2025 Best Online Colleges in Alabama
Online degrees in Alabama from accredited universities offer flexibility and accessibility to students, particularly for those balancing professional commitments or residing in remote areas. Prospective students interested in attending an online college in Alabama have a variety of options they can choose from, whether they are starting at a four-year university, like those listed below, or transferring from a community college in Alabama or elsewhere.
Key Takeaways:
- Affordable online schools in Alabama have tuition costs of $13,325 or lower.
- The Alabama schools with high Salary Scores among alums all have median earnings above $49,000.
- Schools on our Highest Rated by Students list all have an overall review rating of 3.86 or higher out of 5.
Our methodology focuses on highlighting colleges by state using four distinct categories: salary score, affordability, student ratings, and honorable mention.
Featured Popular Online Colleges
Columbia Southern University
- Online Enrollment: 15,948
At Columbia Southern University (CSU), you can pursue your degree entirely online with an emphasis on flexibility and affordability. Catering to working professionals and others balancing life commitments, CSU offers over 129 active degree programs ranging from associate to doctoral levels. With courses such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Health Care Management, you benefit from a tuition rate that is less than half that of competitors, with free textbooks included. Recognized by Quality Matters for their excellence, CSU supports a diverse student body from 82 countries and offers over 450 courses.
University of West Alabama
- Online Enrollment: 4,362
Join the University of West Alabama's thriving online community with over 70 degree and certification programs available. Established in 1835, we bring history and innovation together through competitive degrees in business, teaching, and psychology among others. Our expert instructors boast real-world experience, ensuring top-tier education in a flexible online environment. Affordability is paramount, with 80% of our students receiving financial aid and numerous scholarships, including Military Connect and Teacher Connect, saving you thousands. Serving over 20,000 students, we invite you to start your journey with UWA Online and influence tomorrow with relevant skills today.
Best by Salary Score
All of the online Alabama universities listed produce top-earning graduates scored with A+ to B Salary Scores. These scores assess online schools based on alumni earnings, offering prospective students insight into the potential long-term financial benefits of choosing a specific school. We acquire earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, with Salary Scores presented as letter grades based on early career salaries four years post-graduation.
Samford University
Why We Like Them:
Samford has high median earnings, with graduates earning $86,267. This positions the school in the top 4% for this metric. Complementing this A+ Salary Score, the retention rate of 91% situates Samford among the top 6% of colleges and universities for maintaining student engagement. We believe this implies strong student satisfaction and success. Notably, 100% of students receive financial aid, underlining the institution's commitment to accessible education. Samford Online offers a range of undergraduate degrees with the flexibility of eight-week terms, enabling students to complete their degrees at an accelerated pace.
What Students Say:
"Samford University prepared me so well to go into my field of study... When I got a job, I realized that I was prepared more than some of my fellow co-workers that went through the same program of study at different schools... Samford challenged me and pushed me to do my very best so that I was well prepared for my career after graduating."
KC, Graduated 2016
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Why We Like Them:
UAH in Huntsville stands out with a strong showing in median earnings, where graduates earn a median salary of $72,550, positioning them in the top 13% nationally for this metric compared to other institutions. This promising earning potential is coupled with a notable 80% retention rate, which speaks to high student engagement and effective support systems. Online programs at UAH are comprehensive and technologically advanced, utilizing platforms such as Canvas, Panopto, and Zoom to deliver courses. Students have access to a variety of online degrees spanning undergraduate and graduate levels.
What Students Say:
"UAH provides you with a quality education through very qualified teachers and, depending on your major, state of the art technology. UAH is a great school if you want a great education for a relatively low price..."
Anonymous, Graduated 2009
University of South Alabama
Why We Like Them:
South Alabama's alums make a median salary of $69,027. This gives the university a Salary Score of A-, but that still places it among the top 17% nationally for this metric. We also appreciate South Alabama's large online school, with 3,953 students who are studying remotely. This level of distance learning infrastructure gives us confidence in the quality of online education here. Reflecting on online offerings, South Alabama provides flexible undergraduate and graduate programs designed for career advancement, featuring 24/7 course accessibility and a state-of-the-art learning management system.
What Students Say:
"All the programs are very competitive and offer an excellent avenue to further an individual's educational and career goals."
