For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Alabama is $11,304 for Alabama residents and $22,110 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Alabama, the average tuition & fees are $16,883 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Alabama is $10,414 for Alabama residents and $21,579 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Alabama, the average graduate tuition is $13,079.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,200 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,622. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Alabama is $27,463 for residents and $38,270 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $31,618. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $17,625 for Alabama residents and $21,521 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $27,463 | $38,270 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $31,618 | |
| Community Colleges | $17,625 | $21,521 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Alabama, 83 out of 84 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 42 public and 42 private colleges in Alabama. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Alabama is $9,634 for Alabama residents and $20,440 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $15,615
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,895 for residents and $7,791 for out-of-state students.
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $9,634 | $20,440 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $15,615 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $3,895 | $7,791 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $15,969 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Alabama, 40 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Alabama is $9,187 for Alabama residents and $20,352 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $12,136
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $9,187 | $20,352 |
| Private Schools | $12,136 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Alabama is $373 for Alabama residents and $830 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $603
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $481 for Alabama residents and $1,064 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $706
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $373 | $830 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $603 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $130 | $260 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $481 | $1,064 |
| Private Schools | $706 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Alabama
At colleges in Alabama, the average living cost is $13,200 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,622 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,910 | $15,854 |
| Private Schools | $13,691 | $15,245 |
