The State of Alabama is one of the least populous states of the Union. It is part of the Deep South with strong rural and agricultural traditions. The educational choices for online and on-campus programs are broad and varied. The state has traditional schools with reputations for achievement and vast alumni communities. Alabama also has some of the leading land-grant and historically Black research institutions. Tuition costs are below the national average at many of the leading Alabama schools, and the costs of living in Alabama are typically at or less than regional averages. The below-listed institutions reflect the depth and diversity of higher education in the state of Alabama.
Auburn University offers high graduation and success rates for graduates
The University of Alabama is the flagship institution for higher education in the state
Alabama State University, founded by freed slaves, has become a noteworthy national and international institution
Alabama A&M University is a historically Black college with a wide range of industrial and technical majors
Tuskegee University boasts high rates of graduation and success in STEM fields
The University of Alabama-Huntsville is a fast-rising star of Alabama education promoting technical fields and business
Troy University is an affordable school that offers a wide range of financial aid and flexible online degree programs
What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Alabama?
The State of Alabama issued 29,516 degrees in the school year 2013-2104. Trends are powerful influences in degree selection and economic growth can create greater demands in one or more fields of study. The nation continues to recognize greater needs in the health professions as the population ages, and nursing and similar fields, experience increasing demands. The agriculture and agribusiness fields represent the second most common majors in Alabama; then come communications and journalism.
How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Alabama?
There is a strong correlation between income and education in the US economy. In Alabama, as in the US as a whole, persons with no high school diploma have the lowest median annual earnings and those with doctoral level degrees have the highest median level of salaries or earnings. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), persons with no high school diploma earn about 38 cents for every dollar earned by a bachelor’s degree holder. The bachelor’s degree median earnings more than double the median salary of a person without a high school diploma.
The below-listed items from a LinkedIn member survey describe the relative salaries on a national scale for education and salary-level.
Alabama has a diverse economy that includes its abundant sports tourism and natural resources. Agriculture still plays a large part in the economy, but the tech and services sectors show growth along with education and healthcare.
Business careers show strong growth in Alabama, as do business services such as finance, insurance, and accounting. Education is another strong field right now and an increasing level in the foreseeable future.
Top Business Management Careers and Salaries
Home Health Aide
CAREER NAME
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Accountants and auditors
$17,400
$57,300
Market research analysts
$4,410
$54,400
Management analysts
$4,630
$67,400
Buyers and Purchasing
$6,440
$55,800
Human Resources specialists
$6,100
$51,500
Accountants and auditorsperform the critical work of overseeing an organization’s assets. These professionals provide reports and make official records of financial and financing actions.
Market research analysts create assessments and mathematical models using relevant information on markets, sales, and other data that describe the organizations business.
Business analysts perform statistical and program analysis of an organizations processes and functions. They work to improve efficiency and operations at all levels.
Buyers and purchasing agents work the markets to find the best price, quality, and availability of the goods and services needed to support the organization's operations.
Human resources specialists support the organization by retaining key personnel, providing education and training, and recruiting new and replacement workers.
Business specialistssupport the organization in the business development department, as a consultant or as a top level executive.
Business administratorssupport the entire organization behind the scenes as human resources, benefits and payroll support.
Project Managerssupport the entire organization by taking control of small, medium and large projects being completed by the different departments within the company.
Entrepreneursare any individual who offers a product, service, investment, or skill in a way all their own. It’s possible to be an entrepreneur by starting a small business, working as a freelancer, investing in companies, founding a non-profit, and much more.
Financial Professionalshelp individuals and businesses make more informed investment decisions that align with their clients goals. Some of the more prominent finance positions are: financial advisors, financial analysts and financial planners.
Economistsconduct research, collect data, watch trends and then will develop a forecast for businesses that can help the key decision makers or board of directors make better investment choices.
International Business ManagerThere are many opportunities in the world of business where you can work in international sales, marketing, import/export, law, management, economics and more.
Best Alabama Schools for Business
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
University of North Alabama
Samford University
Top Management Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Chief Executive
$1,320
$155,400
Operations Managers
$30,790
$66,100
Computer Information Mgrs.
