HERRIMAN, UT - EDsmart.org today announced its annual update of the Best Online Colleges in Alabama rankings for 2026, an outcome-focused list designed to help students and families compare Alabama-based institutions offering accredited online degree options.
The updated rankings evaluate schools using four equally weighted factors: average net price after financial aid, first-year retention rate, graduation rate, and median earnings six years after enrollment.
“Students shopping for online college programs deserve rankings that prioritize what actually impacts their lives—cost, completion, support, and real outcomes,” said Tyson Stevens, Founder of EDsmart. “Our 2026 Alabama rankings are built to be transparent and easy to use, so students can quickly compare schools and identify the best-fit options for their goals and budget.”
2026 Best Online Colleges in Alabama (Top 10)
1. Talladega College
2. Auburn University
3. The University of Alabama
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
5. Samford University
6. University of Alabama in Huntsville
7. University of North Alabama
8. University of South Alabama
9. Troy University
10. University of Mobile
See Full Rankings Here: https://www.edsmart.org/accredited-online-colleges/alabama/
Highlights from the 2026 Alabama Rankings
- Best Overall (Highest-Ranked): Talladega College (#1)
- Best Student Outcomes (Top Retention + Graduation): Auburn University (Retention: 93.19% | Graduation: 79.21%)
- Cheapest In-State Tuition (Ranked Schools): University of Alabama at Birmingham ($8,832 in-state tuition & fees)
- Lowest Average Net Price: University of North Alabama ($11,024 average net price)
- Best Value Public Option (Top-Ranked Public Universities): Auburn University (#2) and The University of Alabama (#3)
How EDsmart Ranks Online Colleges in Alabama
EDsmart’s Alabama rankings focus on colleges located in Alabama that offer accredited online degree programs. Schools receive an overall score by combining performance across four equally weighted metrics: • Affordability: Average net price after financial aid • Student Retention: First-year retention rate • Graduation Rate: Percentage of students who complete their degree • Post-Graduation Earnings: Median earnings six years after enrollment
When schools have similar overall scores, average net price is used as a tiebreaker, with lower-cost schools ranking higher. Data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and related federal education datasets and reflects the most recent available data at the time of ranking.
About EDsmart.org
EDsmart.org is a data-driven education research organization focused on helping students make confident college decisions. EDsmart publishes transparent college rankings and student resources that emphasize affordability, student success, and return on investment.
Media Contact
Company Name: EDsmart LLC
Contact Person: Tyson Stevens
Email:Send Email
City: Herriman
State: UT
Country: United States
Website: https://www.edsmart.org/
