At $17,182/yr net price, South College graduates earn $36,642/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,642/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,182 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,642/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,642/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,668 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,219/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,193/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,707/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,550/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,650 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,440 | $159,756 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $29,167 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,829 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $19,916 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,568 | $19,417 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Food Science and Technology. | Certificate | $31,133 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at South College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South College presents a mixed financial picture that depends heavily on your chosen program. The pharmacy program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $121,650 annually, making the investment worthwhile despite higher costs. However, the school's 36.7% graduation rate creates significant risk that you might not complete your degree at all.
Healthcare programs dominate the strong performers here. Nursing graduates earn $51,482 with manageable debt of $29,167, while certain allied health specializations reach $104,440. These align well with Tennessee's healthcare job market and aging population trends. Business and general allied health programs show weaker returns at around $38,000, barely above the overall median of $36,642.
The biggest financial risk is the low completion rate combined with the for-profit structure. Nearly two-thirds of students don't graduate, leaving them with debt but no degree. The $17,182 annual net price is reasonable, but you face higher dropout risk than at traditional colleges.
This school works financially if you enter pharmacy or specialized healthcare programs and have strong academic preparation to beat the completion odds. The healthcare focus gives South College a clear regional advantage in Knoxville's medical sector. Avoid this option if you're considering business programs or lack confidence in your ability to persist through a challenging academic environment.
With only half of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing the highest-earning healthcare programs and maintaining strong grades to ensure graduation. The relatively low median debt of $18,668 helps, but only if you actually finish your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South College worth the money?
South College's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Pharmacy and allied health graduates earn $104,000-$121,000 annually, making the $17,182 yearly cost worthwhile, but business graduates average only $38,829 with similar debt levels.
What is the graduation rate at South College?
South College has a 37% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't finish their degrees. This creates significant financial risk since you'll still owe money even if you don't graduate.
How much debt do South College graduates have?
South College graduates carry a median debt of $18,668, which is manageable for pharmacy and nursing graduates but creates payment challenges for business majors earning under $40,000 annually.
Which South College programs have the best ROI?
Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences offer the strongest returns at South College, with graduates earning over $121,000 annually. Nursing and allied health programs also provide solid returns around $51,000-$104,000, while business programs show weaker financial outcomes.