Finding an online college in-state is an excellent choice for students who are pursuing higher education, especially with affordability in mind. Let us present several reasons why you should consider some of the best online colleges in Alabama: First of all, students can save thousands on in-state tuition. Secondly, the flexibility of online learning allows students to work at their own pace, and studying in-state gives students the ability to visit the campus whenever they want. Thirdly, future employers know and trust in-state universities, making it more likely that a student will get a job after receiving their degree. Lastly, students can become part of a school community that they know and love.
Online colleges in Alabama are easy to find because ten of the best universities in Alabama offer online degrees. Traditionally, Alabama has offered degrees and programs that focus on agriculture and bible studies. Some of the best online colleges in Alabama still concentrate on these topics. However, there is a great variety of other degrees and programs students can enjoy in this great state.
It isn’t breaking news that Alabama colleges and universities make a concerted effort to accommodate distance learners within the state (as well as nationwide). Alabama public school students have the opportunity to take classes online, thanks to the Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide program (ACCESS). ACCESS has developed a culture of online learning in Alabama. The courses offered in this program are unavailable to many other students throughout the country. This affinity for online learning continues to the university level as well.
Here are the top 29 online colleges in Alabama:
1) Columbia Southern University
- In-State Tuition: $5,040
- Accreditation: The Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
This online university is based in Orange Beach, Alabama and offers degrees in occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, healthcare administration, and many other areas. Students have resources at CSU that are meant to help them achieve their goals in higher education. The faculty cares about establishing an excellent learning environment for distance learners.
2) Amridge University
- In-State Tuition: $6,000
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 71.4%
Amridge University is a private, non-profit, Christian institution. It is affordable and offers 32-degree programs. Students enrolled at Amridge are dedicated to society, church and family. Students can access their courses through the MyAmridge online portal. Coursework is manageable for any sort of schedule. Recently, the university has made a Doctorate of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies available to students.
3) The University of North Alabama
- In-State Tuition: $6,336
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
The University of North Alabama was founded in 1830, making it the longest standing four-year public university. The school has come a long way since its establishment. Students have access to top-notch technology, labs, and facilities. There is a diverse community in North Alabama with under 8,000 students from over 37 countries. UNA sets itself apart as one of the best online colleges in Alabama with challenging coursework, intuitive tools, and top support. Graduates from this online college go on to become leaders in many different fields.
4) Alabama State University
- In-State Tuition: $6,936
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
Founded in 1887 by nine freed slaves, Alabama State University has 50 undergraduate, graduate, and other continuing education programs. The school has cultivated a tradition of academic achievement due in part to its excellent online programs. This online college uses the PeopleSoft self-service system, which allows students, faculty, and alumni to access a variety of resources. This system uses the newest technology and makes life a lot easier for distance learners.
5) Jacksonville State University
- In-State Tuition: $7,200
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
Jacksonville State University is the 41st best public school in the south and offers 45 degrees which include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and advanced certificates. Students use Online@JSU to complete coursework, which gives them access to excellent resources and support. JSU has the 33rd best online graduate criminal justice program in the USA. Besides, that JSU offers bachelor’s degrees in emergency management, family and consumer sciences, and integrated studies. The school also offers master’s degrees in applied engineering, business, computer science, emergency management, kinesiology, nursing, and public administration. Lastly, the university offers a Ph.D. in science emergency management.
6) Troy University
- In-State Tuition: $7,224
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
Even though there are around 20,000 students at Troy University, students have the opportunity to receive one-on-one time with professors. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate online programs. The school even has its own virtual student union, Trojan Café, which serves students across 13 different time zones. Students have access to resources and guidance that is published by a student success team.
7) The University of South Alabama
- In-State Tuition: $7,248
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
Students of different backgrounds and majors can choose from 100 different programs. They study arts, engineering, computer science, health, and much more at the University of South Alabama. The University of South Alabama uses USAonline to connect with their classmates, making distance learning a lot easier. This service is available to students any time of day. There are more than 450 courses and complete graduate degrees.
