South College
South College is a private for-profit institution in Knoxville, TN ranked #1802 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, and enrolling about 8,745 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, 52.2% first-year retention, and 42.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,858, about $860 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -47.4%, roughly 132.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $37,570. That's about $6,118 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
South College has annual tuition of $18,535, average net price of $17,858, and a national rank of #1802 (Grade C-), with a 42.1% six-year graduation rate, about 8,745 undergraduates, and median earnings of $37,570 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is South College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
South College graduates 42.1% of students within six years and keeps 52.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use South College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $18,535 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,954 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.8% of South College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,710/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,053/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $37,570
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,570
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 33.1%
- Employment Rate 83.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for South College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
South College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how South College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes South College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While South College graduates earn $37,570 median, the -47.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,745
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 52.2%
- Graduation Rate 42.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into South College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: South College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, South College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among South College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 77.8%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 6.2%
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 4.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 2.2%
- Non-Professional Legal Studies 1.8%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 1.1%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 0.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $70,203
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,414
- 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $50,966
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $44,713
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $43,775
- 6. Food Science and Technology $41,444
- 7. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $39,238
- 8. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $37,991
- 9. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $30,446
- 10. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $28,606
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $138,701
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $129,128
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $88,631
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $70,203—145% more than Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($28,606). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $138,701 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for South College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 214 graduates)
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree, 92 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 84 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 83 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 80 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Legal Support Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,745
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 10.4%
- Female Students 89.6%
- Caucasian 41.2%
- Asian 1.5%
- Hispanic 1.7%
- Black 43.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects South College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of South College's undergraduate population. Women make up 89.6% of the student body, while men represent 10.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does South College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: South College has a diverse student body, with 41.2% identifying as White. Women make up 89.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does South College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
South College ranks #1802 of 6101 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a C- overall grade with -47.4% ROI.
At $17,858 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: South College
C- grade | #1802 of 6101 | 7.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: South College's -47.4% return on investment and #1802 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $17,858 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare South College's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use South College's C- grade and #1802 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 42.1% six-year graduation rate sits 20.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 52.2% first-year retention is 24.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.4% return on investment is 132.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $37,570 run about 14% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,858 is roughly $461 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 52.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.0% employment rate within three years sits 14.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $17,858 is about $461 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
South College, a private for-profit institution in Knoxville, TN, secures a C- grade in our latest review. It holds a #1802 national ranking Completion earns C, Support D+, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 52.2% retention and 42.1% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -47.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,858 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,954.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,096 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $37,570 six years after entry. This is roughly 14% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 83.0% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -47.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the South College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South College cost?
At South College, listed tuition and fees are $18,535 per year, and the average net price after aid is $17,858. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is South College's ranking?
South College ranks #1802 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is South College's graduation rate?
At South College, the six-year graduation rate is 42.1%, and first-year retention is 52.2%.
What are South College's job outcomes?
Graduates of South College report median earnings of $37,570 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is South College's student population?
South College enrolls about 8,745 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Knoxville, TN 37909-0000
- Website www.south.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.2%