At $26,205/yr net price, South University-Richmond 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) | $26,205 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 249 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.7% |
| 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 | $26,036/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,140 | $139,314 |
| 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 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 | $43,847 |
| 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 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 | $46,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
20.7% of students at South University-Richmond 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-Richmond presents a financially risky proposition for most students, with weak overall returns that mask a few profitable programs. The school's $34,421 median earnings fall well short of justifying its $26,205 annual cost, creating a challenging debt-to-income scenario for typical graduates.
Your best financial bet lies in nursing programs, which consistently deliver strong returns with earnings ranging from $66,883 to $98,736. The nursing track with $23,592 debt and $66,883 earnings offers the cleanest path to positive ROI. Allied health diagnostic programs command the highest salaries at $100,140, but the $139,314 debt load creates significant financial strain even with premium earnings.
Information science graduates earn $60,839 with $43,847 in debt, providing moderate returns. Most other programs at this institution fail to generate sufficient income to justify their costs, leaving you financially worse off than career alternatives requiring less education.
The 20.7% graduation rate signals serious completion risks that compound the financial challenges. Nearly four out of five students leave without finishing, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. The 63.64% retention rate indicates many students recognize early that the academic or financial value does not meet expectations.
This school makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to nursing or allied health programs and have realistic expectations about debt loads. Students seeking broader career flexibility or those unsure about healthcare commitments should look elsewhere. The low graduation rates and weak overall earnings make this a poor choice for career exploration or general degree pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Richmond worth the cost?
South University-Richmond's ROI is poor for most students, with graduates earning just $34,421 ten years after enrollment despite paying over $26,000 annually. The 21% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree but still carry debt.
What are the best paying programs at South University-Richmond?
Allied health diagnostic programs and nursing degrees offer the strongest returns at South University-Richmond, with some graduates earning $66,000-$100,000. Information science graduates earn around $60,000, while other programs typically lead to much lower salaries.
How much debt do South University-Richmond graduates have?
South University-Richmond graduates leave with a median debt of $26,123. Given the low average earnings of $34,421, this debt burden represents a significant financial challenge for most graduates.
What is South University-Richmond's graduation rate?
Only 21% of students graduate from South University-Richmond. This extremely low completion rate means most students accumulate debt without earning their degree, making the investment particularly risky.