Affordable Online Degrees for Alabama Residents
ACE programs fit your life, schedule and budget.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Alabama
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
Choosing a graduate program is a significant investment in your future. Many Alabama residents begin their search by looking at universities within the state, but the right program is about more than location alone.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college designed to help working professionals advance their careers without putting their lives on hold. Through affordable tuition, flexible scheduling and career-focused programs, ACE helps students earn degrees that support their long-term goals.
Students choose ACE because they want a practical education that fits their busy schedules while delivering real value. Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects our commitment to helping adult learners achieve their goals through career-relevant assignments and meaningful academic experiences. That’s the ACE difference, and we’re proud to bring it to Alabama residents.
Why Choose ACE?
At ACE, student success is at the center of everything we do. Whether you’re pursuing a promotion, preparing for a career change or taking the next step in your profession, you’ll find programs designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
How ACE Compares
Alabama is home to several respected universities, including the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama. While these institutions offer quality educational opportunities, ACE takes a different approach.
As a college built specifically for online learning, ACE creates programs with working adults in mind. Our courses are designed to be flexible, accessible and directly connected to the skills employers value most. Compare your options and discover why students across the country choose ACE for their educational journey.
| ACE | University of Alabama | Auburn University | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of South Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-5 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 19:14 | 21:14 | 18:14 | 19:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $11,9804 (average annual in-state cost) | $12,8904 (average annual in-state cost) | $8,6404 (average annual in-state cost) | $9,3604 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
Earning a graduate degree shouldn’t require taking on overwhelming debt. ACE is committed to keeping tuition accessible so students can focus on achieving their goals rather than worrying about the financial burden of higher education. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, every program is intentionally designed to support today’s students. Our curriculum development teams regularly review course content to ensure it reflects current industry practices, emerging trends and employer expectations. This commitment helps students gain knowledge and skills they can immediately apply in their careers.
Faculty members bring extensive professional experience to the classroom, offering practical insights that connect academic concepts to real-world challenges and opportunities.
Your experience also includes:
- Consistent course design: Courses follow a standardized format that makes it easier to navigate materials, assignment deadlines and stay focused on learning
- Flexible online learning: Most coursework can be completed on your schedule, allowing you to balance school with work, family and other responsibilities
- Student-focused resources: From tutoring and writing support to an extensive online library, ACE provides tools that help students succeed throughout their academic journey
How ACE Supports Aspiring Alabama Teachers
Thousands of students have arrived at ACE with a passion for teaching and pursued opportunities in educational leadership. No matter what path you choose in your educational endeavors, it all starts with your initial teaching licensure.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Alabama, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Alabama?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Alabama and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Alabama colleges might not?
ACE was built specifically for online learning, allowing us to create an experience that prioritizes flexibility, affordability and academic quality. Students learn from experienced professionals, complete coursework that connects directly to workplace applications and benefit from programs designed with working adults in mind. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
How can an ACE degree help me get an Alabama teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs help future educators develop the instructional knowledge, classroom strategies, assessment techniques and technology skills needed to support student success. These programs are designed to prepare aspiring teachers for the next steps in the licensure process and a rewarding career in education.
1Student Right to Know. Accessed June 1, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of South Alabama. Accessed June 1, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025