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
South University-West Palm Beach delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $34,421 ten years after graduation against a net price exceeding $20,000 annually. The 21% graduation rate means four out of five students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt from their time enrolled.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear exception, with some graduates earning over $90,000 annually. Even the lower-earning nursing track at $66,883 provides solid returns relative to its $23,592 debt load. Health administration graduates earn $45,207 but carry $41,000 in debt, creating a tighter margin. Business administration produces disappointing outcomes with $42,799 earnings against $46,193 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk at this school is dropping out. The 43% retention rate signals that many students struggle to persist, leaving them with debt but no degree. The for-profit structure means fewer grant aid options and higher reliance on loans.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to nursing and confident you'll complete the program. The strong nursing job market in South Florida supports the higher earnings potential. All other programs present poor value propositions given their debt-to-earnings ratios.
If you're not pursuing nursing, community colleges offer better pathways into healthcare support roles at lower costs. Traditional four-year universities provide stronger business programs with better alumni networks and job placement support.
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.