$3,650
$83,800
Sales Managers
$2,670
$61,500
Financial mangers
$5,480
$74,200
Chief Executive is the top decision-maker in an organization. The position has various titles including CEO, Chair, and COO.
Operations Managers have responsibility for the day-to-day operations and functions of an organization.
Computer Information Managers oversee the operation of information systems, hardware, and software maintenance.
Sales & Business Managersperform the management and oversight of processes that promote the organization’s distribution system for its goods and services.
Financial Managers oversee the financial health of an enterprise or organization. They account for assets and balance needs against financial means.
Organizational Leaders and Managersstart at the lowest levels of industry and extends up to the C-suites where business leaders have a deep understanding of business fundamentals.
Human Resources Managers are one key to encouraging positive company cultures, setting hiring standards for building a diverse workforce, and ensuring that reasonable compensation is provided for each employee.
Best Alabama Schools for Management
University of South Alabama
University of North Alabama
Samford University
Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Top Computer Information Technology (CIS) Careers and Salaries
Best Alabama Schools for Computer Information Systems
Alabama State University
Auburn University
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Tuskegee University
The University of Alabama
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Business Teachers - Secondary
$1,060
$49,900
Law Teachers
$70
$131,400
English language & Lit Teachers
$930
$47,000
Elementary school teachers
$23,650
$46,300
Secondary school teachers
$15,230
$49,900
Business Teachers - Secondary are high school level teaching professionals that also can instruct adult continuing education and GED completion education.
Law Teachers provide education and instruction at undergraduate and graduate levels in the field of law. They can play a prominent role in business education.
English language & Lit Teachers are specialized teachers at the post-secondary level that work in language and literature both as general education and major fields of study.
Elementary School Teachers provide foundation level education for young students in public and private school settings.
Early Childhood Education Teachersprovide an early education foundation for young children in preschool and kindergarten, which is a critial learning period.
Secondary School Teachersprovide general education as required by law in Alabama up to the high school diploma level. These licensed professionals work in public, private, and faith-based settings.
Early Childhood Administratorssupport the preschool and elementary school back office daily tasks and can encompass oversight and planning in schools or any educational settings for that matter, including daycare centers.
Best Alabama Schools for Education
Alabama State University
Auburn University
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Tuskegee University
The University of Alabama
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Registered Nurses
$49,190
$65,400
Dentists
$1,170
$136,300
Surgeons
$560
$287,500
Occupational therapists
$1,310
$66,600
Physician Assistants
$730
$97,800
Registered Nurses deliver practical care, diagnoses, and treatment. Nurses play a pivotal role in both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Nurses supervise LPNs, nurse assistants, nursing aides, and orderlies.
Dentists diagnose and treat all types of conditions and diseases of the teeth and gums. They provide dental education, preventive, and corrective care.
Surgeons are medical doctors that specialize in invasive techniques. Surgeons provide medical care and diagnosis of illnesses and conditions that may be treated, corrected, or managed by surgical procedures.
Occupational Therapists are trained professionals that provide treatment to restore physical abilities that may have been lost or reduced by illness, disease, or other medical treatment.
Physician Assistants provide medical diagnose and treatment in many settings including managed healthcare, physician’s offices, and rural clinics.
Gerontology Nurse or PhysicianIndividuals working in gerontology use both biological and psychological methodologies to help improve the overall health of the elderly and aging adults.
Best Alabama Schools for Healthcare
Auburn University
Samford University- Nursing
University of Alabama
Tuskegee University
Alabama State University
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Guidance counselors
$4,460
$52,100
Substance Abuse Counselor
$1,860
$39,900
Social Worker
$420
$48,000
Healthcare social worker
$2,530
$51,800
Child, Family Soc. Worker
$3,510
$41,900
Guidance counselors work in educational and vocational settings to advise students and adults on career options.
Substance Abuse Counselors provide critical intervention and short and long-term treatment to drug and alcohol-dependent individuals. They provide important prevention and public education programs.
Social Workers provide support and specific types of services to qualified individuals and families. These highly trained professionals can assist in crisis and maintenance type settings.
Healthcare Social Workers work in the field of health, wellness, and preventive care. They provide information and services.
