Alabama students are already familiar with distance education; the state launched the Alabama ACCESS Distance Learning Initiative in 2004, providing the state's high school students with online enrollment options that encompassed virtually all coursework completed in physical classrooms across the state. Of course, the state's commitment to online education stretches beyond high school, as several of Alabama's largest public universities also offer a variety of distance programs.
Today, higher education in Alabama is experiencing an increase in both tuition cost and enrollment. The hike in tuition prices, which rose 18.8% between 2009 and 2012, can be partially attributed to general inflation, but a major culprit is the decrease in state spending on higher education. However, despite the increase in attendance price, Alabama's college enrollment rates continue to grow on par with the national average, surging 14.5% between 2005 and 2010.
Learn more about the top online colleges in Alabama, and explore your options further with our comprehensive database of all distance programs offered in the state. In addition, find some of Alabama's best scholarship opportunities to help drive down the cost of your education.
Featured Online Programs
61 Colleges in Alabama
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Alabama's CollegeCounts 529 Fund: This type of plan is a savings account with tax advantages, where collected funds can be used at eligible colleges and universities for tuition, books, supplies, and costs associated with enrollment. This acts as an investment program, and Alabama residents may be eligible to forgo the upfront commissions costs and fees.
- The Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA), beyond their mission to advance the opportunities of Alabama's fin aid professionals, is committed to keeping Alabama's students and parents informed of resources and options that will help them manage the cost of a college education. AASFAA also awards their own scholarships and holds annual conferences.
Education Nonprofits
- Alabama REACH: Run by the University of Alabama, REACH aims to help current and former foster youth, orphans, wards of the state, homeless, and emancipated minors enroll in and complete a college education. Candidates must apply to be part of the REACH program.
- Blueprints College Access Initiative: This program connects low-income high school students to mentors, who are often current college students themselves. These mentors guide the high schoolers through the college admissions process, and prepare them for college learning in general through workshops and campus visits.
Higher Education News
- AL.com: This major news source for Alabama regularly covers breaking news at major college campuses across the state.
- Education Week: This national publication gives users the option to focus on state-specific updates.