For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Alabama is $13,265 for Alabama residents and $24,323 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Alabama, the average tuition & fees are $16,562 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Alabama is $10,444 for Alabama residents and $21,677 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Alabama, the average graduate tuition is $13,477.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,590 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,083. 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.
You can compare all Alabama colleges in various ways:
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 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Alabama is $30,137 for residents and $41,195 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $31,240. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $18,267 for Alabama residents and $22,207 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 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 | $30,137 | $41,195 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $31,240 | |
| Community Colleges | $18,267 | $22,207 |
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 $10,925 for Alabama residents and $21,983 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $16,562
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,264 for residents and $9,204 for out-of-state students.
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $10,925 | $21,983 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $16,562 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $5,264 | $9,204 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $16,410 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Alabama, 40 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Alabama is $9,155 for Alabama residents and $20,388 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $12,399
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $9,155 | $20,388 |
| Private Schools | $12,399 | |
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 $381 for Alabama residents and $850 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $593
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $485 for Alabama residents and $1,075 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $621
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $381 | $850 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $593 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $132 | $264 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $485 | $1,075 |
| Private Schools | $621 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Alabama
At colleges in Alabama, the average living cost is $13,590 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,083 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,531 | $16,541 |
| Private Schools | $13,703 | $15,338 |
