At $25,157/yr net price, South University-Montgomery 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) | $25,157 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 239 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.4% |
| 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 | $24,907/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,532/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 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
15.4% of students at South University-Montgomery 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-Montgomery delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median earnings outcome of just $34,421 ten years after graduation against $25,157 in annual costs. The 15% graduation rate signals serious completion problems that make any investment extremely risky.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable path, with graduates earning $66,883 to $91,613 annually. Even with higher debt loads up to $59,405, nursing graduates see strong returns in Alabama's healthcare market. Information science shows mixed results, with some graduates earning $60,839 but others stuck at $44,418 with similar debt burdens.
The 28% retention rate creates enormous financial risk. You face nearly three-in-four odds of dropping out in your first year, leaving you with debt but no degree. Combined with the low overall graduation rate, this makes South University-Montgomery a gamble for most students.
This school makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and complete it successfully. The healthcare job market in Montgomery supports nursing graduates well. For any other program, you'll likely find better value at community colleges or public universities in Alabama that cost less and graduate more students.
Nearly 70% of students receive financial aid, but the school's for-profit structure typically means fewer merit scholarships and more loans. Focus heavily on federal aid eligibility and avoid private loans given the completion risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Montgomery worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $25,157 annually and median earnings of just $34,421 ten years after graduation, South University-Montgomery offers poor return on investment for most students. The low 15% graduation rate makes it a risky financial choice.
What are the best paying programs at South University-Montgomery?
Nursing programs at South University-Montgomery offer the strongest earnings potential, with graduates earning $66,883 to $91,613 annually. Information Science and Health Administration programs also provide decent returns compared to the school's overall low earnings.
How much debt do South University-Montgomery graduates typically have?
South University-Montgomery graduates carry a median debt of $26,123, which is concerning given the low median earnings of $34,421. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at South University-Montgomery?
Only 15.4% of students graduate from South University-Montgomery, one of the lowest rates among colleges. This means most students leave with debt but no degree, making it a high-risk investment.