Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama 2025

Students can earn degrees in business administration, computer science, or several other fields entirely online at one of many schools in Alabama.

While dozens of schools offer affordable bachelor's degrees online, those with the cheapest tuition rates are ranked below. Continue reading to find out which schools in Alabama offer the cheapest online bachelor's degree.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Alabama?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree program in Alabama varies based on several factors. Firstly, whether a school is a private or public university can determine how expensive or low-cost the tuition rate is. Different programs can also have differing tuition rates, although some schools have one standard tuition rate across programs.

The main costs come from the fees and tuition associated with a program or school � the length of a program makes a difference as well. A four-year program will ultimately cost more than a program completed in two years at most schools. Prior learning at higher education schools can also decrease the cost of a program.

While the total cost of a degree varies, you can get a general idea of the cost by reviewing the tuition rate of a program/school. If you have a diploma (or GED) and are new to undergrad coursework, a bachelor's degree typically requires 120 credits. If your tuition rate is $250 per credit, your total cost for tuition across the program would be $30,000 (before any scholarships or awards were applied).

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Alabama

With various colleges in Alabama offering affordable online bachelor's degree programs, it can be time-consuming to find out which ones are the most affordable, flexible, or offer the specific program you're interested in. Our team has reviewed every Alabama school and ranked the cheapest online bachelor's degrees available. Whether students have a high school diploma, associate degree, or GED, there are plenty of affordable options for pursuing an online bachelor's in Alabama.

1. Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville Bible College offers the cheapest online bachelor's degree program in Alabama, with a tuition rate of only $185 per credit hour. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in one of four fields:

• pastoral ministry
• Christian education
• social work
• mission & evangelism

The school prioritizes the balance between family, responsibilities, and faith. It allows students to earn transfer credits for qualifying life/work experiences.

Average in-state tuition: $185 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $185 per credit hour

Financial aid: The school offers in-house scholarships to qualifying students who maintain a 2.5 GPA (or better).

Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE Commission on Accreditation), Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

2. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) has offered flexible online programs for more than 20 years and currently has several dozen online bachelor's programs to choose from. Students can pursue an undergraduate degree in fields such as information technology, nursing, criminal justice, business, and health. CSU's programs integrate important knowledge and skills with current issues and advancements related to a field of study.

Average in-state tuition: $270 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $270 per credit hour

Financial aid: CSU offers several in-house scholarships as well as veteran/military and partner discounts on tuition.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Stillman College

Stillman College offers flexible and affordable online bachelor's programs that allow students to complete coursework through eight-week or 16-week course terms. Online students can earn a degree in psychology or criminal justice, as well as a degree in business administration with a student-selected focus area (such as cyber security or accounting).

Average in-state tuition: $278 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $278 per credit hour

Financial aid: Stillman has multiple in-house scholarships available to students based on merit, field of study, and other award-specific criteria.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University, or JSU, gives students a variety of affordable online bachelor's programs to choose from, including:

• business (focusing on finance, marketing or management)
• applied engineering
• emergency management
• sociology
• criminal justice
• family and consumer sciences (human sciences or child development)
• integrated studies
• respiratory therapy
• nursing (RN to BSN program)

With over 140 years of experience in training tomorrow's leaders, JSU continues to prioritize student success through affordable, quality programs.

Average in-state tuition: $353 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $706 per credit hour

Financial aid: JSU offers various scholarships to students, including competitive scholarships, merit-based awards, and other types of aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Auburn University of Montgomery

Auburn University of Montgomery (or AUM) currently offers six online bachelor's programs, all of which have a tuition rate of $382 per credit hour. Online students can choose programs in nursing, psychology, medical laboratory technology, and business, as well as a more customized program in interdisciplinary studies.

Average in-state tuition: $382 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $405 per credit hour

Financial aid: AUM awards more than $35 million in in-house financial aid awards to students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Alabama State University

Alabama State University opened in the late 1800s and has continued to be at the forefront of social change, community, and high-quality education. Students can pursue three online bachelor's degree programs at ASU:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice
• BS in psychology

Average in-state tuition: $392 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $392 per credit hour

Financial aid: The financial aid office works with students to identify and apply for various award types.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, or UA, offers several different affordable online bachelor's programs, including (but not limited to) those in:

• criminal justice
• public relations
• food and nutrition
• business administration
• management
• child development
• nursing
• mechanical engineering
• social work

Tuition is $399 for all online undergraduate students, regardless of their state of residence.

Average in-state tuition: $399 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $399 per credit hour

Financial aid: In addition to other aid, UA offers awards that can cover the entire cost of the first class in a program.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Heritage Christian University

Heritage Christian University (HCU) offers an online BA in biblical studies, that includes coursework in composition, history, literature, theology and more. The school prioritizes aiding students in finding enough financial aid to cover all expenses for their program through both external and in-house awards.

