Southeastern College-Columbia: 97.1% Acceptance Rate

97.1%Acceptance

$24,184Tuition

248Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,156Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Southeastern College-Columbia

Southeastern College-Columbia trains students for healthcare and business careers in South Carolina's capital city. This career college enrolls 248 students who benefit from small class sizes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The school accepts 97% of applicants and focuses on practical, job-ready skills rather than traditional academics. Most students come from South Carolina, with 95% of enrollment drawn from in-state.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $37,856 annually, which remains steep even for families earning under $30,000. Graduates typically earn $31,156 ten years after starting college, creating a challenging return on investment. Most students take on debt, with a median of $9,500, but monthly loan payments average just $101. The employment rate reaches 92.2%, suggesting graduates find work, though earnings may not justify the high costs.

The student body is overwhelmingly female, with women making up 94% of enrollment. Black students represent 64% of the population, while white students comprise 17%. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The semester calendar system allows students to complete programs relatively quickly in this suburban Columbia setting.

Academics & Faculty

Southeastern College-Columbia operates as a career-focused institution designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classroom settings. With 248 students enrolled, the intimate campus allows professors to know students individually and track their progress closely. The 52.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many career college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. The college specializes in vocational programs that emphasize hands-on training and practical skills development. Students can expect direct instruction from industry professionals rather than traditional academic research. The curriculum prioritizes job readiness over theoretical knowledge, with programs designed around employer needs in the Columbia area.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 84.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,156

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$19,113
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$18,877
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$17,218

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

Southeastern College-Columbia operates as a career-focused institution in South Carolina's capital city, where 248 students pursue hands-on training in a predominantly female environment. Women make up 94% of the student body, creating a supportive community centered around practical skill development. The college serves a diverse population with 64% Black students and draws almost entirely from South Carolina residents at 95%.

Students experience mild winters requiring light jackets and hot, humid summers demanding air conditioning and sunscreen. The suburban Columbia setting provides access to downtown amenities while maintaining a focused learning environment. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classrooms emphasize individualized attention and career preparation. Most students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, creating a professional atmosphere similar to a workplace training center.

The semester calendar allows for intensive skill-building in specialized programs. Students often spend weekends working part-time jobs or internships related to their studies. With 73% receiving Pell Grants, the student body balances education with financial responsibilities, creating a mature, goal-oriented campus culture focused on career advancement rather than traditional college social activities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–59°F
July Avg: 72°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from South Carolina, reflecting the school's role as a local career training center. Women make up almost the entire student body, which aligns with the school's focus on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The overwhelming majority of students receive Pell Grants, showing Southeastern serves working-class families seeking practical job skills. Black students represent nearly two-thirds of enrollment, making this one of the more diverse career colleges in Columbia. The small size of 248 students creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other.

Men: 5.7%
Women: 94.4%
White: 17.3%
Black: 64.1%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 94.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 72.9%

Location

Columbia sits in central South Carolina as the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina's main campus. The city has a population of around 130,000, making it the second-largest in the state after Charleston, which lies 120 miles southeast. Columbia's economy centers on government, healthcare, and education, with a growing tech sector downtown. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of the Southeast. Students find internship and job opportunities in state agencies, regional medical centers, and local businesses throughout the metro area of 800,000 residents. The presence of multiple colleges creates a young professional atmosphere downtown. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Southeastern College-Columbia with similar schools in the region.

Address: Columbia, South Carolina 29223

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,156
Median Earnings (5 years): $26,290
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 18.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southeastern College-Columbia?

Southeastern College-Columbia accepts 97.09% of applicants who apply. This career college focuses on practical training rather than academic selectivity. Nearly all students who meet basic requirements can gain admission to their programs.

How much does Southeastern College-Columbia cost after financial aid?

The average net price reaches $37,856 annually, despite 72.90% of students receiving financial aid. Tuition runs $24,184 for all students regardless of residency status. Most students rely heavily on federal loans, with 82.58% borrowing money to attend.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southeastern College-Columbia?

Classes maintain a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 248 total students enrolled. This small suburban campus allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The intimate setting helps students build direct relationships with instructors in their field.

What are the job outcomes for Southeastern College-Columbia graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.2% employment rate after completing their programs. However, median earnings remain modest at $31,156 ten years after enrollment. The school serves primarily as a pathway to immediate employment rather than high-paying careers.

Where do most students at Southeastern College-Columbia come from?

The student body draws 94.55% of its enrollment from within South Carolina. Women make up 94.35% of students, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated career fields. The campus serves a diverse population with 64.11% Black students and 17.34% White students.

Does Southeastern College-Columbia have a good graduation rate?

Only 52.30% of students graduate within six years from this career college. Many students face financial challenges, with the typical graduate carrying $9,500 in debt. The focus remains on quick entry into the workforce rather than traditional degree completion metrics.