About South University-Savannah Online
The financial picture raises serious concerns for prospective students. The average net price reaches $26,308, but graduates earn just $34,421 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with $26,123 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $277. Only 25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The 6-year graduation rate stands at just 5%, meaning very few students actually complete their programs.
The student-faculty ratio of 31:1 suggests limited individual attention in online courses. Nearly all students (76%) receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly low-income population. The retention rate of 24% means three-quarters of students don't return for their second year. While 95% of graduates find employment, their low earnings relative to debt burden make this a high-risk educational investment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 31:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 9.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 5.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 5.1%
- Retention Rate
- 23.8%
- 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 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 |
| 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
Students log into virtual classrooms from home offices, kitchen tables, and break rooms across the country. Only 10% of students actually live in Georgia, with most scattered nationwide. The online format means no dorms, no campus quads, and no weekend football games. Instead, students participate in discussion boards, attend virtual lectures, and submit assignments on their own schedules. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio translates to large online classes with limited individual attention. Many students work full-time while enrolled, making this a part-time educational experience rather than the immersive college lifestyle found at traditional universities. Success requires strong self-discipline and time management skills.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Other
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–61°F
- July Avg
- 73°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 23.7%
- Women
- 76.3%
- White
- 34.6%
- Black
- 44.5%
- Hispanic
- 12.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 10.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 76.3%
Location
- Address
- Savannah, Georgia 31406
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 acceptance rate at South University-Savannah Online?
The school operates with open enrollment for most programs, meaning qualified applicants are typically admitted without highly competitive selection processes. With 6,492 students enrolled, this for-profit institution focuses on serving working adults who need flexible scheduling. The emphasis is on career-focused education rather than selective admissions.
How much does South University-Savannah Online cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,308 annually, with 76.25% receiving some form of financial aid. The sticker price of $16,546 in tuition applies to all students regardless of residency status. However, only 3.31% receive institutional grants averaging $5,440, meaning most aid comes from federal sources.
What is the student-faculty ratio at South University-Savannah Online?
Classes average 31 students per faculty member, reflecting the online delivery model that allows for larger class sizes. The retention rate stands at just 23.78%, indicating many students struggle to continue their studies. This career-focused university emphasizes practical skills over traditional academic mentoring relationships.
What are the graduation rates at South University-Savannah Online?
Only 5.59% of students graduate within four years, and 5.10% complete their degrees within six years. These low completion rates are common among for-profit institutions serving working adults who face competing life priorities. Despite graduation challenges, 94.7% of graduates find employment after completing their programs.
Where do South University-Savannah Online students come from geographically?
Just 10.25% of students are Georgia residents, while nearly 90% come from other states taking advantage of online programs. The diverse student body is 44.47% Black, 34.55% White, and 12.63% Hispanic. Women make up 76.32% of enrollment, typical for programs in healthcare and business fields.
How much do South University-Savannah Online graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,123. Monthly loan payments average $277, though only 25.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The focus on career training helps achieve a 94.7% employment rate despite modest salary outcomes.