Average in-state tuition: $423 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423 per credit hour

Financial aid: SACSCOC

Accreditation: ABHE Commission on Accreditation

9. Troy University

Troy University offers dozens of online undergraduate programs, all of which have the same affordable tuition rate of $424 per credit hour. Students can complete an online bachelor's degree in numerous fields, including:

• education
• anthropology
• economics
• journalism
• computer science
• business
• history
• cybersecurity

Full-time students can complete their programs in less time because of the nine-week course format and they can transfer in qualifying credits for prior coursework.

Average in-state tuition: $424 per credit hour ($250 for military/veterans)

Average out-of-state tuition: $424 per credit hour ($250 for military/veterans)

Financial aid: Students may be eligible for various types of aid upon completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including one of Troy's in-house awards.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Miles College

As one of the oldest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Miles College continues to offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality programs for all students and seeks to propel them forward. Online students can complete a bachelor's degree with no on-campus requirements in three fields: psychology, criminal justice, and business administration.

Average in-state tuition: $470 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $470 per credit hour

Financial aid: Miles College offers a few in-house awards and assists students in applying for external financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

When compiling a list of the most affordable online bachelor's programs in Alabama, we review several elements to ensure that each school is accessible and high-quality. Students who are specifically looking for an online education that moves them closer to their career goals are best served if our team carefully reviews schools to be certain that none have been overlooked. Undergrad programs are offered across the state, but our team specifically looked for those that meet the following criteria.

• Accreditation: Schools in the list have all been verified to have institutional accreditation, which means that an accreditation board has verified a school meets various quality standards.
• Affordability: After reviewing every school, these online bachelor's programs offer the lowest tuition rate of schools across Alabama.
• Program reputation and quality: Each school featured here prioritizes high-quality education and supports student success and career goals.
• Online format: Each of these schools offer completely online education options, with flexible enrollment options off part-time or full-time. Most of them also have asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete coursework at the time of day most convenient for them without in-person class meetings.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama

When choosing an online bachelor's degree program in Alabama, there are some key considerations that you should have in mind as you review program and school offerings. What you can expect regarding cost and difficulty within the distance learning process for an undergrad degree is discussed in the following FAQs.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Alabama?

The cost of your online bachelor's program will depend on several factors, including tuition, fees, and the required amount of coursework. A traditional 120-credit program would cost between $22,000 and $56,000 in tuition, based on the rates from the schools in this list. You should review the tuition for your school choices, as well as all applicable fees which could add up to thousands.

These estimates are based on tuition alone and do not reflect the application of any potential financial aid or transfer credits. If there is a remaining balance after aid and credits are applied, students would need to pay the school directly. There are many online colleges with monthly payment plans that allow students to break up the costs instead of paying them in one larger amount.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Several things can decrease the overall cost of an online bachelor's degree, including financial aid and transfer credits. After completing the FAFSA, you can apply for various forms of aid, including scholarships and grants. There are many cheap online colleges that accept financial aid, as well as countless scholarships offered through private organizations.

Scholarships may be based on a variety of criteria, from merit to specific programs. Fields such as business administration, healthcare and computer science tend to have more subject-specific private scholarships. While there is no singular place to explore scholarships, the Career OneStop's scholarship finder can be a great tool.

Transfer credits are another key avenue for decreasing the cost of your program, and most institutions accept them. You can finish a 120-credit degree quicker if you have transfer credits; an associate degree typically cuts the required coursework in half. Explore some of the best online colleges that accept transfer credits if you want to maximize the transferred coursework.

Can I Get a Bachelor's Degree Online for Free?

By utilizing financial aid and any potential transfer credits, the cost of your program could be minimal or even free. Consider exploring online colleges that accept Pell Grant, as well as online colleges with scholarships.

Your school's financial aid office will work with you to find aid that you might be eligible for, but there are thousands of scholarships and other awards outside of the school that you could review and apply for on your own. By being proactive and utilizing financial aid, you can bring your costs down substantially.

What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?

The easiest BA degrees that can be earned online typically provides flexibility to work at your own pace. If you plan to pursue your degree full-time, you could finish sooner by enrolling in the shorter course formats.

You should review your school choices to find out which programs would allow you to customize your program slightly, so that you can take more of the coursework that you are interested in. For example, a program in information technology might allow you to select courses of your choosing to fill in a portion of the required credit hours.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Finding the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs has never been easier, with Learn.org's ranked lists for the top and most affordable programs. Explore more of our pages and reach out to a school that interests you.