There are various institutions in Alabama that offer tuition rates on the lower cost end. This applies across the board for either in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Though costs are always higher for international students, the schools listed in this article present international rates that are not much more inflated than in-state and out-of-state tuition. In this article, we will be looking at the cheap universities in Alabama.
It is important to remember that any student can apply for financial aid, as well as various scholarships, which are best located on the university’s official website. These options, if granted, can cut down your tuition fees exponentially.
The fees listed below are presented as a per year (or, two full-time semesters) tuition rate, and are presented in USD currency. Fees in this article are presented at the undergraduate level only (consult university websites for graduate or post-baccalaureate tuition rates). For many of these institutions, students can opt for part-time education.
Some international rates listed include the approximate cost for room and board and are indicated accordingly.
Cheap Universities in Alabama
1. Troy University
Located in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public university that was established in 1887. Troy has been on the Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” list for the past 14 years. Troy University is known for being cheap university in Alabama for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels
. Its undergraduate colleges include a College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communications and Fine Arts, College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, and The Sorrell College of Business. With Division I athletics and over 46 bachelor’s programs, Troy University offers learning opportunities both in-person and online.
The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15, and its undergraduate enrollment is approximately 13,500.
2. Athens State University
- In state: $6810
- Out of state: $12,870
- International: $12,870
Next on our list of cheap universities in Alabama is Athens State University. Located in Athens, AL, this public institution was established in 1822. ASU states on their official website that they garner a “friendly, affordable and convenient” environment. They offer options and flexibility for both full-time and part-time students, making it an accessible choice for any prospective student. Programs are offered through three colleges, which include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. ASU offers 50 degree options.
With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:15, Athens State University has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2900.
3. Columbia Southern University
- In state: $6900
- Out of state: $6900
- International: Please Refer To University’s Net Price Calculator
Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private institution founded in 1993. This university specializes in online-only education, making it a particularly accommodating option for students living out of state and internationally. With over 26 degree options at the bachelor and master’s levels, options include specialized programs like Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, Cyber Security and Occupational Safety.
The undergraduate enrollment at CSU is approximately 15,000.
4. Jacksonville State University
- In state: $8760
- Out of state: $16,536
- International: $16,536
Located in Jacksonville, AL, this public institution was founded in 1883. JSU offers over 95 programs through six major academic schools, including a School of Business and Industry, School of Education, School of Arts and Humanities, School of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Human Services and Social Sciences, and School of Science. JSU is known for being a career-centered institution. It also is one of the cheapest universities in Alabama.
JSU has a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:18, and an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 7500.
5. Selma University
- In state: $7717
- Out of state: $7717
- International: $17,915
Selma University is a private Baptist Bible institution located in Selma, AL, Founded in 1878. It is known for its diversity and for being a historically black college. Focusing predominantly on the liberal arts, programs are geared towards training students on professional growth with an inherent emphasis on faith and religion. Though there have historically been either little to no international students attending Selma University, the option for international students to attend is available.
The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:19, with an undergraduate enrollment of 230. The official university website can be found here.
6. University of West Alabama
- In state: $9100
- Out of state: $18,200
- International: $19,000
This cheap university in Alabama was founded in 1835. UWA offers over 60 undergraduate programs, offered through its 7 colleges, including: the College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Julia Tutwiler College of Education, Ira D. Pruitt School of Nursing, Division of Online Programs, and Division of Technology. The university also offers Division II athletics.
UWA has a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:13, and an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2100.
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
We end our list of universities in Alabama with cheap tuition fees with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which is a public research university established in 1936. This institution offers over 56 undergraduate programs, 140 areas of study to choose from, and 12 academic divisions. There are also over 150 student clubs and organizations at UAB for students to explore. UAB has also ranked first in the Times Higher Education list of Top Young U.S. Universities.
The faculty-to-student ratio at UAB is 1:19, with an undergraduate enrollment of over 13,000.
Alabama is a state that has houses many lower-cost institutions, including these above options and more. Alabama offers a multitude of accessible options for students across the globe. Fees may be subject to future change as per the institution’s rules and standards. The fees listed above do not always reflect the costs of residence and other expenditures, so be sure to consult official university websites for the most accurate fees depending your situation and on which year you are applying for.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Alabama was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
