At $24,116/yr net price, South University-Savannah 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) | $24,116 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 229.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.7% |
| 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 | $23,807/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,266/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,218/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $170,546 | $141,732 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,579 | $218,766 |
| 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 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $81,997 | $58,651 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 | $23,592 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 | $43,847 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
22.7% of students at South University-Savannah 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-Savannah delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year earnings of just $34,421 against $24,116 annual costs and a dismal 22.7% graduation rate.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates earning $91,613 to $98,736 with manageable debt loads of $46,988 to $59,405. Allied health programs show strong earning potential at $100,140 to $170,546, but come with crushing debt burdens of $139,314 to $141,732 that could take decades to repay.
Pharmacy graduates face the worst debt-to-income ratio, earning $122,579 while carrying $218,766 in student loans. The monthly payments alone would consume a significant portion of their income for years.
Your biggest risk here is the 50% retention rate and 22.7% graduation rate, meaning you have roughly a one-in-five chance of actually finishing your degree. Most students who start here either transfer or drop out, often with debt but no credential to show for it.
This school makes financial sense only if you can get into the nursing program and complete it successfully. The healthcare job market in Savannah provides decent opportunities for nurses, making this one of the few paths to positive ROI.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering any program outside of nursing or allied health. The low graduation rates and poor median earnings make this a high-risk investment for most career paths. Traditional public universities or community colleges offer better value for general education and business programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Savannah worth the cost?
South University-Savannah has poor ROI for most students, with graduates earning just $34,421 ten years after enrollment despite a net price of $24,116 annually. The 22.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What programs at South University-Savannah have the best job prospects?
Pharmacy programs lead with $122,579 in median earnings, followed by nursing at around $91,000-$98,000. Most other programs result in earnings well below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do South University-Savannah graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,123, which is manageable only for pharmacy and nursing students. Students in other programs often struggle to repay loans with the low earnings typical of this school.
Does South University-Savannah have good graduation rates?
No, only 22.7% of students graduate from South University-Savannah. This means nearly 8 out of 10 students leave without a degree but may still have student loan debt.