About South University-Richmond
South University-Richmond focuses on career preparation in a suburban setting outside Virginia's capital. The campus serves 244 students in Glen Allen, emphasizing practical skills for working professionals. Women make up 85.66% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students.
Students pay an average net price of $26,205 after aid, which stays consistent regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years after enrollment, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with median debt of $26,123. Only 25.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, and monthly payments average $277. The employment rate reaches 94.7%, but the modest earning potential raises questions about return on investment.
The academic experience features an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. However, only 20.70% of students graduate within six years, and 63.64% return after their first year. The quarter system moves quickly through coursework. All students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community but limited geographic diversity. Black students represent 56.15% of enrollment, making this a minority-serving institution in the Richmond area.
Students pay an average net price of $26,205 after aid, which stays consistent regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years after enrollment, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with median debt of $26,123. Only 25.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, and monthly payments average $277. The employment rate reaches 94.7%, but the modest earning potential raises questions about return on investment.
The academic experience features an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. However, only 20.70% of students graduate within six years, and 63.64% return after their first year. The quarter system moves quickly through coursework. All students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community but limited geographic diversity. Black students represent 56.15% of enrollment, making this a minority-serving institution in the Richmond area.
Academics & Faculty
South University-Richmond operates as a career-focused institution with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that promises personalized attention. The small class sizes should theoretically provide strong support, but the 20.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. This private college specializes in practical fields like nursing, business, and criminal justice that prepare graduates for immediate employment. The 94.7% employment rate indicates successful job placement for those who finish. However, the low 25.48% loan repayment rate reveals financial challenges post-graduation. Students receive focused training in their chosen fields, but academic persistence remains a significant hurdle at this quarter-system institution.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.7%
- Retention Rate
- 63.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,421
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,140 |
| 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 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,489 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,799 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 |
Campus Life
This career-focused college operates from a suburban campus in Glen Allen, about 15 minutes north of Richmond. With just 244 students enrolled, you'll know most faces on campus within your first quarter. The student body is 86% female, reflecting the school's emphasis on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract more women.
Virginia's climate means you'll need both winter coats and summer clothes, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in January to the 80s in summer. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly compared to traditional semester schools. With a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, expect small classes where professors know your name and track your progress closely.
Most students commute since this is primarily a local institution with 100% in-state enrollment. Weekends often involve study groups or part-time work, as 55% of students take federal loans to cover the $18,238 annual tuition. The focus here is practical and professional rather than traditional college social life. Students typically balance coursework with jobs or internships in the Richmond area's healthcare and business sectors.
Virginia's climate means you'll need both winter coats and summer clothes, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in January to the 80s in summer. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly compared to traditional semester schools. With a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, expect small classes where professors know your name and track your progress closely.
Most students commute since this is primarily a local institution with 100% in-state enrollment. Weekends often involve study groups or part-time work, as 55% of students take federal loans to cover the $18,238 annual tuition. The focus here is practical and professional rather than traditional college social life. Students typically balance coursework with jobs or internships in the Richmond area's healthcare and business sectors.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–46°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.7"
Student Demographics
This career-focused college draws primarily African American women from Virginia seeking practical professional training. Women make up 86% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. More than half the students are Black, and all are Virginia residents, showing South University-Richmond serves as an educational pathway for local communities. The 41% Pell Grant rate indicates the school fulfills its mission of providing career training to working-class students who need accessible, job-focused education close to home.
- Men
- 14.3%
- Women
- 85.7%
- White
- 27.1%
- Black
- 56.2%
- Hispanic
- 4.1%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.3%
Location
South University-Richmond sits in Glen Allen, Virginia, a suburb about 10 miles north of downtown Richmond. The campus serves an enrollment of 244 students in Virginia's capital region. Glen Allen blends suburban convenience with access to Richmond's business district and cultural amenities. The area offers internship opportunities in healthcare, government, and finance sectors that align with the school's career-focused programs. Richmond's historic neighborhoods and the James River provide recreational options for students. The quarter system calendar allows flexibility for working students in this economically diverse metro area. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare South University-Richmond with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
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 is the student body composition at South University-Richmond?
The campus enrolls just 244 students, making it one of Virginia's smallest colleges. Women make up 85.66% of students, and the majority are Black students at 56.15%, reflecting the school's focus on serving diverse communities in the Richmond area.
How much does South University-Richmond cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,205 annually, even though tuition is listed at $18,238. Only 3.28% of students receive institutional grants, leaving most to rely on federal aid and loans to cover the higher actual costs.
What are the graduation rates at South University-Richmond?
The four-year graduation rate stands at just 20.93%, well below national averages. This for-profit career college operates on a quarter system, which can accelerate programs but challenging completion rates suggest students struggle to finish.
What do graduates of South University-Richmond typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $34,421 ten years after graduation, which is relatively modest for college graduates. The school focuses on career-ready programs, with 94.7% of graduates finding employment, though many carry significant debt loads.
Does South University-Richmond have small class sizes?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, suggesting smaller classes and more personal attention. However, with only 244 total students and 63.64% retention rate, the intimate setting comes with questions about institutional stability.
How manageable is student debt at South University-Richmond?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,123 with monthly payments of $277. The loan repayment rate of just 25.48% indicates many alumni struggle to pay back their educational investments, a common challenge at for-profit institutions.
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