Alabama is home to many schools that rank among the best online colleges in the country. These days, you don’t have to take the traditional on-campus approach to complete a degree and land your dream career. You can now attend one of the top accredited online colleges in Alabama for your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level education.
To help you select the right school, we’ve assembled a list of the best online schools in Alabama. In this article, we also give an overview of the online courses and programs you’ll find when you attend virtual schools in Alabama. Plus, we discuss some factors to consider when choosing your online school. Let’s get started!
Types of Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama
Colleges need accreditation as proof that they only offer the best quality of education. There are two types of accredited institutions: regionally and nationally accredited online colleges. In this section, we’ll have a closer look at what these accreditations mean.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
For online colleges to be regionally accredited, they must be state-owned or non-profit. There are six regional bodies that can accredit private and public four-year institutions within certain geographical areas. Here’s a list of these regional accrediting agencies in the United States.
- Higher Learning Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Nationally accredited online colleges are usually for-profit vocational, career-based, or technical schools. They receive accreditation from national accrediting agencies that aren’t limited to specific regions. Agencies can differ in focus since some provide institutional accreditation while others offer accreditation to programs and institutions.
Choosing Between Virtual Schools in Alabama: 3 Factors to Consider
When choosing a virtual school in Alabama for your online education, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. For this section, we picked three factors that we think you’ll need to check first. We discuss each of them in detail below.
Accreditation
Accredited online schools are known to pursue academic excellence. This is because a regulatory agency audits them to verify high-quality coursework. These schools passed strict quality standards, which assure that you get a premium level of education.
Employment
As you pick courses and online schools in Alabama, think of how your decision can help you land your dream job. You can check out the in-demand jobs in different industries and see where your career interests will fit in. You can then assess which online program and school in Alabama best match the job and industry you want to enter.
Financial Aid
For you to get financial aid for your online classes, you’ll need to attend regionally or nationally accredited institutions. These are only the ones that offer federal aid to help students pay for their college education. Schools without accreditation might seem to have lower tuition rates, but students actually end up paying more out of pocket.
Best Online Colleges in Alabama: Overview
| School | City | Standard Online Tuition (Per Credit) | Top Online Programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens State University | Athens | In-state: $225 Out-of-state: $225 |
Education, Arts and Sciences, Business |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| Auburn University | Auburn | In-state: $383 Out-of-state: $403 |
Liberal Arts, Education, Nursing |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville | In-state: $324 Out-of-state: $377 |
Applied Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| Samford University | Homewood | In-state: $252 Out-of-state: $252 |
Business Administration, Law, Education |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| Troy University | Troy | I-state:$338 Out-of-state:$338 |
Criminal Justice, Human Services, Occupational Education |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee | In-state: $689 Out-of-state: $689 |
Environmental Science, Environmental Management |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa | In-state: $385 Out-of-state: $385 |
Early Childhood Education, Commerce and Business Administration, Criminal Justice |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| University of Mobile | Prichard | In-state: $495 Out-of-state: $495 |
Biblical and Religious Studies, Athletic Training, Higher Education Leadership |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | In-state: $320 Out-of-state: $640 |
Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences, Education |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston | In-state: $325 Out-of-state: $325 |
Psychology and Counseling, Business, Education |
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) |
Top Online Schools in Alabama: Deep Dive
There are many online colleges of excellent academic quality in Alabama. Look no further if you’re looking for an institution to complete your college credits and earn a degree. We’ll cover the best private and public schools offering online studies for remote students below.
Athens State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Athens State University is an excellent school for adult learners and first-time students seeking a virtual alternative to on-campus education. It offers flexible affordable learning opportunities with affordable tuition. The online platform prepares school students for the job market by offering various graduate and undergraduate programs.
Each class has around 18 students to ensure faculty members are available for your needs. Most of the Athens State alumni find employment in as little as a year after graduation. This just shows that Athens State University offers students the preparation they need for the work environment.
