Some of the cheapest colleges in Alabama are, in fact, well-established higher education institutions that offer premier education for undergraduate and graduate students at affordable rates. Most of these low-tuition colleges are very highly ranked in the United States and are thus a safe choice to pursue your education. Student debt has become a major problem in the US and cheap universities that offer affordable tuition and excellent learning outcomes are a breath of fresh air.
However, simply compiling a list of the cheapest universities in Alabama isn’t enough. You also need to find out other details like the school’s accreditation, the programs it is known for, and whether or not it offers financial assistance. Our list also includes some of the cheapest online colleges in Alabama. To help you select the right institution among the most affordable colleges in Alabama, we have also listed prospective job options for graduates of these private and public colleges.
How Much Does College Cost in Alabama?
The cost of college in Alabama ranges from $5,775 to $11,826 in tuition per year for affordable universities. This does not include the cost of room and board, transportation, and other expenses that are traditionally attached to getting a degree. All in all, the average tuition you will pay depends on the specific school you attend, the degree of study, financial aid options, and whether or not you are a resident of Alabama.
Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach | $245/credit | $335-$435/credit |
| Alabama A&M University | Normal | $287/credit (in state); $574/credit (out of state) | $422/credit (in state); $840/credit (out of state) |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston | $325/credit | $429-$630/credit |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville | $333/credit (in state); $665/credit (out of state) | $410/credit (in state); $820/credit (out of state) |
| University of North Alabama | Florence | $340/credit (in state); $680/credit (out of state) | $370/credit (in state); $740/credit (out of state) |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery | $347/credit (in state); $694/credit (out of state) | $412/credit (in state); $824/credit (out of state) |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile | $359-$408/credit (in state); $718-$816/credit (out of state) | $468-$507/credit (in state); $936-$1,014/credit (out of state) |
| Amridge University | Montgomery | $375-$430/credit | $650-$750/credit |
| Auburn University | Auburn | $433/credit (in state); $1,299/credit (out of state) | $577/credit (in state); $1,731/credit (out of state) |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville | $530/credit (in state); $1,236/credit (out of state) | $789/credit (in state); $1,782/credit (out of state) |
Cheapest Universities in Alabama: A Closer Look
The list below contains more details about the cheapest universities in Alabama. It is based on the table above but designed to provide more information about each school. The facts were collected directly from the official website of each university and are subject to change at the discretion of the school.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Alabama
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University | $287-$574/credit (undergraduate); $422-$840/credit (graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
| University of North Alabama | $300/credit (undergraduate); $350/credit (graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
| University of West Alabama | $325/credit (undergraduate); $429-$630/credit (graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates |
| University of South Alabama | $328-$445/credit (undergraduate); $503-$594/credit (graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
| Jacksonville State University | $333/credit (undergraduate); $410/credit (graduate) | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
Cheapest Colleges in Alabama by In-State Tuition
- Columbia Southern University | $245/credit
- Alabama A&M University | $287/credit
- University of West Alabama| $325/credit
- Jacksonville State University | $333/credit
- University of North Alabama | $340/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Alabama by Out-of-State Tuition
- Columbia Southern University | $245/credit
- University of West Alabama| $325/credit
- Amridge University | $375/credit
- Alabama A&M University | $574/credit
- University of South Alabama | $718/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is expensive because of the tuition, books, learning supplies, accommodation, transportation, and other things that make up the cost of attendance. The following are some factors of expense that even the most affordable colleges in Alabama cannot avoid.
Tuition
In the United States, tuition makes for a bulk of the cost of attendance. The tuition itself is charged by the university and thus, can be changed at the discretion of the school. Typically, private schools and Ivy League colleges often charge significantly more than public and non-profit schools.
Books and Supplies
Most universities charge for all the books and miscellaneous supplies they provide to help students complete their programs. This cost is usually paid around the same time as the tuition and its amount varies with the university. Some schools also have the option of students bringing their own supplies. Here, students can save by renting textbooks and equipment instead of purchasing them.
Accommodation and Personal Expenses
If you are attending a university far from home, you are bound to get accommodations on campus or somewhere near the school. In either case, this setup costs money. Other necessary expenses like food and clothing also influence the cost of attendance. Moreover, your personal lifestyle can also impact how much you spend while attending college.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Apply for scholarships. One of the best ways to save money during a degree program is to apply for as many scholarships as possible. The number of scholarships you will be eligible for depends on the school you’re attending, your field of study, academic standing, economic circumstances, and your state of origin.
- Attend college from home. If you are attending a college in your community or state, you can save money by commuting from home instead of paying for separate accommodation. Alternatively, you could try distance education. Online students are able to graduate with degrees both faster and at a lesser expense than traditional students.
- Opt for on-campus accommodation. If attending college from home is not an option, consider getting on-campus accommodation. You will need to apply as early as possible since these accommodations fill up quickly. It is, however, far more affordable than off-campus housing options.
- Attend a low-tuition college. You can reduce the tuition cost by attending an affordable college, typically a non-profit or public institution. You do not need to go to an Ivy League university or a high-end private college to get a good education. Just make sure that the college you attend is accredited by the right regulatory bodies.
