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
The financial picture here is bad. You pay about $24,000 a year, but the median graduate earns $34,421 a decade later , barely above what many jobs pay without a degree. A 13.6% graduation rate and a 25% retention rate mean the odds you finish at all are stacked against you, and dropping out with debt is the worst outcome this school can hand you.
Nursing is the one program that pays for itself. Graduates earn $66,883 against $23,592 in debt, so if you come here, come for nursing. The Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads region has steady demand for nurses, and that salary clears your debt comfortably.
Every other program is a warning sign. Business Administration graduates earn $39,986 but carry $46,000 in debt , you owe more than you make in a year. Information Science pays $44,418 against $45,268 in debt, and Criminal Justice graduates earn $34,420 while owing $42,354. These debt-to-earnings ratios don't work.
The specific risk here is finishing. With three of four students not returning after year one, you are paying for-profit tuition with a high chance of leaving before you earn the credential that justifies it.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $25,182 , more than families in the $30,000-$48,000 band pay. There is no meaningful discount for low income here, so budget for close to full price regardless of what you earn.
This school is a fit if you are enrolling in the nursing program and confident you'll graduate. For any other major, the numbers say look elsewhere , a community college nursing path or a public university will cost you far less for similar or better earnings.
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.