News Summary
In a bold move, the University of Alabama has announced a significant reduction in tuition for its Early College program, lowering the fee to just $33 per credit hour starting fall 2025. This 90% decrease aims to enhance accessibility for high school students seeking college-level coursework. With over 100 courses available, students can engage in diverse subjects both online and in-person. This initiative not only promotes college readiness but also reflects a growing trend of dual enrollment among Alabama high schoolers.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The University of Alabama (UA) has announced a drastic cut in the tuition for its Early College program for the fall 2025 semester, reducing the cost to just $33 per credit hour. This new rate marks a significant 90% decrease from the previous fee of $385 per credit hour, making the program more accessible for high school students looking to experience college-level coursework.
The decision to lower tuition aims to eliminate financial barriers that may have prevented students from participating in the Early College program. Lynette Campos, the director of UA Early College, has highlighted that this change will pave the way for many more students to access valuable educational opportunities.
High school students enrolled in the program will have the option to choose from over 100 different courses, covering a variety of subjects, including Japanese, physics, and computer science principles. These classes will be available in both online and in-person formats, catering to diverse learning preferences.
To qualify for the Early College program, students must have completed at least the ninth grade and maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, those who enroll will take a free college readiness course designated as UAEC 200, designed to help them transition into the rigors of college-level studies. The program targets students in grades 10-12, enhancing their preparedness for future academic pursuits.
While UA is implementing these notable changes, it is important to recognize that other universities in Alabama also provide dual enrollment options for high school students. In the year 2023, dual enrollment accounted for 4.9% of total enrollments at universities and 31.9% at community colleges in Alabama. This indicates a growing trend among high school students to engage with higher education before graduating.
Looking ahead, the standard tuition for in-state college students at UA will increase to $5,842 per semester in the 2025-26 academic year, up from $5,690. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition is projected to rise to $17,271 per semester, reflecting an increase of 3.50% from the previous rate. This contrast in financial commitment highlights the University of Alabama’s proactive move to support early college students while adjusting its broader tuition policies.
This recent initiative by UA is part of a larger effort across educational institutions in the state to foster college readiness and success among young students. By reducing tuition costs for early college coursework, the University aims to provide a launching pad for high school students, giving them valuable experiences that will benefit their academic journeys well beyond graduation.
The increase in dual enrollment participation among high school students signifies a shift in educational strategies, encouraging students to take advantage of early college programs and enhance their qualifications for future studies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tuition Increases Coming to Alabama’s Universities
Concerns Mount Over Trump Administration’s Impact on International Students
Additional Resources
- The Crimson White
- AL.com
- WTVY
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Yellowhammer News
- Wikipedia: Dual Enrollment
- Google Search: early college programs
- Google Scholar: tuition reduction programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: college tuition
- Google News: University of Alabama tuition
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
