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 carries serious financial risk. Median earnings ten years out sit at $34,421, barely above the net price of a single year and below what many jobs pay without a degree. The graduation rate of 9.10% and retention rate of 16.67% are the headline problem: most who enroll here leave without finishing, but the debt does not leave with them. You can pay for years and walk away with loans and no credential.
Nursing is the one program that pays off. Graduates earn $66,883 against $23,592 in debt, a rare case here where earnings clear the borrowing by a wide margin. If you enroll for nursing and actually finish, the math works.
Everything else looks weak. Business Administration graduates earn $39,986 but carry $46,000 in debt, more than they make in a year. Information Science pairs $44,418 in earnings with $45,268 in debt. Criminal Justice comes out worst: $34,420 in earnings against $42,354 borrowed. In these programs you owe more than a full year's salary before you start repaying.
The net price tiers add a strange wrinkle. Families earning $30-48k pay the least at $18,666, while families under $30k pay $25,179 and those earning $75-110k pay the most at $27,266. The lowest earners do not get the biggest break here, so run your specific number before assuming aid will help.
This school makes financial sense only if you are set on nursing and confident you will graduate, given how few students do. For any other major, the debt loads outrun the salaries, and the completion odds make even the good outcomes a gamble. Look elsewhere unless nursing is your plan.
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.