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Best Online Colleges in Alabama

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 The University of Alabama
location Tuscaloosa, AL
tuition $12,084
acceptance_rate 20%
As the state's flagship university, the University of Alabama educates more than 38,000 students each year through an array of on-campus and online programs. Through "Bama by Distance," students can pursue fully online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like criminal justice, library and information studies, public health, and social work. Many online classes at UA are available asynchronously, though some require live participation in discussions and group projects. Students may also choose to enroll in a blended program, combining the flexibility of distance education with the structure and support of a traditional classroom experience. Students can also elect to take their exams online or at one of the university's partner testing centers. Online applicants who graduated from high school within the last four years must have a GPA of at least 3.0, while those who graduated more than four years prior to applying must have a GPA of at least 2.5. Prospective students with a GED certificate must have scored at least 510 on that exam.
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#2 University of North Alabama
location Florence, AL
tuition $14932
acceptance_rate 57%
The University of North Alabama participates in Quality Matters -- a voluntary program that helps to ensure online programs meet stringent academic requirements. In addition, all online courses at UNA are led by the same faculty who teach on campus. Online undergraduate learners can choose from majors like applied health science, criminal justice, and political science. They may also elect to customize their learning through an interdisciplinary studies major, drawing on business, humanities, and technology coursework. Online graduate programs give students the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in accounting, education, geographic information science, or writing. Undergraduate applicants typically need a minimum high school GPA of 2.25, along with an ACT score of at least 18 or an SAT score of at least 960. All prospective graduate students must have a bachelor's degree and take the GRE or GMAT, though some individual programs may also require a professional resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
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#3 Troy University
location Troy, AL
tuition $23627
acceptance_rate 59%
Originally founded in 1887 as a teachers college, Troy University now hosts undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like anthropology, exercise science, marine biology, and rehabilitation and disabilities studies. Through Troy Online, students can also seek degrees in applied computer science, hospitality management, and social work. All online courses run for nine weeks, giving students the opportunity to focus on one subject at a time while quickly progressing through their program's graduation requirements. While learners can complete their coursework at any time of the day, they must regularly interact with their instructors and classmates through forums, virtual conferences, chat, and email. Troy also partners with NetTutor to provide supplemental instruction in most subjects. Unconditional admission into a bachelor's program requires a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, as well as an ACT score of at least 20 or an SAT score of at least 1030. Transfer applicants must have previously earned at least 24 credits from a regionally accredited college or university.
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#4 Amridge University
location Montgomery, AL
tuition $12404
acceptance_rate 48%
Since launching its first distance learning program in 1993, Amridge University has steadily transitioned into a fully online university. At this Christian institution, students can pursue online degrees in more than 40 fields of study, including human resource leadership, marriage and family therapy, criminal justice, and information systems management. Over 90% of students at the university receive some form of financial aid, including a variety of institutional scholarships. First-time undergraduates pay discounted tuition as long as they maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in their college-level coursework, as do law enforcement and emergency services personnel. Amridge also awards scholarships to homeschooled students, transfer applicants, and learners who elect to pursue their degree on an accelerated basis. To apply to the university as an undergraduate, you must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. First-year applicants must also submit ACT or SAT scores. Master's applicants must have a bachelor's degree, and prospective doctoral students must share an academic writing sample.
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#5 Talladega College
location Talladega, AL
tuition $18143
acceptance_rate 41%
Although the majority of the college's offerings are only available on campus, Talladega College does host an online master's program in computer information systems and an online bachelor's degree completion program in organizational management. Some of the classes in these online programs feature synchronous instruction, meaning students must log in at set times each week to participate in discussions and activities. The FASTtrack program in organizational management serves adults ages 23 and older who have previously earned at least 45 college-level credits from another regionally accredited institution. Applicants must also hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 in their prior college coursework. Once enrolled, students can advance through coursework at their own pace, potentially earning their degree in as few as two years. Admission into the college's online graduate program requires a bachelor's degree. While all incoming undergraduate students receive automatic consideration for several academic scholarships, Talladega does not offer institutional awards to master's students.
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#6 Judson College
location Marion, AL
tuition $23526
acceptance_rate 54%
Judson College -- a Christian college located in Marion -- boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 9-to-1, helping all learners receive direct access to highly trained and expert instructors. This commitment to developing supportive learning environments has led to 96% of Judson alumni finding work or entering a graduate program within one year of earning their degree. While only female students can enroll in Judson's on-campus programs, the college's online offerings are open to both men and women. Distance education students can pursue bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, elementary education, psychology, and religious studies. Online learners work at their own pace and have 2-4 months to complete each of their classes. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Prospective students who hold an associate degree may transfer up to 64 credits towards a bachelor's. While Judson does not limit the number of credits that can be transferred from another four-year institution, students must complete at least 32 credits at the college to earn an undergraduate degree.
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#7 Auburn University
location Auburn, AL
tuition $15,649
acceptance_rate 86%
Auburn University was founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College. Since then, it has grown to serve more than 30,000 men and women annually through more than 150 undergraduate majors and a host of graduate-level offerings. In addition to pursuing online bachelor's degrees in business, computer science, and nursing, distance learners at Auburn can earn their master's in fields like environmental science, real estate development, and clinical rehabilitation counseling. All Auburn students can access a wealth of support services. Academic coaches help online and on-campus students develop skills related to academic workload management, note taking, and test preparation. The university's Study Smart program also matches learners with peer and staff tutors. Although Auburn does not set minimum academic requirements for admission, all undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. Graduate requirements vary by program, but most require a bachelor's degree and scores from the GRE or GMAT.
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#8 Athens State University
location Athens, AL
tuition $17,042
acceptance_rate 30%
Athens State University endeavors to provide affordable and convenient education options. Students begin by choosing one of the university's more than 50 programs of study, then decide whether to seek their degree through day or evening classes, via weekend sessions exclusively, or through fully online and asynchronous courses. In addition, all online students enrolled in a degree program are eligible for the same financial aid programs as learners studying on campus. The university offers roughly 20 online bachelor's and master's degrees, covering subjects like religious studies, instructional design, global logistics and supply chain management, and information assurance. To better serve learners who want to enter a new field quickly or take on additional professional responsibilities, Athens State also provides online access to certificate tracks in aviation management and project management. As an upper-division institution, Athens State exclusively enrolls students who have already completed at least 36 credits of college-level coursework at another regionally accredited college or university. Prospective students must hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 in these courses to qualify for admission.
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#9 University of South Alabama
location Mobile, AL
tuition $29466
acceptance_rate 63%
While many of this institution's 14,000 students study at its 1,200-acre campus in Mobile, the University of South Alabama also offers 15 fully online degrees. Bachelor's completion programs cater to students who have already earned an associate degree. Online master's and doctoral programs provide advanced training in early childhood education, instructional design, sport management, and nursing. All online classes at USA are delivered asynchronously, meaning students enjoy 24/7 access to lecture recordings, readings, and discussion boards. Online learners also benefit from web-based technical support, remote academic and transfer advising, and personalized feedback on essays and research papers from the university's online writing center. To enter a bachelor's program at USA, you must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. While the university does not set strict academic requirements, it generally prefers to admit candidates with a high school GPA of at least 2.5 and an ACT score of at least 19.
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#10 University of Mobile
location Mobile, AL
tuition $18450
acceptance_rate 74%
As a Christ-centered institution, the University of Mobile aims to support the intellectual and spiritual development of its students. Along with distance education programs in theological studies and Christian leadership, the university caters to working professionals and adult learners through online offerings in organizational leadership, higher education administration and policy, and psychology. Other degrees, such as a doctor of nursing practice, can be completed through hybrid study. Through its Freshman Academy, UMobile allows high school students to take an introductory-level college course completely free of charge. Additional courses in English, history, and math are also available at a substantially discounted tuition rate. To qualify for the program, students must be currently enrolled in high school and hold a GPA of 2.75 or above. Regular undergraduate admission requires high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Applicants must receive a composite ACT score of at least 21 to enroll in a bachelor's program. Graduate applicants can typically waive entrance exam requirements if they have a college GPA of 2.5 or above.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best online colleges in Alabama?

