Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Alabama (2025)

Alabama offers affordable education options, with several colleges providing low-cost degree programs. In 2024, these institutions cater to a diverse range of students, offering both on-campus and online learning opportunities.

This article highlights the cheapest colleges in Alabama, emphasizing their commitment to affordability without compromising on the quality of education.

Top Cheap Colleges in Alabama

This list showcases colleges in Alabama with affordable options, each offering unique opportunities for higher education.

1. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama stands out for its affordable degree programs, both online and on-campus.

Online undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences, and the Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, among others. Online courses cost $385 per credit hour for undergraduates and $440 for graduates.

On-campus, in-state undergraduates pay $11,100 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $32,400.

2. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Offering both on-campus and online courses, the University of Alabama at Birmingham provides affordable education. Online undergraduate programs are offered in areas like accounting and criminal justice. These cost $458 per credit hour for all online students.

On-campus rates are $368 for in-state and $911 for out-of-state students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The university also offers various financial aid, including scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship ($11,000 per year) and the Green & Gold Scholarship ($4,000 per year).

3. University of North Alabama

At the University of North Alabama, students have access to affordable degree programs on campus and online, including the online Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science.

In-state undergraduates pay $340 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $680. The university also offers the New Start Scholarship for new students, covering tuition for the first course when enrolled in two or more courses in their first semester.

Additional fees are not included in these rates.

4. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers over 70 online degree and certification programs, alongside on-campus options.

Some online undergraduate programs offered by the university include:

• Bachelor in Environment Sciences
• Bachelor in Psychology
• Bachelor in Sport Management

Online undergraduate programs are priced at $325 per credit. In-state on-campus undergraduate tuition is $9,100, while out-of-state students pay $18,200.

The university facilitates payment plans, allowing students to make smaller, more manageable payments over time.

5. The University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers a range of affordable degree programs, available both online and on-campus. Programs include the bachelor's in professional studies and various online master's degrees.

The university provides numerous financial assistance options, including scholarships for freshmen and transfer students. Over two-thirds of its students receive some form of financial aid.

Tuition for full-time in-state students is $10,120, compared to $23,702 for out-of-state students.

6. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama, known for its affordable education, offers degrees including the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.

Tuition for undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences is $374 per credit hour for in-state students and $748 for out-of-state students.

The university also provides access to grants, federal student loans, and other financial aid options to assist with college expenses.

7. Faulkner University

Faulkner University is known for its array of affordable degree programs, both online and on-campus. It encompasses six colleges, including the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education.

Online programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology and Human Resource Management are notable. Online students benefit from the same comprehensive coursework, experienced faculty, and campus resources as their on-campus counterparts.

The cost for online courses is set at $325 per semester hour, making higher education both accessible and affordable.

8. Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University offers a variety of affordable degree programs, available to students both online and on-campus. The university provides undergraduate and graduate degrees online, using an asynchronous delivery model.

Online programs cover diverse subjects, including management and computer science.

Financially, resident students enrolled in online undergraduate programs taking 12 to 18 credits pay $4670 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $8975, demonstrating the university's commitment to offering cost-effective education.

9. Alabama State University

Alabama State University presents a wide range of affordable degree programs for both online and on-campus students. Online offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Psychology, among others.

The university also provides various on-campus degrees in departments like business administration and social work.

Their Office of Financial Aid actively assists students in understanding and accessing different types of aid to make college more affordable. Tuition costs for full-time undergraduate in-state students are $11,068 per semester and $19,936 for out-of-state students.

10. Athens State University

Athens State University is recognized for its affordable degree programs, which are available online and on-campus. Notable online programs include the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and Accounting.

The university's adult degree programs allow students to convert career or prior experience into college credit. On-campus tuition rates are $251 per credit hour for in-state students and $502 for out-of-state students.

Online undergraduate programs maintain a consistent rate of $251 per credit hour, regardless of the student's residency.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The cost of a college degree varies widely, depending on the institution and program. In Alabama, tuition for in-state students ranges from $251 to $390 per credit, while out-of-state students can expect to pay between $502 and $748 per credit.

Additional fees and living expenses also contribute to the overall cost.

How To Make College Affordable

Explore strategies to reduce college costs, from financial planning to scholarship opportunities.

Financial Planning and Research

Effective financial planning and research are crucial for making college affordable.

Start by assessing personal finances, setting a realistic budget, and exploring various funding sources. Research each college's tuition, fees, and living expenses to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

Minimize College Costs

Minimizing college costs involves choosing affordable schools, considering community colleges for initial coursework, and taking advantage of in-state tuition rates.

Students can also save by renting textbooks, opting for less expensive housing options, and managing daily expenses carefully.

Seek Out and Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are essential tools for reducing college costs. They don't require repayment, making them ideal financial aid options.

Students should actively search for and apply for numerous scholarships and grants, including those offered by universities, private organizations, and government programs.

Do Cheap Colleges in Alabama Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes, affordable colleges in Alabama do offer high-quality education. Our rankings only include reputable institutions recognized for their academic excellence.

These schools provide diverse programs, experienced faculty, and robust resources, ensuring a valuable educational experience despite lower tuition rates.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In Alabama, in-state tuition rates are significantly lower than out-of-state rates, reflecting a common trend in U.S. higher education. For instance, in-state students may pay $251 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $502 for the same course.

This difference underscores the value of attending a college in one's home state.

Find an Affordable College in Alabama Today

Discover the cheapest colleges in Alabama.

There are also affordable online colleges around the U.S.

With options ranging from comprehensive universities to specialized colleges, there's a fit for every academic aspiration and budget.