8) The University of West Alabama
- In-State Tuition: $7,286
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
This public university located in Livingston, Alabama was founded in 1835. Now, there are over 2,000 students on the 514-acre campus. Why wait until college to start taking classes at the University of West Alabama? There is a dual enrollment option that allows students to earn college credit online while they are still in high school. UWA has impacted the nation throughout history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The university still affects the country with its excellent students.
9) The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- In-State Tuition: $8,040
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
One of the distinguishing amenities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham that makes it a great online college in Alabama is its academic medical center. The school is recognized throughout the world for its research in that center. It also has 10 graduate programs that rank in the top 25 in the USA. The most notable online graduate programs are the nursing, computer information technology, and business programs. Because of these excellent programs, the University of Alabama Birmingham also ranks number 10 amongst graduate colleges in the USA.
10) Alabama A&M University
- In-State Tuition: $8,130
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
Alabama A&M University’s online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus and fits students’ schedules whether they are returning student, adult students, or first-time students. There is a diverse community of students online working toward a degree at Alabama A&M. Although the faculty has many different students to teach, they are dedicated to personally helping any student who needs it.
11) Auburn University at Montgomery
- In-State Tuition: $8,880
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
Established in 1967 because of an act of the Alabama Legislature, AUM is one of the South’s top universities. Students can choose from 90 different fields of study. The school has unique programs such as geographic information systems, homeland security, and cyber systems and information security. Students who are working adults and first-time students participate in the best interactive online courses.
12) Heritage Christian University
- In-State Tuition: $8,952
- Accreditation: The Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
Most courses at Heritage Christian University are digitally recorded. Distance learners can earn the same degrees that are offered on-campus. These degrees include an associate of arts in biblical studies, a bachelor of arts in biblical studies, a master of arts, a master of ministry, and a master of divinity.
13) The University of Alabama at Huntsville
- In-State Tuition: $8,996
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
Students can choose from 21 online programs at UAH and can access their courses through Canvas, Panopto, Blackboard Collaborate/Wimba/Adobe Connect, and Videoconferencing. Students can take courses entirely online or through a hybrid program (taking some classes online and others on-campus).
14) Auburn University
- In-State Tuition: $9,072
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
Established in 1856, Auburn University is now home to 28,000 student and has awarded over 300,000 degrees. There are 140 majors and 300 student organizations that students can choose from. Auburn University is one of the best accredited online degree options. It has the best graduate business online program and MBA program of 2017. On top of that, Auburn has ranked in the top 50 public universities for 24 consecutive years. There is an incredible alumni community of over 45,000 graduates that current students can turn to for assistance.
15) Stillman College
- In-State Tuition: $9,548
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
Taking courses online at Stillman College is a flexible, affordable options for students in any phase of life. Students can take courses at their own pace for $155 per credit hour. Stillman does everything to create an ideal liberal arts environment for its distance learners. The college has the latest technology that makes taking classes online a lot easier and more connected.
16) Concordia College Selma
- In-State Tuition: $9,920
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 53.3%
Concordia College Selma is part of a group of Lutheran schools called the Concordia University System. There are plenty of bachelor’s degrees and student organizations students can take part in. Concordia College is a Christ-centered school that offers faith-based courses that are dedicated to academic excellence.
17) Concordia College Alabama
- In-State Tuition: $10,320
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
Concordia College Alabama is another school within the Concordia University System. The school offers an associate of arts in general studies and other programs in business & CIS, teacher education, social and behavioral sciences, and health sciences. These programs make this college one of the best online colleges in Alabama.
18) The University of Alabama
- In-State Tuition: $10,470
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
Alabama University is the oldest public university in the state. The school’s 87 percent first-year retention rate sets it apart as the best university in Alabama and one of the 50 best public universities in the nation. It is also one of the best online colleges in Alabama thanks in part to its esteemed Manderson Online Business Master’s program, which ranks 14th in the nation. The students at Alabama are amongst the best in the nation. 40 percent of the fall 2016 freshman class had a GPA of 4.0 or above and scored 30 or higher on the ACT.
