South University-Columbia
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$72,952
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-885/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-124%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
South University-Columbia's in-state tuition is $18,238. One year after graduation, students earn a median of $55,439. However, five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $34,115, and at ten years, earnings are $34,421. The median debt for students is $26,123, and 59.5% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt of $26,123 and the one-year earnings of $55,439, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.47. With a graduation rate of 3.9% and a retention rate of 10%, the school has a low rate of students completing their degrees.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$18,238
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,123
Median Earnings (5yr)
$34,115
Graduation Rate
4%
Receive Financial Aid
60%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | $72,952 | $43,365 | 129% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | $72,952 | $43,411 | 131% |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | $72,952 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,952 | $78,626 | 1096% |
| Public Health. | $72,952 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $72,952 | $55,109 | 451% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $72,952 | $54,350 | 430% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $72,952 | $48,439 | 268% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $72,952 | $37,597 | -29% |
| Public Administration. | $72,952 | $48,623 | 273% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,952 | $106,747 | 1867% |
| Psychology, General. | $72,952 | $36,910 | -48% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.