South University-Columbia is a private for-profit 4-year college in Columbia, South Carolina with 450 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $25,119 a year after grants and graduates 5.6% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
South University-Columbia acceptance rate and admissions
South University-Columbia has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
South University-Columbia tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $18,145 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $32,317 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $25,119 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $25,119 a year after grants and scholarships, $7,198 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run South University-Columbia's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
South University-Columbia graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 5.6% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $39,314 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $26,417 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 67% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
South University-Columbia majors and what graduates earn
South University-Columbia awarded bachelor's degrees in 8 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($91,363).
All 8 majors at South University-Columbia
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 46 | $79,957 | $91,363 | $23,833 |
| Information science | 2 | $49,812 | $58,915 | $25,000 |
| Business administration | 8 | $47,785 | $53,445 | $29,166 |
| Health professions, general | 0 | n/a | $47,390 | n/a |
| Health administration | 8 | $45,014 | $46,885 | $28,374 |
| Criminal justice | 3 | $37,864 | $46,322 | $45,809 |
| Public health | 5 | $45,579 | $45,993 | $44,894 |
| Psychology | 4 | $37,532 | $39,694 | $47,148 |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at South University-Columbia
6 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 6 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 18 | $47,917 | $68,333 |
| Nursing | Master's | 10 | $104,756 | $61,500 |
| Business administration | Master's | 6 | $66,151 | $43,343 |
| Health administration | Master's | 5 | $53,376 | $41,000 |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 1 | $41,959 | $51,614 |
| Public administration | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Trade and career programs at South University-Columbia
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 16 | $42,087 | $50,681 | $20,000 |
Students and location
- 450 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 79% women, 21% men
- 21 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into South University-Columbia?
No. South University-Columbia has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does South University-Columbia cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $18,145. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $25,119 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at South University-Columbia?
5.6% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do South University-Columbia graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $39,314 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Carolina · colleges in Columbia · South University-Columbia on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.