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- Average Net Price
- $20,888
- Average Cost
- $31,024
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $32,300
- Retention Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Average SAT
- 1304
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 31,360
- Median Debt
- $22,750
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,221
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Samford University
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- Average Net Price
- $30,689
- Average Cost
- $52,514
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $36,725
- Retention Rate
- 91%
- Graduation Rate
- 73%
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Average SAT
- 1227
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 3,668
- Median Debt
- $19,500
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,469
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Location
- Huntsville, AL
- Average Net Price
- $18,240
- Average Cost
- $25,777
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $24,770
- Retention Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Average SAT
- 1259
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 6,985
- Median Debt
- $20,705
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,767
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- Average Net Price
- $16,755
- Average Cost
- $26,257
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $21,216
- Retention Rate
- 82%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Average SAT
- 1291
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 12,776
- Median Debt
- $22,300
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,501
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Columbia Southern University
- Location
- Orange Beach, AL
- Average Net Price
- $12,366
- Average Cost
- $16,520
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $6,015
- Retention Rate
- 42%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Admission Rate
- NA
- Average SAT
- NA
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 11,208
- Median Debt
- $21,339
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,534
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Spring Hill College
- Location
- Mobile, AL
- Average Net Price
- $19,449
- Average Cost
- $35,488
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $21,732
- Retention Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Average SAT
- 1094
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 932
- Median Debt
- $27,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,500
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Troy University
- Location
- Troy, AL
- Average Net Price
- $15,002
- Average Cost
- $22,005
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $18,624
- Retention Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Admission Rate
- 95%
- Average SAT
- 1050
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 10,316
- Median Debt
- $25,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,062
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jacksonville State University
- Location
- Jacksonville, AL
- Average Net Price
- $17,979
- Average Cost
- $22,153
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $21,912
- Retention Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Average SAT
- 1055
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 7,066
- Median Debt
- $22,189
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,235
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Oakwood University
- Location
- Huntsville, AL
- Average Net Price
- $19,686
- Average Cost
- $38,377
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $20,040
- Retention Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Average SAT
- NA
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 1,378
- Median Debt
- $27,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,488
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Talladega College
- Location
- Talladega, AL
- Average Net Price
- $13,128
- Average Cost
- $22,267
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $13,866
- Retention Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Admission Rate
- NA
- Average SAT
- NA
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 832
- Median Debt
- $28,500
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $32,229
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Alabama A & M University
- Location
- Normal, AL
- Average Net Price
- $14,982
- Average Cost
- $23,167
- In-State Tuition
- $58,416
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $18,634
- Retention Rate
- 59%
- Graduation Rate
- 32%
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Average SAT
- 920
- Undergrad Enrollment
- 5,196
- Median Debt
- $31,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,628
- Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Colleges in Alabama Overview
Alabama’s online colleges have become a vital part of the state’s higher education landscape, offering flexible and accessible options for students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2020, 36% of Alabama undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, with nearly 34% participating in some form of distance learning. This reflects the state’s commitment to accommodating diverse learners, including working professionals, adult learners, and traditional students.
With over 83 post-secondary institutions, 24 of which offer online programs, Alabama provides a robust selection of accredited options, including public four-year universities, community colleges, and private institutions. These programs span certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, professional programs, and doctorates, with 341 online certificate programs, 1,934 associate programs, 3,609 bachelor’s programs, 1,494 master’s programs, 1,890 professional programs, and 396 doctoral programs available.
The state’s online colleges are known for their affordability, especially for in-state students, and their alignment with growing industries such as technology, healthcare, education, and business. Alabama has a vibrant culture, growing industries, and strong colleges, particularly in tech and horticulture, noting that the state has more historically Black colleges and universities than any other state. This diversity ensures that students can find programs tailored to their academic and career goals, with institutions like Auburn University, The University of Alabama, and Samford University offering high-quality online education.
Accreditation and Program Offerings
Accreditation is a critical factor for students considering online colleges, as it ensures the quality and transferability of credits. Most online colleges in Alabama are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a recognized accrediting body. This accreditation is essential for ensuring that degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Program offerings are extensive, covering a wide range of disciplines. The University of Alabama, for example, offers over 100 online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees in areas such as business (e.g., MBA), education (e.g., curriculum & instruction), engineering (e.g., aerospace engineering), and healthcare (e.g., health services administration). Other institutions, such as Troy University and Columbia Southern University, provide specialized online programs in fields like criminal justice (BS), nursing (RN to BSN), and fire administration (BS). Alabama A&M University and Faulkner University also offer online options, with Faulkner focusing on Christian liberal arts education.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition costs for online programs in Alabama vary depending on the institution and whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident. Public universities typically offer lower in-state tuition rates, making them more affordable. For example, based on the user-provided data:
| Institution | Average Net Price | In-State Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $24,297 | $12,176 | Public, research university |
| The University of Alabama | $20,888 | $11,940 | Flagship institution |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $18,240 | $11,878 | STEM-focused |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $16,755 | $8,832 | Strong in health sciences |
| Samford University | $30,689 | $36,725 | Private, Christian institution |
| Columbia Southern University | $12,366 | $6,015 | Exclusively online |
Financial aid plays a crucial role in making education accessible. Programs like the Alabama Student Assistance Program and the (Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program provide grants and scholarships for eligible students. Additionally, institutions like The University of Alabama offer tuition grants for active-duty military undergraduates, enhancing affordability.
