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. 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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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.