College & Education in Alabama

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

17 Resources

1. Alabama Commission on Higher Education — Free

State agency coordinating financial aid, scholarships, and college planning resources for Alabama fathers and students. ACHE administers state grants and provides information on federal aid, workforce training, and higher education programs. Dads can call or visit the Union Street Montgomery office for program details and applications. Services and planning resources are free. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries and support.

334-242-1998 · 100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL 36130 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Alabama Community College System — Paid

System of 24 community and technical colleges across Alabama offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training for fathers and adult learners. Tuition varies by program and residency; financial aid and state programs may reduce costs. Dads can apply online at individual colleges; common requirements include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA. System office on Union Street Montgomery open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

334-293-4500 · 135 S Union St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Jefferson State Community College — Paid

Affordable two-year associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs for fathers and adult learners in the Birmingham area at the Carson Road campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; classes offered day, evening, and online.

205-856-7704 · 2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Calhoun Community College — Paid

Two-year associate degrees and technical programs for fathers and adult learners in the Huntsville-Decatur area at the Tanner main campus and other sites. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; classes offered day, evening, and online formats.

256-306-2500 · 6250 US Highway 31 N, Tanner, AL 35671 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid for Alabama fathers seeking federal grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career training. FAFSA is required for most financial aid including Pell Grants and state aid. Dads apply free online at studentaid.gov; required information includes SSN, tax returns, bank statements, and FSA ID. Support helpline available Mon-Fri 8am-11pm Eastern; online application accessible 24/7 with no fees.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Alabama GI Dependents' Educational Benefit — Free

State education benefits for children and spouses of disabled Alabama veterans, supporting family members including those in fatherhood situations pursuing higher education. Benefits may cover tuition and fees at participating Alabama public institutions. Dads and family members can apply through the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs; required documents include DD-214, VA disability rating, and enrollment verification. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

334-242-5077 · 100 N Union St #850, Montgomery, AL 36130 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Bishop State Community College – Mobile — Paid

Affordable career and transfer programs for fathers and adult learners in the Mobile area at the North Broad Street main campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; classes offered day, evening, online, and through workforce development tracks.

251-405-7000 · 351 N Broad St, Mobile, AL 36603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Shelton State Community College – Tuscaloosa — Paid

Two-year associate degrees and workforce training programs for fathers and adult learners in west Alabama at the Old Greensboro Road campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; classes offered day, evening, and online to fit working parents' schedules.

205-391-2211 · 9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Alabama Adult Education – GED Programs — Free

Free GED preparation and adult literacy programs for Alabama fathers statewide, delivered through community colleges and local providers under the Alabama Community College System. Dads can enroll at local program sites; required documents typically include photo ID. Classes are free; GED test fees may apply but scholarships are sometimes available. Program hours vary by location; central administration on Union Street Montgomery.

334-293-4583 · 135 S Union St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Varies by location · Visit Website

10. Wallace State Community College – Hanceville — Paid

Two-year programs and workforce training for fathers and adult learners in north central Alabama at the Main Street NW Hanceville campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; classes offered in day, evening, online, and hybrid formats for working parents.

256-352-8000 · 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Gadsden State Community College — Paid

Affordable associate degrees and technical training programs for fathers and adult learners in northeast Alabama at the George Wallace Drive Gadsden campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; day, evening, and online class options support working fathers.

256-549-8200 · 1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35902 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Trenholm State Community College – Montgomery — Paid

Career and technical education programs for fathers and adult learners in the Montgomery area at the Air Base Boulevard campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; day, evening, and online class formats support working parents and career changers.

334-420-4200 · 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Drake State Community & Technical College – Huntsville — Paid

Technical and career programs for fathers and adult learners in the Huntsville area at the Meridian Street North campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; day, evening, and online formats help working fathers earn credentials and advance careers.

256-539-8161 · 3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Lawson State Community College – Birmingham — Paid

Two-year associate degrees and workforce development programs for fathers and adult learners in the Birmingham area at the Wilson Road SW campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; day, evening, and online courses support working parents.

205-925-2515 · 3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Snead State Community College – Boaz — Paid

Affordable higher education for fathers and adult learners serving Marshall and surrounding counties at the North Walnut Street Boaz campus. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid eligibility. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; day, evening, and online courses support working fathers earning degrees.

256-593-5120 · 220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. Pell Grant – Federal Aid for Alabama Students — Free

Federal need-based grants for Alabama undergraduate fathers and students, with no repayment required. Pell Grants require a completed FAFSA; award amounts depend on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Dads apply free online at studentaid.gov using SSN, tax returns, and an FSA ID. Support helpline available Mon-Fri 8am-11pm Eastern; online application accessible 24/7 with no application fees for any student.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

17. Southern Union State Community College – Opelika — Paid

Two-year associate degrees and technical programs for fathers and adult learners in east Alabama at the Wadley main campus, with sites in Opelika and Valley. Tuition varies; financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans available. Dads can apply online; required documents include photo ID, high school/GED transcripts, and FAFSA for aid. Admissions office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; day, evening, and online classes support working parents.

334-745-6437 · 750 Roberts St, Wadley, AL 36276 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.