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Programs of Study

Gadsden State Campus Photo

Alabama Language Institute  

Alabama Language Institute logo

Alabama Language Institute's Mission Statement:

Using modern technology and a variety of classroom teaching methods, Alabama Language Institute aims to

  • Prepare students for a successful academic experience in a U.S. college or university.
  • Help students obtain an adequate score on the TOEFL.
  • Improve English language skills for professionals in the workplace.
  • Provide a nurturing environment conducive to learning.
  • Internationalize the larger institution and share different cultures across the campus.
  • Encourage students to respect cultures different from their own and play a role in promoting peace and understanding in the world.

ALI:

  • Started in 1973.
  • First language institute in Alabama.
  • Only Intensive English Program at a community college in Alabama.
  • Recognized as the oldest in the Southeast by National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA).

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ALI advantages:

  • Low Cost
  • Small Class Size
  • Individual Attention
  • Longevity and Experience
  • 1st Language Diversity in Student Population

ALI programming usually also includes:

  • Student Advising (Required Twice Per Semester)
  • Cultural Workshops
  • Conversation Partners
  • Field trips
  • Practice TOEFL Exams
  • International Education Week (Fall)
  • International Festival (Spring)

 

ALI courses provide practice in all four major language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are given a computerized placement test, interview and written diagnostic during the student’s first term and are then placed into the appropriate level according to scores on the ESL Placement test.

ALI Contact Information: 256-549-8446

ALI Courses

Level 1/2: Beginning Level 3/4: Intermediate Level 5/6: Advanced Credit Hours
Grammar Grammar Grammar 3
Reading Reading Reading 3
Composition  Composition Composition 3
Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking 3
Vocabulary 1 Vocabulary 2 Vocabulary 3  3
Pronunciation 1 Pronunciation 2 TOEFL Strategies 3

 

2026/2027
Estimated Expenses for Alabama Language Institute
(1 Semester = 16 weeks)

Estimated ALI Expenses Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer Semester

Tuition (18 credit hours at $337 per credit hour)*

  $6,066  $6,066  $6,066
Books and supplies**   $500 $500 $500
Medical Insurance 

 $30-$150/month

$30-$150/month

$30-$150/month
Room and board****  $2,600 $2,600 $1,300
Dorm application fee  $100 $100 $100

 

Personal spending varies, but $225 per month is average.

*Off-campus room and board costs will vary. 

Explanation of expenses for each item listed above:

  • Core curriculum program: 18 hours per week of class. Cost per one (1) credit hour is $337.

This is an estimated amount.

  • Insurance coverage is required during the entire year.
  • Costs vary depending on student’s choice in provider.
  • Eyeglasses/dental services are not covered by medical insurance.

Room and Board

Students applying for campus housing are required to pay a non-refundable housing application fee based on their term of entry.

  • A non-refundable fee of $100 is required of all students beginning residency in the fall semester. This fee applies regardless of whether the student resides for both fall and spring terms or for the fall term only.
  • Students who begin residency in the spring semester will be assessed a prorated non-refundable fee of $50 for that term. Students who continue in housing into the following fall semester will be required to pay the $100 fee at that time.
  • Students residing in housing during the summer term are assessed a non-refundable application fee of $50, whether summer housing is a standalone term or in addition to spring residency.
  • Cafeteria is open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Thursday and closed weekends and holidays. 

NOTE: Additional expenses include expenses between semesters and on holidays, clothes, laundry, and personal needs. If the student lives off-campus and/or purchases a car, additional expenses will exceed the average.

Important Information

Room and board is not guaranteed until paid in full. Tuition and medical insurance must be paid in full at the time of registration. These expenses can be paid by money order, cash, credit card (Visa, Master Card or American Express), traveler’s checks, or by a cashier’s check from a U.S. bank or institution, or wire transfer.


TUITION AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE