For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Alabama is $11,448 for Alabama residents and $22,568 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Alabama, the average tuition & fees are $17,304 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 $13,718 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,185. 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 $28,527 for residents and $39,647 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $31,982. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $18,488 for Alabama residents and $22,405 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 | $28,527 | $39,647 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $31,982 | |
| Community Colleges | $18,488 | $22,405 |
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 $9,810 for Alabama residents and $20,930 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $15,839
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,917 for residents and $7,834 for out-of-state students.
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $9,810 | $20,930 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $15,839 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $3,917 | $7,834 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $16,410 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Alabama, 41 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 $378 for Alabama residents and $849 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $610
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $485 for Alabama residents and $1,078 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $623
| Alabama Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $378 | $849 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $610 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $129 | $258 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $485 | $1,078 |
| Private Schools | $623 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Alabama
At colleges in Alabama, the average living cost is $13,718 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,185 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,726 | $16,706 |
| Private Schools | $13,703 | $15,338 |
