Best Colleges in Alabama for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Alabama College Guide – What You Need to Know

Expand in page Navigation

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.

Read More
alabama_map_university

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Alabama?

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.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $43,024* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment
Best Online Colleges

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Alabama

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 auditors perform 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 specialists support the organization in the business development department, as a consultant or as a top level executive.
  • Business administrators support the entire organization behind the scenes as human resources, benefits and payroll support.
  • Project Managers support the entire organization by taking control of small, medium and large projects being completed by the different departments within the company.
  • Entrepreneurs are 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 Professionals help 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.
  • Economists conduct 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 Manager There 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 Managers perform 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 Managers start 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

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Software Developer 134,200 $123,085
Operations Research Analyst 14,800 $89,158
Computer Hardware Engineer 22,120 $136,040
Computer Systems Analysts 72,980 $102,860
Web Developers 21,150 $84,270

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 Teachers provide an early education foundation for young children in preschool and kindergarten, which is a critial learning period.
  • Secondary School Teachers provide 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 Administrators support 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 Physician Individuals working in gerontology use both biological and psychological methodologies to help improve the overall health of the elderly and aging adults.
  • Healthcare Administration The job of healthcare administration professionals is multifaceted but they frequently manage healthcare systems within hospitals, as well as medical networks.

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 Counselors have advanced and specialized training working with patients that suffer from mental illnesses that is affecting the patients life.
  • Child Counselors have advanced and specialized training working with children as their patients.

Best Alabama Schools for Education and Training

  • Auburn University
  • Troy University
  • University of Alabama
  • Tuskegee University
  • Alabama State University

Additional Careers in Alabama

Want to See All the Alabama Occupational Wage Averages

The Top Occupations with the highest forecasts for growth rate in Alabama

Occupation Growth % Change
Computer Numerical Controller Machinist 147.7%
Physical Therapist Assistant 146.9%
Physical Therapist 137.2%
Nurse Practitioner 137.1%
Occupational Therapist 133.1%
Aircraft Assembler 132.5%
Emergency Medical Technician 132.5%
Home Health Aide 131.7%

Best Associate Degrees in Alabama

Best Associate Degrees in Alabama
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

The best associate degree programs in Alabama must stand from the available 21 technical and community colleges in the state, not to mention larger schools 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.

Northeast Alabama Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,981		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$3,351 		Grads Salary
$27,900
Snead State Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,237		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$6,116 		Grads Salary
$27,800
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,985		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$6,107 		Grads Salary
$29,200
Enterprise State Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,804		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$4,401 		Grads Salary
$31,800
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,592		 Graduation Rate
22%		 Net Price
$3,125 		Grads Salary
$28,900
John C Calhoun State Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
9,315		 Graduation Rate
29%		 Net Price
$6,077 		Grads Salary
$28,000
Lurleen B Wallace Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,767		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$6,913 		Grads Salary
$26,500
Bevill State Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,787		 Graduation Rate
31%		 Net Price
$8,978 		Grads Salary
$28,100
Southern Union State Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,655		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$9,467 		Grads Salary
$30,700
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,478		 Graduation Rate
29%		 Net Price
$2,699 		Grads Salary
$24,900
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Alabama
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

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.

Auburn University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
30,460		 Graduation Rate
79%		 Net Price
$24,028		 Grads Salary
$70,800
University of Alabama in Huntsville
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,988		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$16,990		 Grads Salary
$75,300
Birmingham-Southern College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,209		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$21,474		 Grads Salary
$70,000
University of Alabama at Birmingham
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,563		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$16,978		 Grads Salary
$70,600
The University of Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,100		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$20,518		 Grads Salary
$64,000
University of South Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,397		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$14,822		 Grads Salary
$70,800
Troy University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
16,497		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$13,257		 Grads Salary
$65,700
Jacksonville State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,238		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$13,616		 Grads Salary
$64,300
Columbia Southern University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
18,533		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$11,241		 Grads Salary
$70,900
University of North Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,702		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$13,279		 Grads Salary
$61,000
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Alabama

Best Master's Degrees in Alabama
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

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.

Auburn University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
30,460		 Graduation Rate
79%		 Net Price
$24,028		 Grads Salary
$70,800
University of Alabama in Huntsville
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,988		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$16,990		 Grads Salary
$75,300
University of Alabama at Birmingham
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,563		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$16,978		 Grads Salary
$70,600
The University of Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
38,100		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$20,518		 Grads Salary
$64,000
University of South Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,397		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$14,822		 Grads Salary
$70,800
Troy University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
16,497		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$13,257		 Grads Salary
$65,700
Jacksonville State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,238		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$13,616		 Grads Salary
$64,300
Columbia Southern University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
18,533		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$11,241		 Grads Salary
$70,900
University of North Alabama
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,702		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$13,279		 Grads Salary
$61,000
Samford University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,692		 Graduation Rate
77%		 Net Price
$31,322		 Grads Salary
$64,400
Full Ranking Report

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
$10,138 $9,580 $25,782 $27,437

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 2018-19, about 86% 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/

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cuc.asp

Helping You Maximize Your Education Earnings

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_logo

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_logo

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.

sources:

✖