South University-Columbia
South University-Columbia is a private for-profit institution in Columbia, SC ranked #1797 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D, and enrolling about 445 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Information Science/Studies.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 10.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,886, about $5,888 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -6273.4%, roughly 6358.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $34,115. That's about $9,573 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is South University-Columbia Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
South University-Columbia graduates 0.0% of students within six years and keeps 10.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use South University-Columbia'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 | $18,238 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,298 |
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 57.6% of South University-Columbia students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $34,115
- 10-Year Median Earnings $34,115
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 25.5%
- Employment Rate 75.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for South University-Columbia 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 University-Columbia vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how South University-Columbia's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes South University-Columbia's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While South University-Columbia graduates earn $34,115 median, the -62.7% 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 445
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 10.0%
- Graduation Rate 0.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into South University-Columbia
1. Meet Academic Requirements: South University-Columbia 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 University-Columbia 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 University-Columbia undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Public Health, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 32.6%
- Public Health 26.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.6%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Information Science/Studies 5.8%
- Legal Support Services 5.8%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.7%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $90,784
- 2. Information Science/Studies $67,229
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $54,466
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $47,545
- 5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $47,529
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $47,301
- 7. Legal Support Services $46,159
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services $45,275
- 9. Psychology, General $38,844
- 10. Legal Support Services $38,185
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $119,946
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,330
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $63,788
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $60,102
- 5. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $47,527
- 6. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $46,093
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $42,437
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $90,784—138% more than Legal Support Services ($38,185). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $119,946 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for South University-Columbia. 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
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 33 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree, 23 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 (9 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Legal Support Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Administration
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 445
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 14.6%
- Female Students 85.4%
- Caucasian 16.4%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 3.8%
- Black 70.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 57.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects South University-Columbia's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of South University-Columbia's undergraduate population. Women make up 85.4% of the student body, while men represent 14.6%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South University-Columbia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: South University-Columbia has a diverse student body, with 16.4% identifying as White. Women make up 85.4% of undergraduates. 57.6% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South University-Columbia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
South University-Columbia ranks #1797 of 6275 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a D overall grade with -62.7% ROI.
At $22,886 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 University-Columbia
D grade | #1797 of 6275 | 49.9/100 EDsmart Score
Performance Overview: South University-Columbia's -62.7% return on investment and #1797 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $22,886 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare South University-Columbia'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 University-Columbia's D grade and #1797 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
- 10.0% first-year retention is 66.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -62.7% return on investment is 148.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $34,115 run about 22% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,886 is roughly $2,753 higher than the national median of $20,133.
- 75.5% employment rate within three years is 7.3 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 10.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 75.5% employment rate within three years sits 7.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,886 is about $2,753 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 University-Columbia, a private for-profit institution in Columbia, SC, secures a D grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1797 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion F, Support D+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C.
Roughly 10.0% of students continue after their first year. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -62.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,886 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,298.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,412 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 57.6% 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 $34,115 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 22% lower.
Roughly 75.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -62.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
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 University-Columbia 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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Contact Information
- Address Columbia, SC 29203
- Website www.southuniversity.edu/columbia#location=Columbia, SC
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.9%