🎓 College & Career Opportunities in Alabama
Alabama offers a wide range of affordable education and training options for students planning for life after high school—including public universities, two-year colleges, skilled trades, dual enrollment programs, and new education savings opportunities for homeschool and private school families.
🏫 Public Colleges & Universities in Alabama
Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
With 24 public community and technical colleges across more than 130 locations, ACCS offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, dual enrollment, and registered apprenticeships. Over 144,000 Alabamians are served annually through these affordable and flexible pathways.
🔗 accs.edu
Public Universities in Alabama
Alabama is home to more than a dozen public four-year universities, including:
- The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
- Auburn University (Auburn)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
- Alabama State University (ASU)
- Troy University
- University of South Alabama (USA)
🔁 Community College to University Pathways
Alabama offers strong transfer pathways. Many students begin at an ACCS college and then transfer to a public university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Schools like Auburn and UA offer detailed articulation guides. Students can also earn college credit while in high school through programs like UA Early College.
🎓 Scholarships & Financial Aid for Alabama Students
CollegeCounts Scholarship
– $4,000 for students attending a four-year college in Alabama
– $2,000 for students attending a two-year college
– Based on financial need, academic performance, and community service
🔗 CollegeCounts Info
Other State Programs (via ACHE)
– Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP)
– Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)
– Alabama Math & Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP)
– Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program
🔗 ACHE Scholarships & Grants
Institutional Scholarships
Alabama State University and University of Alabama offer a wide range of automatic and competitive scholarships for in-state students based on GPA and test scores.
🔗 ASU Scholarships |
🔗 UA Scholarships
🌍 In-State Tuition Opportunities in Neighboring States
Academic Common Market (ACM)
Alabama residents can qualify for in-state tuition at public universities in other Southern states through ACM if they pursue a degree program not offered in Alabama.
🔗 ACM Info
Georgia Border-State Tuition Waiver
Several Georgia public colleges offer in-state tuition to Alabama residents who meet domicile or high school graduation requirements, including:
- University of West Georgia
- Georgia Southern University
- University of North Georgia (Gainesville)
- Columbus State University
🔧 Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered Apprenticeships
All Alabama community colleges now offer registered apprenticeship programs in fields like health care, manufacturing, IT, construction, and more.
🔗 ACCS Apprenticeships
Skilled Trades of West Alabama
Offers training in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, and alarm systems through contractor partnerships.
🔗 WOW Apprenticeships
Alabama Career Essentials (ACE)
Free workforce readiness training available online through Lawson State and other providers.
🔗 Lawson State ACE
📘 Dual Enrollment Options
Alabama Community College Dual Enrollment
High school students can take college courses through ACCS to earn both high school and college credit—some even earn an associate degree by graduation.
🔗 ACCS Dual Enrollment
UA Early College
Students in grades 10–12 can take online courses for college credit through UA. Courses may be approved for dual credit by the student’s high school.
🔗 UA Early College
Equivalency Chart
Review the official list of how college courses align with high school graduation requirements.
🔗 Dual Enrollment Equivalency List (PDF)
🏡 Homeschool & Private School Families
CHOOSE Act – Education Savings Accounts
– Up to $7,000/year for private school tuition
– Up to $2,000/year for homeschool families
– Available to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level
– Priority given to low-income and special needs students
🔗 CHOOSE Act Overview |
CHOOSE Act Passes
Private schools in Alabama may accept ESA or tax-credit scholarship funds. Homeschool families are encouraged to maintain detailed records and consider online curriculum providers or local learning co-ops.
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