[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]Alabama is home to some of the best online colleges in the country. These schools meet the needs of students and top employment sectors alike.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online colleges in Alabama provide opportunities for students to earn affordable and accessible degrees. Home to institutions that offer online associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees, Alabama colleges and universities foster innovation and growth within its [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.uwa.edu/news/alabama-industries-guide/”]technology and transportation sectors[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://uasystem.edu/institutions/”]University of Alabama[/hen-ui-link] (UA) System rank among the top online colleges in the state. Additional public institutions like Auburn accompany private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Alabama. Despite relatively high tuition rates, schools within the UA system [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aldailynews.com/reports-alabama-higher-ed-relies-more-on-tuition-less-on-state-support/”]did not increase costs[/hen-ui-link] for students during the 2021-2022 year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find out more about the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]best online colleges in Alabama[/hen-ui-link], along with their academic offerings and available student resources, scroll down for our rankings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Employment in Alabama[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With about [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AL/PST045219/”]25% of the population[/hen-ui-link] in Alabama possessing a college degree, students who pursue higher education can stand out in the state’s job market. Individuals looking to work at large corporations, small businesses, or as entrepreneurs can thrive in Alabama.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://online.uwa.edu/news/alabama-industries-guide/”]Top industries[/hen-ui-link] in Alabama include aerospace and aviation, agriculture, and transportation. Alabama is also home to specialized enterprises in cybersecurity, corporate operations, and distribution.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional benefits of working and living in Alabama include its [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/alabama/”]cost of living index of 82.3[/hen-ui-link]. With the national average at 100, housing costs in Alabama fall well below those around the country, at just under 56. Transportation, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses similarly land below the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unemployment in Alabama saw a steady decline in early 2021, reaching [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.al.htm/”]a rate of 3.3%[/hen-ui-link] as of June 2021. The mean annual wage in Alabama sits at [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]nearly $47,000[/hen-ui-link], but managerial positions report wages of more than twice that figure. These figures indicate a strong outlook for individuals with college degrees in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following figures include the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Alabama. Salary information applies specifically to Alabama, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Careers in Alabama[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Physicians and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$213,410[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/”]3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Dentists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$172,050[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm/”]8%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Nurse Anesthetists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$170,560[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]45%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Architectural and Engineering Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$150,770[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm/”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Personal Financial Advisors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$133,020[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm/”]5%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$132,360[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]17%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The data below reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 6,000 professionals in Alabama. Salary figures apply specifically to Alabama, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Most Common Careers in Alabama[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$121,800[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]8%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Accountants and Auditors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$71,940[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$102,920[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm/”]22%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$89,390[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm/”]6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$93,330[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm/”]32%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Lawyers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$121,130[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm/”]9%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Law Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Industrial Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$92,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm/”]14%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Insurance Sales Agents[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm/”]$82,340[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm/”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]High School Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Associate Degrees and Community Colleges in Alabama[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alabama’s extensive community college system includes [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.accs.edu/”]24 schools throughout the state[/hen-ui-link]. Many community colleges have expanded online opportunities due to limitations and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each community college in Alabama offers [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degrees[/hen-ui-link] that can lead to employment opportunities. Additional [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer options[/hen-ui-link] feature pathways to earning four-year degrees. Community colleges in Alabama also offer job training and certification programs, adult learning opportunities, and dual-enrollment coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.al.com/news/2016/03/17_highest-paying_jobs_that_on.html/”]Top associate degrees in Alabama[/hen-ui-link] include business, engineering, and law enforcement. Individual programs vary, but the overall outcomes meet the employment needs of the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Graduate Degrees in Alabama[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online graduate programs provide an affordable, convenient option for working professionals who want to advance their education and employment opportunities. Earning an online graduate degree can also facilitate a career change. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have expanded their [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online offerings[/hen-ui-link] to meet the needs of their students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online graduate degrees at schools [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.ua.edu/degrees/”]within the UA System[/hen-ui-link] span disciplines like communication, education, and business — comparable to those found at institutions throughout Alabama. The University of West Alabama offers a [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.uwa.edu/online-degrees/mba-master-business-administration/”]one-year online MBA[/hen-ui-link], and the University of South Alabama offers five online master’s degrees in education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alabama[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Online College Cheaper in Alabama?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of online college in Alabama is comparable to tuition in other states. Resident learners benefit from lower tuition rates than their non-resident counterparts at some schools, but many institutions provide the same tuition to in-state and out-of-state learners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Alabama?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of an online program in Alabama depends on the type of degree. Students can earn associate degrees in two years, bachelor’s degrees in four years, and master’s degrees in two years or less.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Most Popular Degree in Alabama?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.al.com/news/2020/02/what-did-alabamians-study-in-college-most-popular-majors-by-county.html/”]science and engineering disciplines[/hen-ui-link] rank among the most popular college degrees in Alabama. Business is the second-most popular major in Alabama.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Melissa Sartore” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618860719/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/author-no-image.jpg” img-alt=”Melissa Sartore” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Melissa Sartore[/hen-ui-link] holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”170,1481,1183″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]