Cheapest Community Colleges in Alabama: Tuition Under $5K (2026)
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 11, 2026
Alabama community colleges charge $4,800–$5,500/year — among the lowest in the nation. Pell Grants cover the full cost for most students.
Alabama has 24 community colleges in the Alabama Community College System, and tuition is among the lowest in the entire country. If you are looking for an affordable path to a career or a four-year degree, Alabama's community colleges are hard to beat on price.
Alabama has 24 community colleges in the Alabama Community College System, and tuition is among the lowest in the entire country. If you are looking for an affordable path to a career or a four-year degree, Alabama's community colleges are hard to beat on price.
What Community College Costs in Alabama
- In-state tuition: Approximately $142–$162 per credit hour
- Full-time annual cost (30 credits): Approximately $4,260–$4,860
- Fees vary by campus: Add $300–$800
For context, the national average community college tuition is about $3,800, so Alabama is right at or slightly above average — but well below neighboring states like Georgia and Florida.
Cheapest Alabama Community Colleges
| College | Approximate Annual Cost | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bevill State Community College | ~$4,300 | Jasper/Sumiton/Hamilton |
| Shelton State Community College | ~$4,500 | Tuscaloosa |
| Gadsden State Community College | ~$4,800 | Gadsden/Anniston |
| Wallace State Community College | ~$4,600 | Hanceville |
| Calhoun Community College | ~$4,400 | Decatur/Huntsville area |
| Lawson State Community College | ~$4,500 | Birmingham |
| Jefferson State Community College | ~$4,600 | Birmingham metro |
| Coastal Alabama Community College | ~$4,500 | Bay Minette/Mobile area |
Bevill State and Calhoun tend to be among the cheapest due to lower fee structures.
Financial Aid
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year — this alone covers full tuition and fees at every Alabama community college
- Alabama Student Assistance Program: Need-based grant (up to $5,000)
- FAFSA: Required for all state and federal aid — file early
A Pell Grant recipient at an Alabama community college can have tuition fully covered with $2,000–$3,000 remaining for books and supplies.
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Alabama community colleges offer strong career programs including:
- Nursing (ADN): Gadsden State and Wallace State have competitive nursing programs. RN median salary in Alabama: $66,150/year (BLS)
- Welding: Multiple campuses offer welding certificates. Welder median salary: $51,000/year (BLS)
- HVAC: Certificate programs in 6–12 months. HVAC tech median salary: $57,300/year (BLS)
- Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics: Growing demand from Alabama's automotive manufacturing sector (Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz plants)
Transfer to Four-Year Universities
Alabama's STARS (Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System) helps community college students transfer credits to Alabama's public universities — including University of Alabama, Auburn, UAB, and others. Complete an associate degree and transfer as a junior.
Bottom Line
Alabama community colleges cost under $5,000/year, and Pell Grants cover the full cost for most students. Strong trade programs in welding, HVAC, and nursing make these schools a direct pipeline to well-paying careers.
Search Alabama community colleges on GradeToGrad.