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 (JSU) 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 (UAB), 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 (UWA) 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, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow. These include:

• 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

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Alabama

Alabama students can access several state-based financial aid programs in addition to FAFSA to make online education more affordable. These programs help cover tuition, fees, and other college-related expenses for students pursuing higher education.

Alabama Student Assistance Program

The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) provides need-based grants to eligible residents enrolled in participating colleges and universities. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and meet income and enrollment requirements.

Online students can use ASAP funds to offset tuition and required fees at approved institutions. Awards are distributed based on financial need and available funding each academic year.

Alabama Student Grant Program

The Alabama Student Grant Program offers financial support to residents attending eligible private, nonprofit colleges within the state. This program is not based on financial need, but you must still complete the FAFSA to verify enrollment and eligibility.

Online learners attending approved private colleges can apply these funds toward tuition and other educational costs. The grant provides additional flexibility for students seeking degrees through faith-based or independent institutions.

(Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program

The (Re)Engage Alabama Grant encourages adults with some college credit to return and finish their degrees. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and enroll in an eligible Alabama public college or university.

This grant covers tuition and related expenses for returning students pursuing online or in-person degrees. It’s an ideal option for working adults looking to complete their education affordably and efficiently.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Alabama

FAFSA can help Alabama students pay for both traditional and online college programs. Below, we’ve answered common questions about using FAFSA and finding additional aid opportunities in the state.

Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Alabama?

Yes, FAFSA can be used for accredited online colleges in Alabama. Most regionally accredited schools participate in federal financial aid programs, making it easy to apply your aid toward online degrees.

If you’re attending a nationally accredited institution, verify with your school’s financial aid office that they accept FAFSA. Confirming this early ensures you don’t miss out on available funding.

Can I Get Free College in Alabama?

While Alabama doesn’t currently have universal free college programs, students can combine different types of financial aid to significantly lower costs. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, and state programs like the Alabama Student Assistance Program can help cover tuition and fees.

Many Alabama colleges also offer institutional scholarships and tuition waivers. Pairing these resources with FAFSA can make earning a degree more affordable for qualifying students.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have?

Online students in Alabama can apply for merit-based scholarships, private grants, or employer tuition assistance in addition to FAFSA. Many local organizations and foundations also offer scholarships tailored to specific majors or career goals.

If you need additional help, reach out to your school’s financial aid office. They can guide you toward available funding sources and help you create a plan to pay for your degree.

Find an Affordable Online College in Alabama

Alabama offers many financial aid programs that make online college more affordable and accessible. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare degree options and connect with schools that match your goals and budget.