University of West Alabama

Yes, UWA is an online school, but it also offers campus-based learning in Livingston, Alabama. Online students make up nearly half (47%) of the school's undergraduate class, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That number rises to 92% for graduate-level students. 

The University of West Alabama is largely considered a good school based on its diversity, affordability, and high-ranking online degrees. Data from College Scorecard shows it with a nearly even split of Black (41%) and white (44%) undergraduate students, as well as an annual cost approximately $3,000 below the midpoint for other four-year universities. UAW also has one of the best online master's in school counseling programs in the country, coming in at #4 on OnlineU's rankings page. 

Yes, online degrees from UWA are respected by employers because the school is accredited. This means that the programs and faculty are graded for quality by a third-party agency overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees, and certificates. 

All schools featured on the OnlineU site are accredited to provide only the most trustworthy colleges and unviersities.

UWA is perhaps best known for its online education programs. Its Education Specialist programs allow prospective teachers to gain a post-master's level certificate without pursuing a full PhD. Some of these programs include licenses, such as the Instructional Leadership Certificate and School Counseling Certificate programs. There's also the Alternative Class A programs for students who have completed a non-teaching degree but wish to switch paths to pursue a teaching program. Each of these include a path to licensure and can be taken in specific areas of education, such as general science, special education, and mathematics.

The highest earning degree at UWA is its Associate of Science in Nursing. According to College Scorecard, graduates of this program can expect to earn a median annual salary of $54,500. While this program is not available online, it does lead to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), which can be completely remotely. 

The second highest earning degree is in teacher education with a salary of $36,000. There are four online degrees available in this area including the Bachelor of Science in General Science - Teacher Certification. 

According to College Scorecard, UWA has an acceptance rate of 93%. This means that nearly all students are accepted into the school as long as they meet basic admissions criteria. 

Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are also available which may make UWA easier for some students to get into. 

In order to apply to college at UWA, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or meet certain entrance exam score criteria, including a combined SAT score of 920-980 or a composite ACT score of 17-18. Those who meet these qualifications can apply by following these steps:

• Fill out UWA's online application.
• Pay the $30 application fee.
• Submit high school and/or college transcripts.