Child and Family Social Workers have a specialized area of expertise in managing issues affecting children and families with dependent children.
Mental Health Counselorshave advanced and specialized training working with patients that suffer from mental illnesses that is affecting the patients life.
Child Counselorshave advanced and specialized training working with children as their patients.
The best associate degree programs in Alabama must stand from the available 23 technical and community colleges in the state, not to mention larger school that offer associate degrees. One way to do this is through accreditation, which measures the quality of the institution and its faculty as well as evaluating the quality of the degree programs.
Community colleges offer one of the more affordable avenues toward a postsecondary education. Tuition generally costs less and you can graduate with an associate degree.
Fortis Institute-Birmingham
College Type 2-year, Private for-profit
Campus Housing No
Student Population 514
Graduation Rate 55%
Net Price $18,498
Northeast Alabama Community College
College Type 2-year, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 2,981
Graduation Rate 46%
Net Price $3,137
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
Colleges and universities offering bachelor’s degrees are abundant in Alabama. The colleges and universities reflect the values of the state’s residents—friendly and loaded with Southern charm. There are Christian schools available and some are classified as Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBUC). You may be able to determine the quality of the education provided by reviewing retention and graduation rates.
The best way to choose a program is to look at the quality and accreditation of the degree programs you’re interested in. You can ask faculty about the challenge the program presents to students. These will give you a good indication of whether or not the graduate school you’re considering is the best one for you. If you are looking for an MBA, you may want to check out our best MBA program rankings in Alabama.
Best Online Degree Colleges in Alabama (Distance Learning Only)
Attending an in-person degree program may not be realistic for you. You may work full-time, have family that needs your income or your time, or you may have a disability. Here you can find the best online colleges in the state that allow you to do all your learning from your own home. Alabama had 302,959 postsecondary students in 2017; 37,749 undergraduate and 20,513 graduate students were enrolled in online-only degree programs.
Amridge University
College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Student Population 833
Graduation Rate 33%
Net Price $3,905
Columbia Southern University
College Type 4-year, Private for-profit
Student Population 20,034
Graduation Rate 22%
Net Price $10,951
Colorado Technical University
College Type 4-year, Private for-profit
Student Population 27,232
Graduation Rate 26%
Net Price $16,260
Purdue
College Type 4-year, Public
Student Population 38,138
Graduation Rate 27%
Net Price NA
Southern New Hampshire University
College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Student Population 113,514
Graduation Rate 44%
Net Price $39,743
Western Governors University
College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Student Population 136,139
Graduation Rate 21%
Net Price $7,785
Capella University
College Type 4-year, Private for-profit
Student Population 37,859
Graduation Rate NA
Net Price $17,368
Walden University
College Type 4-year, Private for-profit
Student Population 48,420
Graduation Rate 33%
Net Price NA
Cost of Alabama College Education & Salaries
The State of Alabama offers high-quality education at prices that are lower than the national average. The Alabama averages for tuition and fees for public and private four-year colleges and universities are lower than their national counterparts. Alabama schools offer high value for the education dollar. Students can pursue a wide range of majors at regionally accredited schools. African American students can compete for Thurgood Marshall scholarship assistance at some Historically Black institutions like Tuskegee and Alabama State University.
The total or Costs of Attendance figures may reveal a more precise measure of the expenses of college than tuition alone. The average costs of attendance at Alabama universities and colleges is $18,932 for Alabama residents and $24,392 for out of state students. The COA figure includes estimates for books, supplies, on-campus room and board, and incidental living expenses.
The estimated average costs for living on-campus in Alabama is $11,425 and about $12,000 for students that live off-campus. In the state of Alabama, 37 schools offer on-campus living facilities such as dormitories or student apartments.
College Cost Analysis - Alabama vs National
Average Alabama Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
Alabama In-State Tuition
National In-State Tuition
Alabama Out-of-State Tuition
National Out-of-State Tuition
$6,226
$9,970
$13,875
$25,620
Alabama private schools’ average tuition and fees for four-year institutions are $16,758 which compares favorably to the national average for private schools at $34,750.
