At $24,372/yr net price, South University-Virginia Beach 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) | $24,372 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 231.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.6% |
| 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 | $25,182/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,513/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,139/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. | 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 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
13.6% of students at South University-Virginia Beach 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-Virginia Beach presents a poor financial proposition for most students, with median earnings of just $34,421 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $24,372 annually. The school's 13.6% graduation rate means you face an extremely high risk of leaving with debt but no degree.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $66,883 to $98,736 annually. However, even nursing students carry substantial debt loads ranging from $23,592 to $59,405. Information Science graduates earn $60,839 but take on $43,847 in debt, creating a tight margin for loan repayment. Health administration pays just $45,207 with $41,000 in debt, making loan payments difficult on that salary.
The 25% retention rate signals that three-quarters of students leave after their first year, often with some debt but no progress toward a degree. This creates a particularly dangerous financial scenario where you pay tuition but gain no credential value in the job market.
You should consider this school only if you are specifically pursuing nursing and have thoroughly researched alternative nursing programs with better completion rates and lower costs. Virginia has strong public nursing programs that offer better value. For all other programs, the combination of low earnings, high debt, and abysmal completion rates makes South University-Virginia Beach financially risky.
The school's for-profit status means limited merit aid opportunities, and with only 51% of students receiving financial aid, you may face the full cost burden. Your money would be better invested in Virginia's public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Virginia Beach worth the cost?
For most students, South University-Virginia Beach offers poor value with graduates earning only $34,421 after 10 years while paying $24,372 annually. The 13.6% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their degree.
What programs at South University-Virginia Beach have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at South University-Virginia Beach show strong returns with graduates earning $66,883 to $98,736. Information Science graduates earn $60,839, making these fields the most financially viable options at the school.
How much debt do South University-Virginia Beach graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $26,123, which exceeds the typical graduate's starting salary of $34,421. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most program completers.
Should I consider South University-Virginia Beach for nursing?
South University-Virginia Beach's nursing programs offer solid earning potential with graduates making $66,883 to $98,736. However, the school's low overall graduation rate raises concerns about program completion even in their strongest field.