Mihika Batavia, Graduated 2013
Best by Affordability
In this category, we highlight schools with annual bachelor's-level tuition fees that are competitive. Eligible institutions offer a standardized tuition rate across programs and maintain annual tuition costs under $30,000, with rates verified from official school websites. These affordable Alabama universities online all maintain annual tuition below $30,000.
Athens State University
Why We Like Them:
Athens State has an annual tuition of just $7,936. In terms of distance learning, Athens State has 1,460 online students enrolled, which places it in the top 29% of schools with the largest online student populations. We believe this guarantees its well-established digital infrastructure is capable of delivering quality education remotely. Athens State offers various online undergraduate degree programs tailored for working adults. These include fields such as business, education, and information technology, providing a flexible and relevant curriculum that caters to diverse professional aspirations.
Columbia Southern University
Why We Like Them:
We like CSU because its tuition is set at $8,100, making it a financially viable option for pursuing higher education in Alabama. The median earnings of graduates are $65,339, a strong return on investment. Another aspect we highly value is its significant online enrollment of 11,330 students, situating it in the top 2% compared to other institutions. As such a large school, CSU also has commendable support for military students, with 3,717 military enrollments placing it among the top 1% of schools for military enrollment. CSU offers a variety of online degree programs that span associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The fields of study available include business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and others.
What Students Say:
"I always had a doubt about online university, especially when the educational institution is accredited by DETC. However, Columbia Southern University (CSU) changed my view... Due to flexibility of CSU's online course, I was able to study around my busy work schedule."
Anonymous, Graduated 2013
Amridge University
Why We Like Them:
Amridge boasts a tuition rate of just $8,800. This positions the university among the top 9% of the most affordable institutions, with 100% of students receive financial aid. The university offers an array of online degree programs including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines such as business administration, ministry, and human services. This wide selection enhances your ability to find a program that aligns with your career goals. With its early adoption of online education since 1993, Amridge has a long-standing commitment to providing quality distance learning, making it a reliable option for pursuing higher education remotely.
University of North Alabama
Why We Like Them:
UNA has a highly affordable tuition, which stands at $10,200. This affordability places UNA in the top 27% for cost-effectiveness among its peers. When we look at the financial aid packages, the average is approximately $13,699 per student. This figure indicates a significant level of support, ranking UNA in the top 29% nationally for financial aid offerings. In terms of online offerings, UNA provides a broad array of programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as nursing, criminal justice, and social work. Each program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering day or night access to courses and faculty attention comparable to those teaching on campus.
What Students Say:
"The University of North Alabama truly offers the full college experience while preparing their students for a successful career. This university inspires you to dream for your biggest goals and provides you with the tools to get there. Caring professors, academically rigorous curriculum, amazing tutoring resources, generous scholarships that make college affordable for anyone, opportunities for student employment, a fun and vibrant city and campus life... there is nothing more you could want for your college career. My highest recommendation goes to my alma mater."
Hailey, Graduated 2015
Jacksonville State University
Why We Like Them:
JSU's annual tuition rate is $10,290, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students. Additionally, with 100% of students receiving financial aid, with average aid packages over $10,000. We also want to mention the university's strong recommendation rate of 94%, indicating high satisfaction among graduates. JSU's online offerings are supported by a dedicated team of instructional designers and technical specialists to ensure effective online education. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate (12 options) or graduate degrees (53 options), the online programs at JSU are designed to provide comprehensive support in various disciplines.
What Students Say:
"The professors in the dept are really knowledgeable and professional... Everyone is friendly and makes for a great learning experience."
Erica Long, Graduated 2013
Oakwood University
Why We Like Them:
At Oakwood, affordability is a key factor, demonstrated by its competitive tuition of $11,250. Complementing this, the university's average financial aid package of $19,004 stands out, ranking it in the top 22% for financial support nationwide. Exceptional student experiences are further highlighted by a recommendation rate of 100%, underscoring the high level of satisfaction among attendees. Additionally, the student-faculty ratio of 11:1 promises a personalized learning experience. Oakwood offers several online programs, such as organizational management, church leadership, and general studies, all tailored for adult learners seeking to complete their degrees efficiently.
What Students Say:
"The professors were great and knowledgeable and invested in us... They were rooting for us because they know education is the route to help us out of poverty and for our children and community... It’s a school where we can share about what God has done for us and through us. My classmates were nice."
