Alabama was initially admitted to the Union in 1819, seceded and joined the Confederate States of America in 1861, and was readmitted in 1868. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) has the state listed as having 44 institutions of higher learning (as of the last reporting date) that offer bachelor’s degrees. (This includes multiple campuses of the same institution.) According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 6.8% of the state’s population aged 18-24 had a bachelor’s degree or higher (as of the 2014 American Community Survey, aka ACS). For residents 25+, 14.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The estimated total population as of 2014 was 4.849M (4,849,377).
- Nicknames: Heart of Dixie
- State website: http://alabama.gov/
- State capital: Montgomery
NOTES:
- Please check an institution’s accreditation before applying.
- Net price is based on an institution’s average cost to all students for the last reporting year (to NCES.ed.gov), factoring in tuition, fees, cost of living, financial aid, etc. Depending on the location and school, there can be a significant difference between tuition cost and net price.
- NCES data is subject to change after every academic year and other institutions in the state may at some point be “more affordable” (by net price) than those listed here.
- We did not filter out private for-profit institutions. However, some of them listed in this series of most-affordable-colleges-by-state articles may be under federal scrutiny. We urge you to be aware of any such goings-on or accreditation issues of any school before you apply. When in doubt, check with the schools in question, then research their accrediting agency.
Abbreviations
- BA = Bachelor of Arts
- BAAS = Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
- BAS = Bachelor of Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Applied Science
- BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
- BEM = Bachelor of Emergency Management
- BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BGS = Bachelor of General Studies
- BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- BM = Bachelor of Music
- BME = Bachelor of Music Education
- BS = Bachelor of Science
- BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
- BT = Bachelor of Technology
- HBCU: Historically Black College or University
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10: University of West Alabama
University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university established in 1835 and located in Livingston, Alabama, about 114 miles roughly southeast of Birmingham, AL. It was originally founded as the Livingston Female Academy and took its current name in 1995.
UWA offers postgraduate certificates and associate’s through master’s level degrees across seven colleges, schools and divisions. Over 40 bachelor’s degree programs are available, as well as 30+ minors and several select professional certification prep programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Finance, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Six bachelor’s degrees are available online: Bachelor of Business Administration (general), BBA Accounting, BBA Management, BBA Marketing, BS Technology, BS Early Childhood Development: Non Certification.
- Graduation rate: 33%.
- Transfer-out rate: 25%.
- In-state tuition: $8,018.
- Out-of-state tuition: $14,886.
- Yearly average net price: $12,350.
- Student population: 3989.
- # undergraduates: 1922.
- Campus setting: Rural: Remote.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
9: Huntsville Bible College
Huntsville Bible College (HBC) is a private non-denominational seminary established in 1986 and located in Huntsville, Alabama, about 102 miles roughly north and east of Birmingham, AL, and also roughly south of Nashville, TN.
HBC offers undergrad certificates and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. They have two bachelor’s degrees programs in total, each requiring 127 credits hours minimum: BA Christian Ministry and BA Social Work (started Fall 2015). Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest bachelor’s program is Theology/Theological Studies, which is part of the program category Theology and Religious Vocations. Bachelor’s programs require 127 semester hour credits for completion. Currently, no bachelor’s programs are available online, although there are online courses (and an online Master’s program will be available in 2016).
- Graduation rate: n/a.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $3,720.
- Out-of-state tuition: $3,720.
- Yearly average net price: $12,305.
- Student population: 138.
- # undergraduates: 118.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.
8: University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama (USA) is a public university established in 1963 and located in Mobile, Alabama, about 59 miles roughly northwest of Pensacola, FL.
USA offers undergrad and postgraduate certificates, as well as bachelor’s through doctoral level degrees. There are 10 schools and colleges in total, collectively offering 60 bachelor’s programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. Three bachelor’s degrees are available online: BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, RN to BSN track in BSN Nursing Program.
- Graduation rate: 38%.
- Transfer-out rate: 32%.
- In-state tuition: $7,188.
- Out-of-state tuition: $14,076.
- Yearly average net price: $12,066.
- Student population: 15805.
- # undergraduates: 11479.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
7: Alabama State University
Alabama State University (ASU) is a public HBCU established in 1867 and located in Montgomery, Alabama, about 93 miles roughly south and east of Birmingham, AL. It was originally founded in Marion, AL, as Lincoln Normal School and is currently affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
ASU offers postgraduate certificates and bachelor’s through doctoral level degrees. There are nine academic units (colleges, departments, etc.) — College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Business Administration, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, Science, Mathematics & Technology, College of Visual & Performing Arts, University College, and Air Force ROTC — which collectively offer 35 bachelor’s programs. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, while the largest program category is Education. One bachelor’s degree program is available online: Psychology (accelerated).
- Graduation rate: 26%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $8,720.
- Out-of-state tuition: $15,656.
- Yearly average net price: $10,905.
- Student population: 5519.
- # undergraduates: 4812.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
6: University of North Alabama
University of North Alabama (UNA) is public university established in 1830 and located in Florence, Alabama, about 73 miles roughly west of Hunstville. It is the oldest four-year public university in Alabama — founded as LaGrange College – and took its current name in 1975.