Student Support Services
Online colleges in Alabama typically offer robust support services to ensure student success. These services include academic advising, career counseling, technical support, access to libraries, and tutoring. For instance, UA Online provides dedicated support for its distance learners, including academic advising and career services, and has a special program for military personnel through the Unlimited Yellow Ribbon initiative. Auburn University offers online students access to libraries, tutoring, and counseling services, while Columbia Southern University provides flexible scheduling and student success teams to assist with enrollment and course selection. These services are designed to help students balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
Graduation Rates and Employment Outcomes
Graduation rates and employment outcomes are important indicators of the success of online programs. Based on the user-provided data, graduation rates vary among institutions:
| Institution | Graduation Rate | Median Earnings (10yr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | 78% | $65,337 | High retention (93%) |
| The University of Alabama | 70% | $59,221 | Retention rate 87% |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | 58% | $61,767 | STEM focus |
| Samford University | 73% | $58,469 | Private, Christian institution |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 58% | $54,501 | Strong in health sciences |
| Columbia Southern University | 46% | $63,534 | Exclusively online |
These figures suggest that graduates from Alabama’s online colleges have strong earning potential, with median earnings ranging from $42,062 to $65,337 ten years after enrollment. BestColleges notes that high-demand fields in Alabama, such as technology, healthcare, and education, contribute to these outcomes.
Unique Features and Considerations
Some institutions offer unique features that set them apart. For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is known for its health sciences programs, offering online degrees in nursing, health administration, and public health, leveraging its status as a leading medical center. Columbia Southern University specializes exclusively in online education, with affordable tuition ($6,015 per year for most programs) and a focus on fields like criminal justice and occupational safety. Faulkner University provides a Christian liberal arts education with online options, emphasizing leadership development through faith-based values.
Students should consider factors such as accreditation, program alignment with career goals, and available support services when choosing an online college. Ensuring the program is accredited by SACSCOC is crucial for credit transferability and employer recognition. Researching high-demand fields in Alabama, such as technology and healthcare, can help students select programs with strong employment prospects.
Online Undergraduate Enrollment Trends in Alabama: Insights from NCES and ACHE Data
The landscape of higher education in Alabama has been reshaped by the rise of online learning, offering students flexibility and access to education regardless of location. A detailed analysis of data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) reveals key trends in online undergraduate enrollment, highlighting shifts influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving preferences of students.
In 2020, claims suggested that 36% of Alabama undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in distance education, with 34% participating in some form of online learning. However, these figures lack direct confirmation from NCES data specific to Alabama for that year. Nationally, NCES reported a significant spike in online enrollment in fall 2020, with 44% of undergraduates exclusively online and 75% taking at least one distance education course, driven by pandemic-related campus closures. While Alabama likely followed this trend, precise state-level data for 2020 remains elusive in the provided sources, suggesting the reported percentages may reflect a specific subset of institutions or pre-pandemic patterns.
More recent NCES data from fall 2023 provides a clearer picture: 28.7% of Alabama undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in distance education, and 29.2% took some online courses. This marks a decline from the likely higher rates in 2020, indicating a post-pandemic normalization as students returned to in-person or hybrid learning. The data, sourced from NCES’s IPEDS Trend Generator, reflects enrollment across 5,677 postsecondary institutions, underscoring a sustained but moderated reliance on online education.
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) offers additional context through its Data Portal, which tracks enrollment across the state’s 38 public colleges and universities. While specific 2020 figures matching the initial claim are not detailed in the provided material, ACHE’s reports on instructional methods could provide granular insights. The portal’s continuous updates make it a valuable resource for comparing state-specific trends with national NCES data, potentially revealing nuances in how Alabama’s institutions have adapted to online learning demands.
The shift from 2020 to 2023 highlights a broader trend: while the pandemic accelerated online education, its role remains significant but less dominant today. Factors like institutional investments in online infrastructure and the appeal of flexible learning for diverse students—working professionals, adult learners, and traditional undergraduates—continue to sustain demand. However, the return to physical campuses post-pandemic reflects a preference for in-person experiences among some students.
These trends carry implications for students, institutions, and policymakers. Students benefit from increased access, but institutions must balance resources to support both online and on-campus learning. Policymakers, in turn, face decisions on funding and regulation to ensure quality and equity in Alabama’s higher education system. As online learning remains a vital component, further exploration of ACHE’s data could deepen understanding of these dynamics, guiding the state toward a future-ready education landscape.
Conclusion
Online colleges in Alabama offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality education options for students seeking to advance their careers or start new ones. With a variety of accredited programs across diverse fields, robust student support services, and promising career outcomes, these institutions are well-equipped to meet the needs of modern learners. Students can explore specific programs and institutions through resources like Accredited Schools Online, BestColleges, and university websites to find the best fit for their goals.
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