Some of the best online colleges in Alabama include the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University, and the University of South Alabama. These institutions offer a wide range of online programs and have a strong reputation for academic excellence.

2. How do I choose the right online college in Alabama?

When choosing an online college in Alabama, consider factors such as accreditation, program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, and tuition costs. It's important to research and compare multiple institutions to find the one that best fits your educational goals and needs.

3. Are online degrees from Alabama colleges respected by employers?

Yes, online degrees from reputable Alabama colleges are generally respected by employers. It's important to choose an accredited institution and ensure that the online program you pursue aligns with your career goals. Employers value the skills and knowledge gained through online education, as long as the degree is from a recognized and accredited institution.

4. Can I transfer credits earned from an online college in Alabama to another institution?

Transfer credit policies vary among institutions, but many online colleges in Alabama have agreements with other colleges and universities to facilitate credit transfers. It's important to check with the specific institution you plan to transfer to and ensure that your online college credits will be accepted.

5. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Alabama?

The duration of an online degree program in Alabama depends on various factors, including the level of the degree (associate, bachelor's, master's, etc.) and the program's structure. On average, a bachelor's degree can take around four years to complete, while a master's degree may take one to two years. However, some online programs offer accelerated options that allow students to graduate sooner.

6. What financial aid options are available for online college students in Alabama?

Online college students in Alabama have access to various financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. It's recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.

7. Can I receive personalized support as an online student in Alabama?

Yes, most online colleges in Alabama provide personalized support services for their online students. These services may include academic advising, career counseling, online tutoring, library resources, and technical support. Online students can typically access these services remotely to ensure a smooth learning experience.

8. Are online classes in Alabama self-paced?

Online classes in Alabama can vary in structure. Some programs offer self-paced courses, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace within certain deadlines. Other programs may follow a more structured schedule with specific assignment due dates and live online lectures or discussions.

9. Can I participate in extracurricular activities as an online student in Alabama?

Many online colleges in Alabama offer opportunities for online students to participate in virtual extracurricular activities. These may include online clubs, discussion forums, virtual events, and networking opportunities. Some institutions also provide access to online libraries, research resources, and career development services.

10. How do I apply to an online college in Alabama?

To apply to an online college in Alabama, you typically need to complete an online application form and submit required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Each institution may have specific admission requirements, so it's important to review the application guidelines provided by the college or university you are interested in.