Affordable Degree Guide

Affordable Online Degree Programs in Alabama

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Alabama is one of the most affordable states for earning an online degree, thanks to its low in-state tuition, strong community college system, and clear transfer pathways.

With major universities like the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University, Athens State University, and the University of South Alabama offering online options, students can complete certificates and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs without leaving home.

In this guide

Tuition and Fee Overview in Alabama

Students who transfer into an online bachelor’s program at a public university can often finish in the $30,000 to $60,000 range depending on how many credits transfer. Beginning at community college and then transferring remains the most affordable route.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Alabama

Tuition for 20 reviewed online bachelor’s programs varies significantly across the state. Auburn University sits at the top end with an estimated total cost of $144,120, while Athens State University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s options at $32,612. The statewide average for online bachelor’s programs is $53,105, giving students multiple price points depending on institution and program.

  1. Athens State University

    Athens, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $263
    Total tuition: $32,612
    Credits: 124
    Number of degree programs: 29
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Columbia Southern University

    Orange Beach, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $278
    Total tuition: $33,360
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Stillman College

    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $292
    Total tuition: $35,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  4. University of West Alabama

    Livingston, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $325
    Total tuition: $39,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 20
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Amridge University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $335
    Total tuition: $40,200
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Faulkner University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $335
    Total tuition: $40,200
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Jacksonville State University

    Jacksonville, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $353
    Total tuition: $42,360
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of South Alabama

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $374
    Total tuition: $44,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Samford University

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $382
    Total tuition: $45,840
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Alabama State University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $392
    Total tuition: $47,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  11. University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $399
    Total tuition: $47,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Auburn University-Montgomery

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $382 in-state | $405 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $48,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Troy University

    Troy, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $424
    Total tuition: $50,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 44
    Learn more: Program details

  14. University of Mobile

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $439
    Total tuition: $52,680
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  15. The University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Huntsville, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445
    Total tuition: $53,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  16. Spring Hill College

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $460
    Total tuition: $55,200
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  17. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $486
    Total tuition: $58,320
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  18. Alabama A&M University

    Normal, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $287 in-state | $574 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $68,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  19. University of North Alabama

    Florence, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $340 in-state | $680 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $81,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  20. Auburn University

    Auburn, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445 in-state | $1,201 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $144,120
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

A review of 20 online master’s programs shows tuition starting at $11,400 at Athens State University (the lowest) and reaching up to $56,700 at Auburn University (the highest). The average cost for an online master’s degree in Alabama is $18,897, which is competitive for working professionals seeking graduate-level credentials without relocating.

Master’s degree programs in Alabama

  1. Athens State University

    Athens, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
    Total tuition per credit: $11,400
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Jacksonville State University

    Jacksonville, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $410
    Total tuition per credit: $12,300
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 37
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of West Alabama

    Livingston, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $429
    Total tuition per credit: $12,870
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 27
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Columbia Southern University

    Orange Beach, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $359
    Total tuition per credit: $12,924
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Spring Hill College

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $440
    Total tuition per credit: $13,200
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  6. The University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Huntsville, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445
    Total tuition per credit: $13,350
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Troy University

    Troy, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $475
    Total tuition per credit: $14,250
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 93
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Alabama State University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $477
    Total tuition per credit: $14,310
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 11
    Learn more: Program details

  9. University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480
    Total tuition per credit: $14,400
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 45
    Learn more: Program details

  10. University of South Alabama

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480
    Total tuition per credit: $14,400
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Faulkner University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $485
    Total tuition per credit: $14,550
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  12. University of Mobile

    Mobile, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $485
    Total tuition per credit: $14,550
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  13. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $486
    Total tuition per credit: $14,580
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 52
    Learn more: Program details

  14. University of North Alabama

    Florence, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $495
    Total tuition per credit: $14,850
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 37
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Auburn University at Montgomery

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $483 in-state | $531 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $15,930
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  16. Amridge University

    Montgomery, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $650
    Total tuition per credit: $19,500
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Samford University

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $700
    Total tuition per credit: $25,200
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  18. University of Montevallo

    Montevallo, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $453 in-state | $1,084 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $32,520
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  19. Alabama A&M University

    Normal, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $787 in-state | $1,205 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $36,150
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  20. Auburn University

    Auburn, Alabama
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $630 in-state | $1,890 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $56,700
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 59
    Learn more: Program details

Notable Statewide Initiatives in Alabama

While Alabama doesn’t have as many high-visibility “free tuition” initiatives, it does have very strong transfer and affordability infrastructure that keeps overall costs down — especially for students who start at community college.