Kimberly Joy Ferguson, Graduated 2023
Troy University
Why We Like Them:
Troy offers a global tuition fee of $12,750. And if we were to compare Troy University’s online enrollment with those of other universities, Troy would be among the top 7% with the highest number of students studying online, highlighting its established virtual presence. For military students, the university is an attractive choice, landing in the top 3% of institutions with the highest military enrollments, demonstrating robust support for those affiliated with the armed forces. Troy provides students the flexibility to enroll in an array of online programs including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. These programs cover diverse subjects ranging from business to criminal justice, ensuring a wide spectrum of opportunities for academic and professional growth.
What Students Say:
"I love being a student at Troy, the experience has been wonderful!... a degree would not have been obtainable for me without an online program such as the one I'm taking here at Troy... Overall I would recommend this school!"
Jenn Vessells, Graduated 2016
University of West Alabama
Why We Like Them:
UWA offers a competitively priced tuition of $13,325. Plus, a significant 99% of students receive financial aid, making it an even more economical choice. You will find an engaging learning environment with over 1,000 online students, which situates the university among the top third of schools nationally with sizeable online populations. UWA Online offers more than 70 degree and certification programs, encompassing a broad range of fields such as business, teaching, and psychology.
What Students Say:
"Small class sizes made it easy to communicate with peers and faculty. Courses were challenging, and faculty were engaged. From admissions to graduation, staff were professional and caring."
Anonymous, Graduated 2013
Highest Rated by Students
We have selected schools based on alumni reviews, featuring the Alabama colleges and universities that reflect high student satisfaction. Eligibility prerequisites include a minimum of 20 student reviews and an average review rating of at least 3.5 out of 5. The Alabama schools with the best student reviews all score 3.5 and above out of 5 total points.
Alabama A & M University
Why We Like Them:
AAMU has an excellent overall review rating of 4.22 out of 5 total. This high rating reflects the satisfaction and positive experiences conveyed by AAMU's students. Additionally, the recommendation rate of 97% is another significant indicator of the quality education you can expect, as the vast majority of students would suggest this university to others. AAMU's online programs provide a diverse array of options, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. For example, the online graduate degrees include a Master of Science in Computer Science, MBA, and Master of Education in Instructional Leadership.
What Students Say:
"Alabama A&M University provides students with not only a quality education, but also a cultural experience that will cultivate students' personal growth... a nurturing environment that makes college transition very simple... small class sizes which allow students plenty of opportunities to build strong relationships with their professors and classmates..."
Breanna McArthur, Graduated 2014
University of Alabama
Why We Like Them:
UA's overall review rating of 4.08 out of 5 means there is exceptional satisfaction among its students. This is further corroborated by a recommendation rate of 96%, indicating a strong endorsement from graduates. Additionally, the 87% retention rate shows that students are engaged and committed to continuing their education, placing it in the top 11% of universities nationwide. The financial support at UA is also remarkable, with an average financial aid package of $15,683. UA offers a range of online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across dozens of fields, as varied as conflict resolution or family nurse practitioner degrees.
What Students Say:
"The University of Alabama is a great place to learn in order to be successful in the professional world... Gaining that relationship with different professors helps exponentially in the long run. The career center is great because they sit down with you for every step of the job search process... The connections and networking opportunities really helped me to grow both personally and professionally."
Benjamin Smith, Graduated 2015
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Why We Like Them:
With an admirable overall review rating of 4.04 out of 5, UAB is another top choice for online education in Alabama. This high rating indicates strong student satisfaction and a quality learning experience. Additionally, the retention rate stands at 82%, placing UAB among the top 18% of universities in terms of student retention, which highlights the institution's ability to maintain student engagement past the first year. UAB's median earnings of $74,723 rank in the top 11% of universities, ensuring that graduates achieve a solid return on their investment. Also worth noting is the broad spectrum of online degrees offered, covering disciplines such as healthcare, business, and education.
What Students Say:
"I believe the University of Alabama at Birmingham has maintained a high quality of education... The faculty are always inviting students to participate in career fairs, interview seminars, etc. and really want the students to succeed in his or her future career."