- Consider work-study options. One of the best ways to save money is to make money. Instead of waiting until you complete your college education before you get a job, you can start working while you study. However, it is very important you ensure that your grades and academic performance are not affected by this additional responsibility.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Alabama
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for financial aid. You can find the list of requirements on the official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. The most basic requirements are enrollment in an accredited institution in Alabama, either citizenship, immigrant status, or permanent residency in the United States, and good academic standing.
- Apply for federal student aid identification (FSA ID). This is a unique number that you can use to track your application process and access your FSA information throughout your time in college. If you are dependent on someone else, ask the person to input their information when you apply.
- Visit the official FAFSA website to fill out the application form. Make sure you fill out the form when the website is open and when your school is still accepting financial aid applications. Within the required details, you must fill in your name, social security number, tax identification number (if available), and other listed identification or academic information.
- Submit your Student Aid Report (SAR) to the school you wish to attend. This SAR contains details about your federal financial aid request. You will need to follow up with the financial aid office at your school to make sure everything is in order.
Scholarships for Students in Alabama
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGA Women’s Scholarship | Alabama Golf Association (AGA) | $2,500 per semester | Must be a woman and an Alabama resident pursuing an undergraduate degree in Alabama with a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale |
| Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) | Alabama Commission on Higher Education | $300-$5,000 per academic year | Must be an Alabama resident pursuing a degree at an accredited university in Alabama |
| Police Officer’s and Firefighter’s Survivors Educational Assistance Program (POFSEAP) | Alabama Commission on Higher Education | Covers tuition, fees, books and supplies | Must be the dependent of a police officer or firefighter and enrolled in a school in Alabama |
| Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors | Thurgood Marshall College Fund | $10,000 per academic year | Must be enrolled at an accredited higher institution of learning or a continuing education program for two to four years |
| CollegeCounts Scholarship Program | Alabama’s 529 Fund | One-time award of $2,000-$4,000 | Must be an Alabama resident pursuing a degree at an accredited institution in Alabama with a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale |
| EWl Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) | Executive Women Scholarship (EWI) | $2,000-$10,000 per academic year | Must be an adult student transitioning in the education sector or someone in need of retraining due to workplace challenges |
| NIADA Scholarships | National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) | Varies | Must be a high school senior who intends to pursue a career in the automotive industry |
| Southeast Desalting Association Scholarship | Southeast Desalting Association | $2,500 per academic year | Must be an undergraduate or graduate student with upper-level credit units (65 and above) and enrolled in a water-related program |
| Regions Riding Forward Scholarship | Regions Bank | $3,500-$5,000 per academic year | Must be a high school or a college student enrolled in an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale |
| Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship | Southeastern Theater Conference | $2,000 per academic year | Must be planning to attend an accredited college in Alabama or any other SETC region in the United States |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Alabama
When it comes to choosing a cheap college in Alabama, there are many factors you need to consider. Some of the factors include accreditation, financial aid availability, enrollment, and graduation statistics.
Accreditation
Think of accreditation as an official green light from a reliable education regulator that gives the school the power to award degrees. The two most popular types of accreditation in the United States are regional and national accreditation. When selecting a low-tuition college in Alabama, you should prioritize schools accredited by the major regulating bodies.
Financial Aid Availability
Even if you are attending one of the cheapest universities in Alabama, you should still consider the financial aid options available in your school. Getting financial aid like scholarships, loans, or grants will not only help to reduce the burden of cost but will also act as a marker of academic merit which can help set your resume apart from your competition when applying for jobs or higher education opportunities.
Enrollment and Graduation Statistics
How many students are enrolled in the school every academic year, and how many graduate successfully? What percentage of those admitted complete their program? How many are retained until graduation? These are crucial questions that you need to ask yourself as they concern variables that provide insight into a university’s quality of education.
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Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Alabama
| Job Title | Average Salary in Alabama | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Manager | $124,100 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Economist | $111,980 | Master’s Degree |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | $110,250 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Operations Research Analyst | $105,110 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,080 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Financial and Investment Analyst | $100,980 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Information Security Analyst | $96,520 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Financial Risk Specialist | $95,610 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Civil Engineer | $93,820 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Budget Analyst | $91,800 | Bachelor’s Degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Alabama: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Alabama Worth It?
Yes, cheap colleges in Alabama are worth it as long as they are accredited and offer high-quality education. It is important to note that most of the public colleges in Alabama are state-supported, so they get most of their funding from the state government. While this does not mean that their quality of education is low, it implies that these colleges are strongly impacted by changes in the state budget or legislature.
Cheapest Colleges in Alabama FAQ
No, there are no free colleges in Alabama at this time. However, veteran (GI) dependents are entitled to five years worth of scholarships at state-sponsored schools in Alabama. If you are not a GI dependent, there are several low-tuition colleges in Alabama where you can get a good education.
To qualify for in-state tuition rates in Alabama, you need to first be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Once you qualify for permanent residency, you can establish residency in Alabama and apply for admission as an Alabama resident. If you do not reside within the state of Alabama, you cannot use in-state tuition rates.
Alabama is not as expensive as most other parts of the United States. The cost of living is lower than the national average for all states. If you are set to move into the state of Alabama, the bulk of your earnings will go into housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and, if applicable, child care.
The Alabama Student Assistance Program grant ranges from $300 to $5,000, depending on several variables. Regardless of the prize amount, applicants must be Alabama residents who are fully enrolled in academic programs at accredited institutions in the state to even be considered for the grant.
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