How many HBCUs are in Alabama?

HBCU First counts 14 historically Black colleges and universities in Alabama: Alabama A&M, Alabama State University, Bishop State Community College, Gadsden State Community College, J.F. Drake State Technical College, Lawson Community College, Miles College, Oakwood University, Selma University, Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, Talladega College, Trenholm State Community College, and Tuskegee University.

What is the cheapest college in Alabama?

Selma University ranked as the least expensive degree-granting institution in Alabama in the 2024-25 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. First-time, first-year students faced annual tuition fees of just $4,800. Tuition fees at Selma University have not increased since at least the 2021-22 school year.

When is Alabama Free College Application Week?

Alabama usually runs its Free App Week event annually in early October. During this period, you can apply to participating Alabama higher education institutions at no cost to you. For a complete list of participating schools, consult this Butler County School District resource.

How do I establish residency in Alabama for college?

In the University of Alabama system, you must maintain your primary residence in Alabama for at least 12 months prior to your first day of classes to be considered an in-state resident. You can also qualify for in-state status if you hold permanent full-time employment in Alabama, or if you are a U.S. Armed Forces servicemember or veteran.

Can college students get food stamps in Alabama?

Yes, you can receive support from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as an Alabama student if you meet certain conditions. You must maintain at least half-time enrollment, qualify for an exemption, and meet all other SNAP requirements. To check your eligibility, use this Alabama College SNAP Project tool.

Discover The Best Online Colleges In Alabama

Alabama has made significant investments in making a college education more attainable. According to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), the number of postsecondary certificates and degrees awarded by Alabama public institutions increased by 44% from 2014-2022.

Online colleges in Alabama provide students with accessible, flexible, and affordable learning opportunities. Explore online higher education and career potential in Alabama in this guide.

Alabama at a Glance

There are 37 nonprofit four-year institutions in Alabama.
Nearly 30% of adults in the state hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
In fall 2023, 57.9% of students at Alabama institutions were enrolled in online courses.
In fall 2023, there were over 90,000 students aged 25 and over enrolled at Alabama colleges.

5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Alabama

Who Accredits Online Schools in Alabama?

Institutional accreditation certifies the quality of a college or university. Attending an accredited college makes it easier to transfer credits to other institutions, pursue graduate studies, and receive federal financial aid. Additionally, employers look for accreditation to confirm the validity of your degree.

The leading accreditor for Alabama colleges is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, although Alabama colleges can receive accreditation from other recognized accreditors.

How Much Does College Cost in Alabama?

Alabama's colleges and universities offer affordable options for students. While public undergraduate tuition is slightly above the national average, graduate and private school learners can find significant savings opportunities.

Despite its affordability, many Alabama students need assistance to cover their educational costs. The state government operates several programs that can help, including:

The Alabama Student Assistance Program, a need-based grant program offering up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding
The non-need-based Alabama Student Grant Program, which provides annual funding of up to $3,000
The (Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program for students returning to higher education

You can learn more about these and other state-based student aid programs through ACHE's Student Financial Assistance portal.

Career Opportunities in Alabama

$43,830
Median annual wage in AL (May 2024)

+6.2%
Projected job growth in AL (2022-2032)

2.9%
Unemployment rate in AL (August 2025)

Source: BLS OEWS, Projections Central, BLS LAUS

The 2025 Business Facilities State, Metro, and Global Rankings assigned top-10 scores to Alabama in several key industries and workforce development categories, including:

Customized workforce training (3rd)
Nuclear power generation (5th)
Automotive (6th)
Competitiveness of foreign direct investment (6th)
Manufacturing jobs (7th)

Alabama also has a healthy job growth forecast. Popular bachelor's degree career paths that have very high growth projections in the state include information security analysts, medical and health services managers, software developers, and software quality assurance analysts/testers.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

Birmingham

The Birmingham metro area had a very low July 2025 unemployment rate of just 2.7%
Top employment sectors include trades and utilities, government, education and health services, professional and financial services, and manufacturing
Median household income increased by 43.8% from 2013-2023

Huntsville

Huntsville has the highest percentage of college graduates of any city in northern Alabama
East Huntsville has a 2025 median family income of more than $103,000 per year
Professional and business services, government, trade and utilities, manufacturing, and education and health services are leading employment sectors

Montgomery

Median household income in Montgomery spiked by 21% from 2020-2023
More than one-third (34.3%) of Montgomery's population has at least a bachelor's degree
Major local employers include Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base, the Alabama state government, the Montgomery public school system, and the Baptist Health network