Study in Alabama for International Students: Colleges, Tuition & Enrollment Guide
Alabama Higher Education Snapshot for International Students
Total International Students Enrolled in Alabama: ~9,850+ students across public and private postsecondary institutions.
Purpose of this Guide: To assist non-U.S. resident students in identifying degree levels, top field paths, estimated annual non-resident tuition costs, and international enrollment capacity across 2-year and 4-year institutions in Alabama.
1. Public 4-Year Universities
Public universities in Alabama offer extensive undergraduate and graduate programs. International non-residents pay out-of-state tuition rates.
| Institution Name | Key Popular Fields/Majors | Est. Annual Non-Resident Tuition | Est. Int'l Student Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama (UA) | Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Law | $32,400 - $34,000 | ~1,600 |
| Auburn University | Aerospace Engineering, Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Veterinary Medicine | $33,800 - $35,200 | ~2,200 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) | Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, Data Science | $27,200 - $29,000 | ~1,450 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) | Cybersecurity, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Physics, Space Sciences | $24,800 - $26,500 | ~600 |
| Troy University | International Business, Hospitality, Nursing, Criminal Justice | $18,600 - $20,000 | ~850 |
| University of South Alabama | Marine Sciences, Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Computing | $22,500 - $24,000 | ~450 |
| University of North Alabama | Arts & Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Business | $20,200 - $21,800 | ~320 |
| Jacksonville State University | Emergency Management, Education, Fine Arts, Biology | $21,000 - $22,500 | ~250 |
| Alabama State University | Physical Therapy, Education, Forensic Science, Communications | $19,800 - $21,200 | ~120 |
| Alabama A&M University | Plant Science, Electrical Engineering, Urban Planning, Forestry | $18,900 - $20,500 | ~180 |
2. Private 4-Year Universities & Colleges
Private institutions generally charge equal tuition rates for domestic and international students.
| Institution Name | Key Popular Fields/Majors | Est. Annual Tuition | Est. Int'l Student Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samford University | Pharmacy, Business Admin, Journalism, Humanities | $36,500 - $38,000 | ~110 |
| Tuskegee University | Veterinary Medicine, Aerospace Science, Chemical Engineering | $22,600 - $24,000 | ~140 |
| Birmingham-Southern College | Pre-Med, Liberal Arts, Environmental Studies | $20,500 - $22,000 | ~30 |
| Spring Hill College | Supply Chain, Nursing, Psychology, Theology | $21,800 - $23,500 | ~45 |
| Faulkner University | Executive Leadership, Legal Studies, Counseling | $23,000 - $24,500 | ~60 |
| Oakwood University | Biology, Religion, Health Sciences, Music | $20,000 - $21,500 | ~180 |
3. Public 2-Year Community Colleges (Associate Degrees & Pathways)
Community colleges provide lower-cost Associate Degree programs (AA, AS, AAS) and 2+2 transfer pathways to 4-year universities. Non-resident tuition rates typically apply.
| Institution Name | Programs / Field Focus | Est. Annual Non-Resident Tuition | Est. Int'l Student Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace State Community College | General Science, Pre-Engineering, Health Occupations | $8,800 - $9,600 | ~40 |
| Shelton State Community College | University Transfer Tracks, Culinary Arts, Technical Studies | $8,500 - $9,400 | ~35 |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | Associate in Science, Business Technology, Medical Assisting | $8,200 - $9,200 | ~20 |
| Central Alabama Community College | General Studies, Nursing, Industrial Electronics | $8,000 - $9,000 | ~15 |
| Calhoun Community College | Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Computer Information Systems | $8,600 - $9,500 | ~50 |
Important Notes for Prospective International Applicants:
- Tuition ranges reflect standard full-time non-resident tuition per academic year (2 semesters / 24-30 credits). Books, mandatory health insurance, and living expenses are extra.
- International counts combine undergraduate, graduate, OPT (Optional Practical Training), and F-1 visa visa-holding students.
- Always confirm current requirements, Form I-20 issuance rules, and exact program availability on the official university portal prior to applying.