  • STARS (Statewide Transfer & Articulation System) – Alabama’s STARS/AGSC system gives students at Alabama’s public two-year colleges a written transfer guide guaranteeing that specific courses will transfer to Alabama’s public four-year universities in specific majors. This is one of the most important affordability tools in the state because it helps students avoid paying for excess credits and makes “2+2” pathways very predictable.
  • Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Workforce & Scholarship Opportunities – Many individual community colleges offer workforce scholarships, dual-enrollment support for high school students, and short-term certificates that can stack into associate degrees. These reduce overall time-to-degree and cost.
  • Institutional Scholarships & Adult Learner Discounts – Several Alabama universities offer online-student scholarships, military/veteran tuition discounts, or tuition bands for students taking multiple online courses. Because the state’s base tuition is already relatively low, these institutional discounts can make Alabama online programs highly competitive nationally.

Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition

One of the biggest advantages of choosing an online program in Alabama is that the state’s overall cost of living is lower than the national average. Still, students should plan for expenses beyond tuition:

  • Room & Board: Students studying online from within Alabama can avoid campus housing and meal plan charges, which can add several thousand dollars per year. Housing costs in rural and small-city Alabama are generally modest compared to coastal states.
  • Books & Supplies: Depending on the program, students should plan for $600–$1,200 per year. Many Alabama colleges now use inclusive-access or OER options for certain courses, which can lower this cost.
  • Transportation: Online learners save on commuting, parking, and long drives to campus—a real benefit in a state with spread-out population centers. Students should still budget for occasional campus visits, proctored exams, or internships.
  • Pell Grant Eligibility: Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduates who file the FAFSA, regardless of whether they study online or on campus. Because tuition in Alabama is comparatively low, Pell Grants can cover a substantial portion of costs for many students—especially at community colleges.

State-Funded Grants & Scholarships

  • Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP): Need-based aid for Alabama residents attending eligible colleges in the state.
  • Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP): A non-need-based grant for residents attending participating private/independent Alabama colleges.
  • Alabama GI Dependents’ Scholarship: Educational benefits for eligible dependents of veterans, potentially covering tuition and related fees at public institutions.
  • Institutional scholarships & tuition discounts: Offered by many Alabama public universities for transfer, adult, military, and online learners.
  • Federal support via FAFSA (Pell, SEOG, Work-Study): Still the cornerstone for low-income Alabama students and should be filed early each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online degree programs in Alabama affordable?

Yes. Many online associate degrees cost about $10,000–$12,000, and transfer-friendly bachelor’s options can stay in the $30,000–$60,000 range, making Alabama one of the more affordable states for online study.

What’s the cheapest path to an online bachelor’s degree in Alabama?

Start at an Alabama community college, follow a STARS transfer guide, then finish online at a public university like Athens State or Troy. This “2+2” route avoids extra credits and lowers total tuition.

Which Alabama colleges have low online tuition?

Coastal Alabama Community College is among the lowest at about $7,740 for associate study, while Athens State University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s options at around $32,612.

Do online students in Alabama get financial aid?

Yes. Online learners can file the FAFSA and may qualify for Pell Grants, which can cover a big portion of tuition at Alabama community colleges and public universities.

How does Alabama’s STARS transfer system save money?

STARS guarantees that approved community college courses transfer to Alabama public universities, so students don’t pay for classes that won’t count toward the degree.

How much do online master’s programs cost in Alabama?

Most online master’s programs range from about $11,400 to $56,700, with a statewide average near $18,897—competitive for working adults.

Are there scholarships or discounts for online students?

Many Alabama colleges offer online-student, transfer, military/veteran, or adult-learner discounts, helping keep total costs below national averages.

What extra costs should online students expect?

Plan for books, tech fees, and occasional campus visits, but studying online in Alabama usually means lower living costs than in many other states.