Why This Matters

  • 28 TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA

    According to College Navigator, there are 28 institutions in Alabama that offer two-year associate degree programs.

  • ALABAMA RESIDENTS PAY $4,912 IN TUITION AT PUBLIC IN-DISTRICT COMMUNITY COLLEGES

    Data from College Board suggests that the average Alabama student paid about $4,912 in tuition and fees at public in-district community colleges for the 2020-21 school year.

  • 437,899 STUDENTS ATTENDING TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID

    The National Center for Education Statistics revealed that, during the 2018-19 school year, 76.9% of students enrolled in two-year institutions relied on some type of financial aid.

Our Research

To create our list of the best community colleges in Alabama, we examined both public and private institutions. We based our selections on tuition, credits required for graduation, and the delivery format of the coursework (i.e., online or in-person).

To guarantee the quality of the programs featured on our list, we focused on accredited schools. Many of the institutions here are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional organization that evaluates the quality, integrity, mission, and resources of higher education programs in the south. SACSCOC is also recognized by the United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

  • 36hours to write this article
  • 35universities and colleges we assessed
  • 80education programs we compared

The Top 50 Community Colleges in Alabama

Best Community Colleges in Alabama Badge
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What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in Alabama

As you pursue higher education, it’s important to consider your career potential and salary expectations. Data from May 2020 revealed that the highest paying jobs that require an associate degree in Alabama were air traffic controllers, radiation therapists, avionics technicians, occupational therapy assistants, and funeral home managers.

After getting their associate degree, many students decide to enter the workforce. The occupations projected to have the most annual job openings in Alabama between 2018 and 2028 are preschool teachers (excluding special education), paralegals and legal assistants, physical therapist assistants, dental hygienists, and electronic engineering technicians.

When reviewing your career options, you should also consider which jobs are expected to undergo a drop in employment. The jobs projected to have the greatest decline for associate degree holders in Alabama are respiratory therapy technicians, desktop publishers, electro-mechanical technicians, human resources assistants (excluding payroll and timekeeping), and mechanical drafters.

What’s Next?

As you research community college programs in Alabama, keep in mind which financial aid opportunities are available to you. Below is a list of federal and state resources that connect associate degree students to the different grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities in Alabama.

  • Alabama Commission on Higher Education. This commission gives students an overview of the financial aid process in Alabama, including student grant programs, scholarship awards, and state loans.
  • Federal Student Aid. Every year the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid grants over $120 billion in financial aid. Interested students can determine their eligibility at the FAFSA4caster and, if they qualify, apply through the online FAFSA form.
  • CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this resource offers helpful information about the different scholarships available in every state. After filtering information by degree level and location, users gain access to details such as award amounts, qualification requirements, and application deadlines.