Jessica Poe, Graduated 2014
Auburn University
Why We Like Them:
Auburn has a high overall review rating of 3.86, adding credibility to the quality of education provided. Complementing these firsthand experiences is the university's graduation rate of 81%. Situated in the top 7% of universities, this metric suggests strong outcomes for students completing their degrees. Auburn’s online offerings include undergraduate, graduate, professional credit, and personal enrichment programs. This highlights the diverse opportunities available for distance learners, whether you want to study something as niche as veterinary medicine or something more broad like business.
What Students Say:
"I thoroughly enjoyed my college experience. It was a great experience for learning, and my teachers were amazing. I also met some amazing friends."
DJ, Graduated 2014
Honorable Mention
Each selection among our Honorable Mentions comes with an explanation of the school's unique attributes that set it apart, making it worthy of special mention. These features range from popular online schools with high remote enrollment to those with small class sizes.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Why We Like Them:
AUM has a large online enrollment of 993 students. Enhancing its appeal is a faculty-to-student ratio of 15:1, ensuring that you receive a focused educational experience online. The diversity of online programs available is also noteworthy. You may find fully online options across various disciplines, including bachelor's degrees in general business, nursing, and medical laboratory science, as well as master’s degrees spanning applied economics, business administration, and criminal justice. Unique features such as hybrid course options and access to campus resources for online learners make AUM an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility along with quality education.
What Students Say:
"Auburn University at Montgomery is a wonderful choice for prospective education students. The professors are easily accessible, friendly, and helpful. The classes are small, and the university is focused on academics. It is also an affordable school with many opportunities to extend your learning experience."
Ashley, Graduated 2013
Alabama State University
Why We Like Them:
ASU currently has 420 online learners, and its overall review rating is 4.14 out of 5, reflecting high student satisfaction and experience quality. Additionally, an 88% recommendation rate signifies approval from graduates, indicating that if you were to enroll, you're likely to find value and satisfaction in your educational journey. Furthermore, ASU's comprehensive online offerings span various disciplines, including several master's degrees such as the online Master of Education in Elementary and Early Education, the online Master of Science in Applied Technology, and the online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, among others. These programs not only cover a broad spectrum of academic interests but also provide flexibility and support tailored to online students.
What Students Say:
"The instructors do their best to ensure that you have all the essentials needed to be a successful college student."
Jaolanda Lawson, Graduated 2016
Miles College
Why We Like Them:
Miles College has a growing online enrollment of 109 students, and it hosts three 100% online degree programs in business administration, criminal justice, and psychology. The institution demonstrates a strong commitment to affordability and accessibility, evidenced by the fact that 95% of its students receive financial aid. The average financial aid package of $9,391 further underscores this support. It utilized the Blackboard Learning Management System to deliver online courses, which fosters real-time engagement and collaboration. Through live sessions, students can participate in discussions, collaborate on projects, and build a sense of community.
University of Mobile
Why We Like Them:
Mobile has just 84 students studying online as well as slightly lower median earnings among its graduates, but there are a couple of benefits we want to mention. It focuses on a Christ-centered education, which you may find valuable if you are looking for a religious school. It's also affordable, especially as Mobile's average financial aid package of $16,217 is pretty significant. Additionally, 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, underscoring the school's commitment to making higher education affordable. We also appreciate the diversity of undergraduate online programs, including a bachelor's in general studies, nursing (RN to BSN), organizational leadership, business administration (management), and psychology. These programs are delivered in eight-week sessions, providing plenty of flexibility.
Featured Popular Online Colleges
Columbia Southern University
- Online Enrollment: 15,948
At Columbia Southern University (CSU), you can pursue your degree entirely online with an emphasis on flexibility and affordability. Catering to working professionals and others balancing life commitments, CSU offers over 129 active degree programs ranging from associate to doctoral levels. With courses such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Health Care Management, you benefit from a tuition rate that is less than half that of competitors, with free textbooks included. Recognized by Quality Matters for their excellence, CSU supports a diverse student body from 82 countries and offers over 450 courses.
University of West Alabama
- Online Enrollment: 4,362
Join the University of West Alabama's thriving online community with over 70 degree and certification programs available. Established in 1835, we bring history and innovation together through competitive degrees in business, teaching, and psychology among others. Our expert instructors boast real-world experience, ensuring top-tier education in a flexible online environment. Affordability is paramount, with 80% of our students receiving financial aid and numerous scholarships, including Military Connect and Teacher Connect, saving you thousands. Serving over 20,000 students, we invite you to start your journey with UWA Online and influence tomorrow with relevant skills today.