19) Miles College
- In-State Tuition: $10,632
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
Established in 1898, Miles College is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics college. It has designation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a United Negro College Fund. Students can enroll in programs such as accounting, biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, computer and information sciences, history, language arts, criminal justice, early childhood/elementary education, English, mathematics, political science, and social work.
20) Talladega College
- In-State Tuition: $11,192
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
Talladega College provides online courses and degrees for students who are busy with other priorities or older students who work full-time. Of the 879 students at Talladega College, about 60 participate in some sort of online learning, so there is plenty of room for other students who are interested.
21) The University of Montevallo
- In-State Tuition: $11,370
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
As a participant in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus, the University of Montevallo is known as an electronic marketplace of online courses and programs from colleges and universities throughout the South. The courses and programs exceed the SREB’s Principles of Good Practice.
22) Herzing University-Birmingham
- In-State Tuition: $12,560
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
Students can earn a degree online in nursing, business, healthcare, technology, legal studies, and public safety. They have a great community of supportive faculty, staff, and peers. Herzing University-Birmingham was founded in 1965 and has ranked as one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs for five years.
23) Oakwood University
- In-State Tuition: $15,744
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
Established in 1896, Oakwood University is another Christian university dedicated to God and humanity. It started out as an institution for liberated slaves. Now the courses and programs are available online for everyone who wants to participate.
24) Judson College
- In-State Tuition: $16,248
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
Judson College uses a faith-based approach in its courses, which are workable with any schedule. There is a minimum of 128 credit hours, and students can choose from 20 majors, 22 minors, 10 pre-professional degree programs, and an Associate’s in Nursing. The programs are some of the best in the nation, as 96 percent of graduates find employment or move onto graduate school after obtaining their degree.
25) The University of Mobile
- In-State Tuition: $17,748
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
The University of Mobile is the third best choice for students who have recently finished military service. The school is affordable, accessible, and devoted to improving each student academically and spiritually. It is eight amongst regional colleges in the south in 2017. More distance learners can take part in the university’s online programs than ever before. There are 1,442 students and a 13 to 1 student to teacher ratio, giving students a close relationship with their professors.
26) Faulkner University
- In-State Tuition: $18,320
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
Another Christian school on this list, Faulkner University has over 70 programs and a 15 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Online, there are more than 23 programs students around the world can choose from. Students with busy schedules due to work or other circumstances don’t have to worry about their school schedule because it is flexible. Students can also choose an accelerated schedule online in order to graduate more quickly.
27) Huntingdon College
- In-State Tuition: $24,400
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
Another Christian college on this list, Huntingdon College is associated with the Methodist Church. For 160 years, Huntingdon has been focused on tradition, which includes outstanding liberal arts education and faith-based courses. Students who enroll in online courses at this college live by the motto “Enter to grow in wisdom, go forth to apply wisdom in service.”
28) Samford University
- In-State Tuition: $28,552
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
Many view Samford University as Alabama’s top private university. The school has a 12-1 student to teacher ratio and community-based coursework. About 98 percent of graduates find a job or go onto a graduate program after they graduate from Samford. The degrees and programs offered are some of the best in the USA. These degrees include bachelor’s in criminal justice, liberal studies, and organizational leadership. There are also graduate programs in nursing and education as well as an online MBA.
29) Spring Hill College
- In-State Tuition: $33,634
- Accreditation: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the southeastern United States. Graduates from this university dedicate themselves to faith, justice, and service to others. Spring Hill has taken enormous steps in improving online options for full-time or part-time students. Students can use the BadgerWeb platform in the fall, spring, and summer to access their courses. The student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1, which creates a personal learning experience. 90 percent of SHC graduates are accepted into health-related graduate programs. 100 percent of those studying education receive their teacher certification and job placement.
How we ranked the schools:
In-state tuition cost was the primary factor considered when making this list. The acceptance rate was also taken into account when ranking these colleges. If you or anyone you know is affiliated with one of these schools, and you would like to update the information for your school, please contact us. If your school didn’t make this list, and you would like us to add you to a future list, please contact us with your request.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.
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