UNA offers postgraduate certificates and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. There are four colleges – Arts & Sciences, Business, Education & Human Sciences, Nursing – offering over 140 majors and concentrations. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, while the largest program category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Four bachelor’s degrees are available online: (1) Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science; (2) Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies; (3) Nursing RN to BSN; (4) Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology. UNA bachelor’s programs require 128 semester hour credits. In the unusual distinctions category, UNA has two live African lion mascots on campus.
- Graduation rate: 39%.
- Transfer-out rate: 35%.
- In-state tuition: $7,412.
- Out-of-state tuition: $13,268.
- Yearly average net price: $10,118.
- Student population: 6841.
- # undergraduates: 5885.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
5: Troy University
Troy University is a public university established in 1887 and located in Troy, Alabama, about 51 miles roughly south and east of Montgomery. It was founded as Troy Normal School and went through other name changes before settling on the current name in 2005. Troy has four campuses in total — all in Alabama and all of which used to be independently accredited before Aug 2005, after which they changed from multiple Troy State University institutions to the singular Troy University with multiple campuses. Troy also has a Global Campus and eTROY.
Troy offers postgraduate certificates as well as degree programs from associate’s through doctoral (professional) levels. Bachelor’s programs (too many to list them all here) are available through five colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communication and Fine Arts, College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, and The Sorrell College of Business. (Each of these colleges also has grad programs, in addition to the Graduate School.) The largest category for bachelor’s degrees (in terms of the number of students awarded in the most recently reported academic year) is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. The largest bachelor’s degree program under the same criteria is the Bachelor’s in Psychology, General. A close second is the Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. Students can study at one of 25 learning centers outside Alabama (and internationally) through their Global Campus, or study online through eTROY.
- Graduation rate: 35%.
- Transfer-out rate: 34%.
- In-state tuition: $7,564.
- Out-of-state tuition: $14,092.
- Yearly average net price: $10,112.
- Student population: 19041.
- # undergraduates: 15114.
- Campus setting: Rural: Fringe.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
4: Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private university established in 1993 and located in Orange Beach, Alabama, about 54 miles east and south of Mobile, AL, and about 27 miles roughly southwest of Pensacola, FL. It has affiliated colleges in Iowa and Vietnam.
CSU offers a range of academic programs, including both undergrad and postgraduate certificates, as well as degrees from the associate’s to doctoral levels. The largest bachelor’s degrees category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, with the most graduates in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration and Management, General, program. The second-largest category in terms of number of bachelor’s degrees awarded (most recently reported academic year) is Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services. However, the bachelor’s degree with the second highest number of graduates is the Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician. CSU also offers 13 BS-level programs, with some (such as for Business Administration) available with multiple concentration options.
- Graduation rate: 52%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $5,135.
- Out-of-state tuition: $5,135.
- Yearly average net price: $10,054.
- Student population: 21359.
- # undergraduates: 15482.
- Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
3: Heritage Christian University
Heritage Christian University (HCU) is a private bible college established in 1971 and located in Florence, Alabama, about 48 miles roughly north and west of Decatur, AL. It was founded as International Bible College and is affiliated with the Church of Christ.
HCU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level degree programs. There is one Bachelor of Arts program, requiring 128 semester hour credits of study and available in four “divisions of study”: (1) Biblical and Theological Studies; (2) General Education; (3) Professional Studies; and (4) Minor and Electives. Biblical studies are present in all four divisions and all are meant to prepare students for ministry. All undergraduate programs are available online as well as on-campus. Successful completion of these programs lead to either a BA in Biblical Studies or BA in Divinity/ Ministry.
- Graduation rate: 50%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $9,792.
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,792.
- Yearly average net price: $9,929.
- Student population: 93.
- # undergraduates: 62.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
2: Selma University
Selma University is a private HBCU established in 1878 and located in historic Selma, Alabama, about 50 miles roughly west of Montgomery. It was originally founded as Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School.
Selma offers degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels. Bachelor’s programs are offered in five areas: (1) General Studies; (2) Business Administration; (3) Physical Education; (4) Biology; and (5) Bible, Theology and Christian Education. According to NCES data for the most recently reported academic year, the largest bachelor’s program in terms of students awarded degrees is the Bachelor of Business Administration and Management, General, though the Bachelor’s in Religion/Religious Studies is a close second.
- Graduation rate: 21%.
- Transfer-out rate: 4%.
- In-state tuition: $6,680.
- Out-of-state tuition: $6,680.
- Yearly average net price: $9,472.
- Student population: 558.
- # undergraduates: 539.
- Campus setting: Town: Distant.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
1: Talladega College
Talladega College is a private HBCU established in 1867 and located in Talladega, Alabama, about 42 miles east and 11 miles south of Birmingham. It is the oldest HBCU in the state of Alabama.
Talladega offers bachelor’s degrees exclusively, all of which are Bachelor of Arts degrees (too many to list all here). These are offered via four divisions: (1) Business and Administration; (2) Humanities and Fine Arts; (3) Natural Sciences and Mathematics; (4) Social Sciences and Education. Each division offers between three and six BA programs. According to NCES data for the most recently reported academic year, the largest program in terms of number of students awarded degrees for the reported year is the Bachelor of Business Administration and Management, General.
- Graduation rate: 44%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $12,509.
- Out-of-state tuition: $12,509.
- Yearly average net price: $9,332.
- Student population: 879.
- # undergraduates: 879.
- Campus setting: Town: Distant.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
