About South University-Columbia
Students pay an average net price of $22,886 regardless of family income, which remains consistent across all income brackets. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,123. The monthly loan payment of $277 represents a significant burden given these earnings levels. Only 25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule, suggesting financial challenges for many graduates.
The student body is predominantly local, with 91% coming from South Carolina. Black students make up 71% of enrollment, while white students represent just 16% of the campus. The extremely low four-year graduation rate of 4% reflects the challenges many students face in completing their programs. However, 95% of graduates find employment, indicating that those who finish do enter the job market successfully.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 3.9%
- Retention Rate
- 10.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,421
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $98,736 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,613 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,489 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,799 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $41,007 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 |
Campus Life
Most of the 90.91% in-state students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, creating a different social active than traditional residential colleges. Weekend activities often center around Columbia's downtown district and the University of South Carolina's nearby campus, which provides more entertainment options. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in the career-focused health sciences and business programs. With 70.56% of students identifying as Black, the campus reflects Columbia's diverse metropolitan area. Students typically balance coursework with part-time jobs or internships, preparing for the professional world through hands-on learning rather than traditional college social experiences.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–56°F
- July Avg
- 70°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 14.6%
- Women
- 85.4%
- White
- 16.4%
- Black
- 70.6%
- Hispanic
- 3.8%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 90.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 57.6%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, South Carolina 29203
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,421
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,826
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $277/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,123
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at South University-Columbia?
South University-Columbia maintains a 10% retention rate, suggesting open admission policies typical of career-focused institutions. The school serves students who may not have succeeded in traditional college settings. With 445 enrolled students, the institution prioritizes accessibility over selectivity.
How much does South University-Columbia cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,886 annually regardless of family income level. About 58% of students receive federal financial aid, though only 2.7% receive institutional grants. The consistent pricing reflects the for-profit model where tuition remains $18,238 for all students.
What academic programs is South University-Columbia known for?
The school operates on a quarter system and focuses on career-oriented programs in health sciences and business. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small and practical. The accelerated degree options appeal to working adults seeking quick career transitions.
What are the job prospects after graduating from South University-Columbia?
Graduates achieve a 94.7% employment rate, though the 4-year graduation rate sits at just 3.85%. Those who complete programs earn a median of $34,421 ten years after enrollment. The $277 monthly loan payment reflects the challenge many face with a 25.48% loan repayment rate.
Where is South University-Columbia located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Columbia, serving primarily local students with 90.91% coming from South Carolina. Women make up 85.39% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on health science programs. The diverse student population includes 70.56% Black students and 16.40% White students.
Is South University-Columbia a good value for career training?
The school's for-profit structure means students graduate with a median debt of $26,123 for career-focused training. Recent graduates earn $55,439 in their first year, suggesting immediate employment opportunities. However, the extremely low graduation and retention rates indicate significant academic challenges for many students.
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