Auburn University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Another excellent option for prospective graduate students is Auburn University with its online learning management system. It was established in 1856, but is among the best public online institutions in the country. With Auburn University’s numerous online college courses, you’ll be able to find something that suits you.
Some of the Auburn University online offerings include undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of fields, including business, science, humanities, mathematics, and agriculture. You could also study for your online graduate degree in real estate, business, or agriculture.
Jacksonville State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jacksonville State University is among the best public universities and community colleges in the south. It offers numerous academic options for remote and on-campus students. Applicants can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
This institution also has a virtual platform where students from anywhere can interact, share resources, and support one another. Some of the online programs you can pursue at this school include bachelor’s degree in different fields of study like integrated studies and family and consumer sciences. Distance students can also enroll in online master’s or doctoral programs.
Samford University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Samford University is among the top regional universities in the south. This school offers online programs to prospective students and transfer applicants. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to one, ensuring that online students have continuous guidance for outstanding academic achievement.
This private university offers Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies, and Organizational Leadership. Graduate degrees in education and nursing are also among the academic programs you can enroll for at this accredited institution. The application requirements for online programs are pretty standard and the school has a steady graduation rate of 78 percent.
Troy University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Troy University is the best online institution for veterans. It offers some of the most affordable learning opportunities through the TROY Online platform, thanks to its partner programs. As a result, students from various backgrounds can pay for their tuition cost with less struggles.
Troy University was established in 1887 and offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs for on-campus and remote students. You can pursue an online Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Computer Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, or Criminal Justice.
Tuskegee University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This accredited university is also among the best in South Alabama with an online option. It’s a premier institution that provides various undergraduate and advanced degrees. It offers programs in fields like human environmental sciences, professional studies, and additional courses.
The school uses the Tuskegee University elearning platform to provide resource guides and online coursework. If you’re pursuing your undergraduate studies, you’ll have access to courses and other resources at your convenience. Plus, there are small class sizes where online learners can access professors without hassle.
The University of Alabama | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This public university is the oldest in Alabama and a renowned public research institution. This school has numerous online graduate programs for those seeking the best virtual schools in Alabama. The institution has a 17 to one student to faculty ratio, ensuring core classes are as beneficial as possible.
As one of the best public universities in the US, the University of Alabama offers options like Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Art degrees. Its online program includes a wide range of fields like nursing, engineering, business administration, and environmental sciences. Students can also get advanced online degrees, such as a Doctoral Degree in Nursing Practice.
The University of Mobile | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you’d prefer a Christian university, the University of Mobile could be what you’re looking for. It’s a private university specializing in liberal arts and other professional programs. This institution is committed not only to the academic life of on-campus and distance learners but also to their spiritual well-being.
It’s a great place for students returning from military service since it’s affordable and accessible. You could get an Associate Degree in General Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or a Master’s Degree in Education Administration.
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The University of North Alabama | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of North Alabama is another excellent institution for students looking for online degree programs. This accredited school is a four-year public university that ranks among the top in the US. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs for both part-time and full-time students.
You could pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Sociology, History, or Interdisciplinary Studies. There are also some master’s options in criminal justice, business administration, education, and history. Nursing students can pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at this school as well.
The University of West Alabama | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This is another great option among the best public institutions offering online education in Alabama. It’s located in Livingston but caters to the learning needs of students from all over the country and the world. Its academic offerings include bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degrees.
The academic center hosts more than 2,000 students and offers quality education for those looking for career options in leadership and technology. It provides some of the best accredited programs in Alabama for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
Should I Consider Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama?
Yes, you should! These online colleges are among the best in the country and will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Alabama’s online colleges are perfect, especially if you’re working and have little time to attend a physical or in-person college. The best part is these accredited online colleges give you high-quality education.
Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama FAQ
Most online colleges in Alabama offer courses for around $300 to $400 per college credit.
Yes, it does! It offers 21 online and hybrid programs for remote learners.
The schools with the most affordable online graduate degree programs include Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama.
The best courses to study for include public administration, leadership strategies, hospitality management, human resource management, educational leadership, real estate development, emergency management, and child development.
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