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
In the year 2014-15, about 85% of all full-time college students received financial assistance. About 57% of the undergraduate students that got financial aid received grants, and about 35% of the aid funds were loans. Students in Alabama are high on the percent of students receiving financial aid, and the amount the receive is close in line with the national average. This means that you have a good chance of receiving financial aid in Alabama, but you should still keep your eyes open for likely scholarship opportunities.
Students Financial Aid- Federal, State, Institutional Grants
Type
Alabama
Nationally
Received Federal Grants
63%
37.7%
Average $ Amount per Recipient
$10,306
$10,927
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only. @ https://nces.ed.gov/search/
A college education is an investment in knowledge and self-improvement. For many students, college is also an investment in a higher paying economic future. When selecting schools, students can look at the costs of education and the average salary of graduates. The statistics do not predict your outcome, but they can help guide a decision and point to areas for more questions and answers.
Best Scholarships for Alabama
The State of Alabama offers a grant program that students can use in combination with federal Stafford or Pell Grants. Grants have the welcome feature of not requiring repayment. These funds are awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and can reduce the burden of tuition and expenses for Alabama scholars. There are also university or college connected grants such as the below-described merit scholarships at the University of Alabama.
UAMS
The University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships
https://scholarships.ua.edu/ Amounts: $24,000 over 4 years (Capstone), $32,000 over 4 years (Collegiate), $60,000 over 4 years (Foundation in Excellence), $104,000 over 4 years (Presidential) Deadline: January 15 Eligible applicants must be third-year high school students. To receive awards students must demonstrate high academic achievement, high-grade averages (3.5 GPA), and high test scores on the ACT and SAT tests (27 ACT or 1260-1290 SAT or higher). Students can fill out a unified application to apply and compete for merit-based out-of-state scholarships including the following: The Presidential Elite Award pays complete tuition coverage for up to four years for degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or law studies. In addition, the award offers one-year of on-campus housing, a $1,000 per year stipend, a $2,000 summer allowance for research or international study, and a $2,000 book scholarship at $500 per year.
ASGP
Alabama Student Grant program
https://ache.edu/StudentAsst.aspx Amount: Up to $1,200/year Deadline: January 15, February 25, April 15 The Alabama Student Grant program provides funds up to $1,200 per academic year. Eligible applicants must be residents of the state if Alabama, a citizen or in the process of obtaining citizenship as a legal resident and be enrolled full or part-time in an eligible and approved institution. Students can pursue any field except a field of theology.
CCS
The College Counts Scholarship
http://treasury.alabama.gov/collegecounts-scholarship/ Amount: $4,000 Deadline: February 28 The College Counts Scholarship helps Alabama residents that plan to enroll and attend an Alabama college or university. The scholarship awards up to $4,000 for four-year college attendance. The program welcomes applications from high school seniors or first-year college students that plan to enroll in the 2019 school year. Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents, and a resident of Alabama. The award is a one-time non-renewable scholarship. Eligible students must have an ACT score of 26 or below and a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.75. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
ACIAS
Alabama Concrete Industries Association Scholarships
https://alconcrete.org/scholarships Amount: $8,000 (2 Awards) Deadline: November 30 The scholarship promotes study in architecture, engineering, or the building sciences. The applicant must have prior experience in the construction industry. The following are eligibility requirements: recipients must attend an accredited college or university located in the state of Alabama, applicants must attend on a full-time basis, applicants must have college senior status and at least ninety(90) semester credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a four-point scale.
CCCMS
Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship- ARRL Foundation Scholarship
http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions Amount: $1,000 Deadline: January 31 The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) offers 80 college scholarships for Georgia and Alabama residents. Eligible applicants will be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, have any type of active Amateur Radio operator license, attend an accredited college in Georgia or Alabama, and major in electronics, communications, or a related field of study. The awards go to FCC-licensed HAM radio operators that pursue a college education in the US. Alabama residents that are active in the Southeastern Division of the ARRL can apply for financial aid. The application requires a radio-related resume that highlights ARRL involvement and radio participation, a financial budget, and three letters of reference.
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries
Additional Careers in Alabama
Best Alabama Schools for Education and Training