At $24,532/yr net price, South University-Austin graduates earn $34,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,532 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 233.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 9.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,123 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,179/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,666/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,266/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,982/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,613 | $59,405 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 | $23,592 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 | $43,847 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 | $45,268 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,489 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,799 | $46,193 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 | $46,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 | $41,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $36,598 | $62,262 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $42,354 |
The Risk Factor
9.1% of students at South University-Austin 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 University-Austin delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year salary of just $34,421 against a net price of $24,532 annually. The 9% graduation rate means you face overwhelming odds of completing your degree at all.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, with top earners making $91,613 annually. However, even successful nursing graduates carry $59,405 in debt, requiring careful financial planning. Information science offers mixed results, with earnings ranging from $44,418 to $60,839 but debt loads up to $45,268.
You face serious completion risks here. The 17% retention rate means most students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. Only one in eleven students who start here actually graduate.
This school makes financial sense only if you're certain about nursing and have exhausted options at community colleges or public universities. The nursing program's employment outcomes justify the cost, but everything else falls short of providing adequate return on investment.
Skip South University-Austin unless you're committed to nursing and can't access the program elsewhere. Community colleges offer nursing prerequisites at lower cost, and public universities typically provide better graduation rates and stronger alumni networks. The combination of high costs, low completion rates, and weak earnings makes this a financially risky choice for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Austin worth the cost?
For most students, South University-Austin offers poor value with graduates earning just $34,421 ten years after enrollment while paying $24,532 annually. The 9% graduation rate means most students leave with debt but no degree.
What programs at South University-Austin have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at South University-Austin show the strongest returns, with some graduates earning over $90,000. Information Science graduates earn around $60,000, while other programs typically lead to much lower salaries in the $40,000 range.
How much debt do South University-Austin graduates typically have?
South University-Austin graduates carry a median debt of $26,123. Given the low average earnings of $34,421, this debt load represents a significant financial burden for most graduates.
Why is South University-Austin's graduation rate so low?
South University-Austin has a 9% graduation rate, meaning 91 out of 100 students leave without completing their degree. This creates high risk of taking on debt without receiving the credential needed to increase earning potential.