Skip to main content

Rural Colleges in Alabama

8 schools in Alabama. See our methodology.

Reid State Technical College charges students just $131 net annually while maintaining a 55.3% graduation rate, making it among Alabama's most affordable educational pathways. Rural Alabama colleges serve 14,388 students across eight institutions, with costs ranging dramatically from Reid's minimal fees to University of Mobile's $19,603 annual price tag. These schools connect directly to Alabama's expanding aerospace and automotive sectors, where Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA Marshall create demand for technical training and four-year degrees. Marion Military Institute graduates earn $59,644 annually despite a 31.5% completion rate, while George C. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville enrolls 4,413 students at $14,042 net cost. The Alabama Student Grant Program supports students across these rural campuses, particularly benefiting those pursuing careers in manufacturing and aerospace industries that drive the state's economic growth.
8
Schools
$8,881
Avg. Net Price
$40,016
Avg. Earnings
41.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Alabama

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Distant 4,413 $14,042 48.2%
2 Rural-Remote 365 $131 55.3%
3 Rural-Remote 308 $10,137 31.5%
4 Rural-Fringe 1,122 $3,041 43.2%
5 Rural-Distant 1,547 $1,612 31.8%
6 Rural-Remote 3,888 $8,652 27.0%
7 Rural-Remote 2,666 $13,832 38.0%
8 Rural-Fringe 1,079 $19,603 55.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Reid State Technical College so affordable compared to other Alabama rural colleges?

Reid State Technical College charges students only $131 net annually, the lowest among rural Alabama institutions. With 365 enrolled students and a 55.3% graduation rate, the school focuses on technical training that directly serves local industries, keeping costs minimal while maintaining strong completion rates.

How do graduation rates vary among Alabama's rural colleges?

Graduation rates span from 27.0% at Southern Union State Community College to 55.5% at University of Mobile. Reid State Technical College and University of Mobile both achieve above 55% completion rates, while larger community colleges like George C. Wallace State-Hanceville maintain 48.2% despite serving over 4,000 students.

Is Marion Military Institute worth considering despite its lower graduation rate?

Marion Military Institute graduates earn $59,644 annually, the highest among these eight schools, despite a 31.5% graduation rate. With 308 students and 62.7% acceptance rate, the military structure attracts specific students who benefit from disciplined environments and strong alumni networks in aerospace and defense sectors.

Does enrollment size affect college costs in rural Alabama?

George C. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville serves 4,413 students at $14,042 net cost, while smaller Reid State Technical College with 365 students charges just $131. Southern Union State Community College enrolls 3,888 students for $8,652, showing that larger schools don't necessarily mean higher costs.

Where do rural Alabama college graduates find the best earning opportunities?

Marion Military Institute leads with $59,644 average earnings, followed by University of West Alabama at $44,232. Alabama's growing aerospace sector, including NASA Marshall and Airbus facilities, creates high-paying opportunities for technical and four-year degree graduates from these rural institutions.

Related

Rural Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Alabama Cheapest Programs in Alabama

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.