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Online colleges in Alabama range from the large University of Alabama system campuses to private Christian colleges. 

Among them, you're sure to find the bachelor's or master's program for your academic and career goals. Many of the programs listed here are designed for working adults and prepare graduates for employment or career advancement in Alabama's top industries.

Alabama's big business sectors include agricultural products and food production, bioscience, chemicals, and forestry products. Industries including corporate operations, cybersecurity, distribution and logistics, and technology support those sectors.

Read on to discover the best online colleges in Alabama and explore your options. 

Top 5 online schools in Alabama: Quick facts

College	School stats
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL	Acceptance rate:81% Graduation rate:56% Test-optional admission available In-state tuition for100% online courses
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL	Acceptance rate:80% Graduation rate:68% First online class free of charge Same distance learning tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL	Acceptance rate:77% Graduation rate:54% Undergraduates pay in-state tuition for100% online courses Graduate students pay distance learning rate for100% online courses
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL	Acceptance rate:64% Graduation rate:47% Online guide for distance learners  Free fall online course
Troy University Troy, AL	Acceptance rate:92% Graduation rate:37% Nine-week classes Test-optional admission with 3.0 GPA

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The 10 best online colleges in Alabama

ZDNet's ranking methodology includes research into schools' reputations, academic quality, affordability, and number of available online bachelor's and master's degree programs. Schools cannot pay their way onto our lists, so you can trust our information's accuracy and objectivity. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama

About the school:University of Alabama at Birmingham's extensive online learning options include 100% online and blended degrees. Notable programs combine a master's in public health with other degrees like law and physician assistant. 

• Acceptance rate: 81%
• Graduation rate: 56% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$179-$1,045 per semester hour
• Price for graduate degree:$450-$1,418 per semester hour
• Student body population:22,289
• Student-to-teacher ratio:19:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:11
• Number of online master's degree programs:43
• Avg.SATrange for admitted students:Critical reading 560-668; math 530-660 
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, adult learner 2.75; transfer, 2.0; graduate, program-specific

Course delivery method:Asynchronous, synchronous, blended, self-paced, and accelerated formats available

Accreditation:University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

2. University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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About the school:University of Alabama offers tuition grants that cover the cost of the first online class. After that, distance learners pay the same rate regardless of residency for its more than 80 online and hybrid degree programs. 

• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Graduation rate: 68% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$385 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$440 per credit
• Student body population:38,316
• Student-to-teacher ratio:19:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:19
• Number of online master's degree programs: 37
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 540-660; math 530-670 
• Minimum GPA:Program-specific
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous and blended/hybrid

Accreditation:University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

3. University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama

About the school:Online bachelor's degrees at University of Alabama in Huntsville focus on nursing and professional studies. Master's degrees span business, education, engineering, nursing administration and education, and technology.

• Acceptance rate: 77%
• Graduation rate: 54% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$530-$1,236 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$421-$1,782 per credit
• Student body population:9,636
• Student-to-teacher ratio:19:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Four
• Number of online master's degree programs:18
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 590-700; math580-730
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.9, transfer, 2.0; graduate, 3.0 (program requirements may be higher)
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid

Accreditation:University of Alabama in Huntsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

4. Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama

About the school:Jacksonville State University offers a free fall course, "Making Sense of a Complex World," for those interested in exploring JSU's online and self-paced learning. The college was founded as Jacksonville State Normal School in1883.

• Acceptance rate: 64%
• Graduation rate: 47% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$333-$665 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$410 per credit
• Student body population:9,540
• Student-to-teacher ratio:19:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:17
• Number of online master's degree programs:32
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 420-530; math 420-540 
• Minimum GPA:Program-specific
• Course delivery method:Primarily asynchronous

Accreditation:Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Troy University
Troy, Alabama

About the school:Troy University's nearly 90 online bachelor's and master's degrees offer something for everyone, from career-focused business, education, and healthcare options to humanities and social sciences.

• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Graduation rate:37% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$388 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$475 per credit
• Student body population:14,901
• Student-to-teacher ratio:16:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:34
• Number of online master's degree programs:55
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 475-565; math 460-540 
• Minimum GPA:Unconditional admission, undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 2.5
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

6. University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama

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About the school:University of North Alabama's online students automatically qualify for UNA's New Start Scholarship program, which includes a free first class when taking two or more courses and no application fee. 

• Acceptance rate:83%
• Graduation rate:49% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$320 per credit (1-11 credits);$4,800 flat rate (12-18 credits)
• Price for graduate degree:$350-$525 per credit
• Student body population:8,526
• Student-to-teacher ratio:17:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs: 10
• Number of online master's degree programs: 18
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Not publicly available 
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate unconditional admission: 2.5; otherwise program-specific

Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

7. University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama

About the school:University of West Alabama's online degree programs emphasize education and also include business, counseling and psychology, and technology. UWA offers scholarship opportunities and a generous credit-transfer policy.

• Acceptance rate:93%
• Graduation rate:35% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$325 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$429 per credit
• Student body population:5,594
• Student-to-teacher ratio:14:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:15
• Number of online master's degree programs:25
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Not publicly available 
• Minimum GPA:Program-specific
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

8. Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama

About the school:Incoming online first-year students at Auburn University at Montgomery receive a free laptop and can study medical laboratory science or nursing. Master's degree programs include an MBA, master of science in nursing, and master's in education. 

• Acceptance rate:96%
• Graduation rate:36% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$333-$353 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$421-$463 per credit
• Student body population:5,068
• Student-to-teacher ratio:15:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Two
• Number of online master's degree programs:Nine
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 480-575; math 430-515 
• Minimum GPA:First-year, 2.5; transfer, 2.0; graduate, program-specific
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous and hybrid

Accreditation:Auburn University at Montgomery is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

9. Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama

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About the school:Faulkner University offers degree programs in biblical studies, criminal justice and justice administration, family life ministry, psychology, and more. Faulkner is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. 

• Acceptance rate:76%
• Graduation rate:42% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$320-$430 per semester hour
• Price for graduate degree:$545-$945 per semester hour
• Student body population:2,874
• Student-to-teacher ratio:13:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs: 10
• Number of online master's degree programs:12
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Critical reading 515-590; math 505-585 
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate unconditional, 2.75; graduate, program-specific
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous with some synchronous components

Accreditation:Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

10. Amridge University
Montgomery, Alabama

About the school:Churches of Christ-affiliated Amridge University offers distance education only across its schools and colleges: Business and leadership, education and human services, general studies, and theology.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Graduation rate:32% 
• Price for undergraduate degree:$250-$430
• Price for graduate degree:$480-$750
• Student body population:723
• Student-to-teacher ratio:13:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Eight
• Number of online master's degree programs:14
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Not publicly available 
• Minimum GPA:Program-specific 
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

In conclusion

You've read through our overview of online colleges in Alabama and learned about the extensive programs available to distance learners. Now you can use this page - along with our other online college guides - to research the programs that interest you and find your path. 

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