At $22,886/yr net price, South University-Columbia 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) | $22,886 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 217.4 years |
| 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 | $22,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,854/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. | Certificate | $98,736 | $46,988 |
| 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 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 | $41,000 |
| 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 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $41,007 | $52,542 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 | $46,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 | $41,000 |
Analysis
South University-Columbia delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $34,421 ten years after graduation against a net price of $22,886 annually. The school's 10% retention rate signals serious problems that should make you reconsider enrollment.
Nursing programs represent the only clear financial winners at this school. The top nursing track produces median earnings of $98,736, though you'll carry $46,988 in debt. Even the lowest-earning nursing option delivers $66,883 annually with manageable debt of $23,592. These programs justify the investment if you can complete them.
Every other major shows weak returns. Health administration graduates earn $45,207 while carrying $41,000 in debt, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio. Information science students face even worse prospects with $44,418 in earnings against $45,268 in debt, meaning your loans exceed your expected salary.
The retention crisis creates the biggest financial risk. Nine out of ten students leave before completing their programs, often with debt but no degree. As a for-profit institution, South University-Columbia costs significantly more than public alternatives while delivering lower outcomes for non-nursing majors.
You should only consider this school if you're committed to nursing and confident you can complete the program. The nursing job market in Columbia supports these graduates well. For any other field, public universities in South Carolina offer better value and higher completion rates. The school's 57% financial aid rate suggests some merit opportunities exist, but the underlying economics remain problematic for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Columbia worth the cost?
South University-Columbia's $22,886 annual cost produces graduates earning $34,421 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The nursing programs offer better returns with some graduates earning $66,000-$98,000, but other programs struggle to justify the investment.
What are the best paying programs at South University-Columbia?
Nursing programs at South University-Columbia lead earnings with graduates making $66,000-$98,000 annually. Health administration and information science programs produce much lower returns around $44,000-$45,000, barely above the overall graduate average.
How much debt do South University-Columbia graduates have?
South University-Columbia graduates carry a median debt of $26,123. With average earnings of $34,421, this creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that takes years to pay off.
Does South University-Columbia have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,886 at South University-Columbia is relatively high for a regional school. Students should carefully compare financial aid packages and consider whether the expected earnings in their chosen field will cover the costs.