Best Online Colleges in Alabama
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Alabama is home to some of the best online colleges in the country. These schools meet the needs of students and top employment sectors alike.
The best online colleges in Alabama provide opportunities for students to earn affordable and accessible degrees. Home to institutions that offer online associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees, Alabama colleges and universities foster innovation and growth within its technology and transportation sectors.
Schools in the University of Alabama (UA) System rank among the top online colleges in the state. Additional public institutions like Auburn accompany private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Alabama. Despite relatively high tuition rates, schools within the UA system did not increase costs for students during the 2021-2022 year.
To find out more about the best online colleges in Alabama, along with their academic offerings and available student resources, scroll down for our rankings.
The Best Online Degree Programs
Auburn University
Auburn, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,816
- Out-of-state$29,448
- In-State$9,828
- Out-of-state$29,484
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled30,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- 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 Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled7,702
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,000
- Out-of-state$32,000
- In-State$17,754
- Out-of-state$17,754
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled5,692
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mobile
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,250
- Out-of-state$22,250
- In-State$8,880
- Out-of-state$8,880
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled1,989
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Alabama
2022
Online Colleges Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these colleges based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Colleges
Employment in Alabama
With about 25% of the population in Alabama possessing a college degree, students who pursue higher education can stand out in the state’s job market. Individuals looking to work at large corporations, small businesses, or as entrepreneurs can thrive in Alabama.
Top industries in Alabama include aerospace and aviation, agriculture, and transportation. Alabama is also home to specialized enterprises in cybersecurity, corporate operations, and distribution.
Additional benefits of working and living in Alabama include its cost of living index of 82.3. With the national average at 100, housing costs in Alabama fall well below those around the country, at just under 56. Transportation, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses similarly land below the national average.
Unemployment in Alabama saw a steady decline in early 2021, reaching a rate of 3.3% as of June 2021. The mean annual wage in Alabama sits at nearly $47,000, but managerial positions report wages of more than twice that figure. These figures indicate a strong outlook for individuals with college degrees in the state.
The following figures include the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Alabama. Salary information applies specifically to Alabama, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $213,410 | 3% | Doctorate |
| Dentists | $172,050 | 8% | Doctorate |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $170,560 | 45% | Master’s |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $150,770 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $133,020 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Financial Managers | $132,360 | 17% | Bachelor’s |
The data below reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 6,000 professionals in Alabama. Salary figures apply specifically to Alabama, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $121,800 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| Accountants and Auditors | $71,940 | 7% | Bachelor’s |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $102,920 | 22% | Bachelor’s |
| Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists | $89,390 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $93,330 | 32% | Bachelor’s |
| Lawyers | $121,130 | 9% | Law Degree |
| Industrial Engineers | $92,070 | 14% | Bachelor’s |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $82,340 | 7% | High School Diploma |
Online Associate Degrees and Community Colleges in Alabama
Alabama’s extensive community college system includes 24 schools throughout the state. Many community colleges have expanded online opportunities due to limitations and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each community college in Alabama offers associate degrees that can lead to employment opportunities. Additional transfer options feature pathways to earning four-year degrees. Community colleges in Alabama also offer job training and certification programs, adult learning opportunities, and dual-enrollment coursework.
Top associate degrees in Alabama include business, engineering, and law enforcement. Individual programs vary, but the overall outcomes meet the employment needs of the state.
Online Graduate Degrees in Alabama
Online graduate programs provide an affordable, convenient option for working professionals who want to advance their education and employment opportunities. Earning an online graduate degree can also facilitate a career change. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have expanded their online offerings to meet the needs of their students.
Online graduate degrees at schools within the UA System span disciplines like communication, education, and business — comparable to those found at institutions throughout Alabama. The University of West Alabama offers a one-year online MBA, and the University of South Alabama offers five online master’s degrees in education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alabama
Is Online College Cheaper in Alabama?
The cost of online college in Alabama is comparable to tuition in other states. Resident learners benefit from lower tuition rates than their non-resident counterparts at some schools, but many institutions provide the same tuition to in-state and out-of-state learners.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Alabama?
The length of an online program in Alabama depends on the type of degree. Students can earn associate degrees in two years, bachelor’s degrees in four years, and master’s degrees in two years or less.
What Is the Most Popular Degree in Alabama?
The science and engineering disciplines rank among the most popular college degrees in Alabama. Business is the second-most popular major in Alabama.
Melissa Sartore holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.