Higher Education in Alabama
Alabama is home to 61 universities, community colleges, and technical schools, where more than 350,000 students pursue degrees, certificates, and diplomas each year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education's IPEDS system. The majority of colleges in Alabama are public schools, with only 18 private nonprofit universities and four for-profit colleges in the state.
More than half of the schools in Alabama are four-year universities, where most students are earning bachelor's degrees or are in graduate school. The state also has 26 two-year colleges that offer certificates, diplomas, job training, and associate degrees.
Business, healthcare, and engineering are the three most popular bachelor's degrees for students in Alabama, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Fewer Alabama residents have a college education than the rest of the United States, with only 27.2% of adults over 25 holding a bachelor's degree or higher, according to census data, while the U.S. average is closer to 34%. That means earning your degree as an Alabama student might give you a bigger advantage in the workforce once you graduate.
If you are interested in the healthcare field, lean about the Best Online Nursing Programs in Alabama.
Online Colleges in Alabama
At least 32 colleges and universities in Alabama offer online degrees, according to data from IPEDS. Students can earn certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online.
Online community colleges in Alabama offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. These schools help students get their GED, train for specific careers (such as medical billing and coding), get a general education in areas like business or elementary education, or finish the first two years of their bachelor's degree.
Four-year universities usually offer some certificates and associate degrees but focus more on bachelor's and master's degrees. Some also offer online doctorates.
There are a few different types of online options for Alabama students. Many people prefer fully online degrees, which don't have any on-campus requirements. Some schools also offer hybrid options, where students complete some parts of their program online but might go to campus for labs once a week or complete one quarter in person.
Some online classes are self-paced, but most online programs operate similar to the ones on campus and require students to complete assignments and follow a set class schedule. Students can look for synchronous classes, where students login and complete classwork at a set time, or asynchronous classes, where students can review lectures when it's convenient for them. Some schools offer one or the other, while some schools offer both.
Common admissions requirements include high school transcripts, application letters, and letters of recommendation. Some schools also require you to have a certain GPA to get in, or may require SAT/ACT scores. However, these are less often required for online programs.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Alabama
How Many Colleges Are in Alabama?
According to NCES data, there are 61 colleges in Alabama, including 32 four-year universities and 26 community colleges and technical schools. The majority of colleges in Alabama are publicly funded, with 39 public colleges and universities and 22 private schools.
Can DACA Beneficiaries in Alabama Attend Public College?
While Alabama is one of the most restrictive states for undocumented students in college, students with DACA can attend some public colleges. However, this depends on the school. Because Alabama laws are so restrictive for undocumented students, those without DACA might look at online schools in other states, such as Washington or California, where state laws make it easier for undocumented students to go to college.
Our college guide for undocumented students can help people without citizenship get financial aid and find colleges that will support them.
How Much Is College in Alabama?
How much college costs in Alabama depends on where you go to school and what kind of degree you get. The average in-state tuition for a public college in Alabama was $22,204 for the 2022-23 school year, according to data from the NCES. That's about the average in the U.S. as well.
However, private universities tend to be much more expensive than public colleges. Alabama's private colleges average at $17,687, which is high but still below the U.S. average of $35,248.
Community and technical colleges are also usually more affordable than four-year schools. The average in-state tuition at two-year colleges in Alabama was $5,039 for the 2022-23 school year.
What Are the Best Colleges in Alabama?
Choosing a college that best fits your needs means considering what you want to get out of your program, what level of flexibility you'll need, what kind of support you'll need in school, what career outcomes alumni have, how much it will cost, and other factors.
The best colleges in Alabama are ones that help their students succeed and finish their degree while preparing them for successful careers after college. For some students, the option to earn their degree online and a low tuition cost are the most important factors. For others, finding the right program to fit their career goals might be more important. Students should look closely at the degrees available and make sure to get all their questions answered to help them make an informed decision about where to go to school.
Our selection of the best online colleges in Alabama considers academic quality, affordability, flexibility, and student support services. These schools offer rigorous programs comparable to on-campus education, with competitive tuition rates and financial aid options. They provide flexible scheduling for diverse student needs and strong support services like tutoring and career guidance. High student satisfaction ratings and strong reputations make these colleges top choices for online education in Alabama.