At $20,494/yr net price, South University-West Palm 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) | $20,494 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 194.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
| 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 | $19,604/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,723/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. | Master | $91,613 | $59,405 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 | $23,592 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 | $41,000 |
| 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 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $36,598 | $62,262 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $42,354 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,616 | $39,675 |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at South University-West Palm 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 at South University-West Palm Beach is weak, and one program is the only real exception. Median earnings ten years out sit far below what you'd need to comfortably carry the debt you take on here, and the 21% graduation rate means most people who enroll leave without a degree at all. A 43% retention rate tells the same story: fewer than half of first-year students come back for a second year.
Nursing is the one bet that pays off. At roughly $67,000 a year with the lowest debt load of any program listed, it clears its costs and reflects the steady demand for nurses across South Florida hospitals. Everything else is a problem. Business administration graduates earn about $40,000 but carry $46,000 in debt, so you'd owe more than you make in a year. Criminal justice, health administration, and legal support services all pay in the low $30,000s while stacking $39,000 to $44,000 in debt. Those numbers don't work.
The specific risk here is finishing at all. If you enroll in anything other than nursing, you face high odds of dropping out with debt and no credential, then earning wages that won't service the loans even if you graduate. That combination is the worst-case outcome, and the retention data says it's the common one.
The net price barely moves by income. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $19,600. families over $110,000 pay about $26,700. Lower-income families still owe nearly $20,000 a year with no meaningful discount.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to the nursing program and confident you'll finish. For any other major, or if you're unsure about completing, look at a community college or public university where the price and completion odds are better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-West Palm Beach worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $34,421 ten years after enrollment and a median debt of $26,123, South University-West Palm Beach offers poor return on investment for most students. The low 21% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
What are the best paying programs at South University-West Palm Beach?
Nursing programs at South University-West Palm Beach lead to the highest earnings, with some nursing specializations reaching $91,613 and general nursing around $66,883. Business and health administration programs pay significantly less at around $42,000-$45,000.
How much debt do South University-West Palm Beach graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,123, which is manageable only if you complete a high-paying nursing program. Students in other programs face debt that exceeds their likely earnings potential.
What is the graduation rate at South University-West Palm Beach?
Only 21% of students graduate from South University-West Palm Beach. This extremely low completion rate means most students will accumulate debt without earning a degree, making it a high-risk choice for most applicants.