South University-Savannah Online
South University-Savannah Online is a private for-profit institution in Savannah, GA ranked #1960 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D-, and enrolling about 6,492 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Information Science/Studies.
Day to day, students benefit from a 31:1 student-faculty ratio, 23.8% first-year retention, and 5.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $26,308, about $9,310 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -67.6%, roughly 152.9 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-Savannah Online 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-Savannah Online graduates 5.1% of students within six years and keeps 23.8% 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 University-Savannah Online'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 | $16,546 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,716 |
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 76.2% of South University-Savannah Online students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,132/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,716/year
See all income brackets →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-Savannah Online 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-Savannah Online vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how South University-Savannah Online's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes South University-Savannah Online's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While South University-Savannah Online graduates earn $34,115 median, the -67.6% 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 6,492
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 23.8%
- Graduation Rate 5.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 31:1
How to Get Into South University-Savannah Online
1. Meet Academic Requirements: South University-Savannah Online 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-Savannah Online 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-Savannah Online undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Health and Medical Administrative Services draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 31.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.8%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 12.7%
- Psychology, General 9.8%
- Information Science/Studies 7.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.0%
See more majors
- Public Health 7.0%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.2%
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. Criminal Justice and Corrections $47,301
- 6. Legal Support Services $46,159
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $45,275
- 8. Psychology, General $38,844
- 9. Legal Support Services $38,185
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services $36,560
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. Bioethics/Medical Ethics (Master's Degree) $96,443
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $88,529
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $63,788
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $60,102
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $59,417
- 8. Public Health (Master's Degree) $47,587
- 9. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $46,093
- 10. 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—148% more than Health and Medical Administrative Services ($36,560). 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 does not list any fully online degree programs for South University-Savannah Online. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,492
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 23.7%
- Female Students 76.3%
- Caucasian 34.5%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 12.6%
- Black 44.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 76.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects South University-Savannah Online's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of South University-Savannah Online's undergraduate population. Women make up 76.3% of the student body, while men represent 23.7%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South University-Savannah Online, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: South University-Savannah Online has a diverse student body, with 34.5% identifying as White. Women make up 76.3% of undergraduates. 76.2% 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-Savannah Online, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
South University-Savannah Online provides online education with -67.6% ROI, offering flexible access for working adults and non-traditional students. Ranked #1960 in our dataset, the program balances convenience with career outcomes.
Online programs sacrifice traditional campus experience for flexibility and lower costs. At $26,308 annually, students access education while maintaining employment, with career outcomes depending heavily on individual motivation and program selection.
Online Program Value: South University-Savannah Online
D- grade | #1960 of 1966 online/distance programs
Online Education Trade-offs: South University-Savannah Online's -67.6% ROI reflects online education's value proposition—lower costs and work flexibility against reduced campus resources and networking. Success depends on program quality and student self-discipline.
Best For: Working adults seeking career advancement or career changes. Military service members and families needing geographic flexibility. Students with strong time management skills who don't require traditional campus structure.
Consider Carefully: Online program quality varies dramatically. Research employer acceptance of South University-Savannah Online's credentials in your target field. Traditional campus programs often provide better networking, internship access, and employer recognition—factors not captured in pure ROI metrics.
Key Takeaways
- 5.1% six-year graduation rate sits 57.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 23.8% first-year retention is 53.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -67.6% return on investment is 152.9 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 $26,308 is roughly $6,398 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 31:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 23.8% 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 $26,308 is about $6,398 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-Savannah Online is a private for-profit institution based in Savannah, GA and earns a D- overall grade. It appears at #1960 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion D-, Support D-, Career Outcomes C+, 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.
About 23.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 5.1% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -67.6%, 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. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $26,308 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,716.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,408 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 76.2% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $34,115 at the median. This is roughly 22% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 75.5% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -67.6%, 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 University-Savannah Online 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 Savannah, GA 31406
- Website www.southuniversity.edu/online#location=Online Programs
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate0.6%