10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Alabama

Online college can be a great way for busy students to earn their degrees, but it can still be expensive. Luckily, filling out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you access financial aid options.

Students can find many affordable online colleges in Alabama, most of which accept the FAFSA form. Keep reading to discover some of the top online colleges that accept FAFSA for students in Alabama.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Alabama

Several colleges and universities in Alabama offer online programs to college students, and most accept FAFSA. Explore the list of online colleges that accept FAFSA in Alabama below. All schools listed hold regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

1. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public, nonprofit university in Athens, AL. It offers online degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels, as well as certificate programs, in areas of study like:

• aerospace and aviation management
• business
• criminal justice
• education

The university awards over $1,000,000 in scholarships every year. To see if you qualify, use the code 001008 when filling out your FAFSA.

2. Auburn University

At Auburn University, students have access to various distance-learning bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as individual online courses. Auburn University is a public research institution in Auburn, AL.

Online learning at Auburn is available in fields such as business administration, computer science, and healthcare and nursing. Students can apply for one of the many scholarships or other financial aid options at Auburn by using the FAFSA code 001009.

3. Faulkner University

Online education at Faulkner University is available for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Online students can choose from areas of study like biblical studies, business administration, criminal justice, and liberal arts.

Faulkner University is a private Christian school in Montgomery, AL. To access financial aid to cover tuition costs at Faulker, use the FAFSA code 001003.

4. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University is a public institution in Jacksonville, AL. It offers online undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• education
• nursing

JSU offers several scholarship programs, including one for adult students returning to higher education. Students enrolling at the university should use the FAFSA code 001020.

5. Spring Hill College

Undergraduate and graduate students at Spring Hill College can earn their degrees on-campus or online. Spring Hill College is a private Catholic school in Mobile, AL.

The nonprofit institution offers online degrees and certificates in areas of study like business administration, nursing, and theology. Its FAFSA code is 001041.

6. Troy University

The online programs at Troy University span from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. Online classes and programs are available in a wide variety of areas of study, including business, education, healthcare, and history and social sciences.

Troy University is a public institution in Troy, AL. It offers some scholarships specifically for online students, and its FAFSA code is 001047.

7. University of Alabama

The Tuscaloosa campus of the University of Alabama is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System, as well as the largest of the public universities in Alabama by enrollment. It offers online bachelor's degrees, online master's programs, and online doctoral degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• education
• public health
• public relations

Online students at Bama can take advantage of several scholarship and grant options. The school's FAFSA code is 001051.

8. University of Alabama at Birmingham

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, students can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. UAB is a public research institution in Birmingham, AL, and another member of the University of Alabama System.

Online programs are available in areas of study like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology. Grants, scholarships, and work-study options are available to students with the FAFSA code 001052.

9. University of North Alabama

The online programs at the University of North Alabama are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose an online degree in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, and social studies.

The University of North Alabama is a public school in Florence, AL. It offers multiple scholarship opportunities to online students; its FAFSA code is 001016.

10. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a public university in Livingston, AL. It offers undergraduate and graduate online programs in areas of study like:

• education
• engineering
• environmental science
• healthcare and nursing

Multiple financial aid opportunities are available to help UWA students pay for their coursework. The school's FAFSA code is 001024.

Applying for FAFSA in Alabama

Applying for FAFSA is easier than it seems. Below, we've outlined the basics of applying for FAFSA in Alabama.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements to apply for FAFSA are pretty basic. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be planning to enroll in an accredited college or university.

All students who need financial aid should fill out the FAFSA, regardless of whether you think you'll qualify. You might be surprised, plus some private financial aid programs require you to have filled out your FAFSA.

Steps To Apply

To apply for FAFSA, you'll need to complete the following steps:

• Step 1: Create an account on StudentAid.gov.
• Step 2: Gather the information you'll need, including personal information and income information. If you're a dependent, you'll need to get this from your parents, and if you're married, you'll need your spouse's information as well.
• Step 3: Input all the information into the FAFSA application. This should take about an hour. You'll then be asked to input the FAFSA codes for the school you're planning to attend. You can input multiple codes and should put in a code for each school you've applied to, even if you haven't been accepted yet.
• Step 4: Sign and submit your FAFSA.

After submitting your FAFSA, you can track your application status through your StudentAid.gov account.

Read more: Understanding Your FAFSA Package

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Alabama

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for college in Alabama.

Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Alabama?

As long as the online school you're planning to attend is accredited, you should be able to use FAFSA. Regionally accredited institutions will generally always accept FAFSA, but if your school is nationally accredited, you should double-check.

Can I Get Free College in Alabama?

While Alabama doesn't have any completely free tuition programs, it is possible to go to college for free with the right financial aid. Students can use federal aid (i.e., the Pell Grant), and Alabama state grants like the Alabama Student Assistance Program and the (Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program.

These can be combined with grants and scholarships from your institution, as well as scholarships from other sources. Additionally, Alabama students studying at public schools in the state will pay an in-state tuition rate, which is usually much lower than the out-of-state rate.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have?

For those who are unable to complete the FAFSA or do not receive the aid they need from FAFSA, there are a few options. These include:

• merit-based scholarships
• private scholarship programs
• private student loan programs

If you're struggling to find financial aid that works for your situation, reach out to your school's financial aid office for assistance.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree Today

Start your journey toward an online bachelor's degree today by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information about their online offerings and financial aid.