Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Alabama

There are four potential free colleges in Alabama and each one is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The four free colleges include:

• Columbia Southern University
• Troy University
• University of Alabama
• University of South Alabama

Paying tuition is usually a top concern for many people interested in pursuing a college degree, but there are several ways to significantly reduce the cost of tuition or earn your degree for free.

Learn about online colleges and universities in Alabama below.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Find a list of free online colleges and universities below.

1. Columbia Southern University

There are over 20 scholarships featured on the Columbia Southern University website that gives you a chance to lower the cost of your tuition or possibly earn your online degree for free.

There are multiple scholarships such as the criminal justice and safety and emergency service scholarships that award amounts that cover up to 60 credit hours toward an online program for free.

Students are also encouraged to submit a Free Application for Financial Aid for other financial aid opportunities.

2. Troy University

Troy University offers scholarships for online degrees that reduce or cover the cost of tuition.

The tuition assistance program awards full or partial tuition to full-time regular employees of Troy University or their dependents.

The military and family scholarship reduces tuition to $250 per credit hour and awards amounts that may cover the number of credit hours required for an initial degree program.

Troy University's United Educators provides free training courses such as driver safety training and teaching science safety.

3. University of Alabama, Birmingham

The University of Alabama provides many financial assistance options to lower the cost of your tuition. There are in-state, out-of-state, transfer, international, and federal financial aid opportunities.

For example, if you graduated from a Birmingham City School, you may be eligible for the UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship.

The UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship awards amounts to cover the remaining required tuition and fees up to 15 credit hours per semester from UAB merit scholarships and federal grants.

4. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama provides several financial aid options for students to earn a degree for free or at a reduced cost.

The following financial aid options are provided:

• grants
• federal student loans
• federal direct PLUS loans
• federal work-study
• TEACH grant
• private student loans

You may also be eligible for a tuition reimbursement program from your employer. The financial aid programs at the University of South Alabama also provide free tutoring services.

How To Make College Free

There are many ways you can make college free. The first step is to choose a program from an accredited college that provides financial aid assistance options and low tuition costs.

There are several financial assistance options available through most accredited institutions.

Financial aid options may include:

• grants
• scholarships
• tuition reimbursement programs
• tuition and fee waivers

Find a brief overview of financial aid options below.

Apply for Grants

The second step to making college free is to apply for grants. Grant opportunities can be found on the Federal Student Aid website and the website of your accredited institution.

Many colleges require you to fill out a Free Application for Financial Aid to qualify for federal grants and other opportunities that reduce the cost of tuition.

You may be able to combine grants with scholarships and other financial aid awards.

Apply for Scholarships

Apply for scholarships and possibly combine them with grants to earn your online college degree for free. Scholarship opportunities may award amounts up to full or partial tuition.

There are different types of scholarships such as state scholarships, in-state scholarships, and out-of-state scholarships. Most accredited college provides scholarship opportunities to help students save money.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

Tuition reimbursement programs from your employer may be available to help you earn your degree and advance your career. Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement program options.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Some accredited colleges offer scholarship programs that waive your tuition and fees for an online degree.

For example, the tuition assistance policy program at Troy University waives up to the established, in-class, in-state tuition rate to its employees or their employees' dependents.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Alabama Today

Finding a free college in Alabama is not impossible. There are many financial aid assistance options available to help reduce the cost of your online tuition or make your degree free.