South University-Columbia ROI Analysis
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
below 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, the median earnings are $55,439. However, five years after graduation, earnings drop to $34,115, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $34,421. The median debt for graduates is $26,123, and 59.5% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt of $26,123 and the one-year post-graduation earnings of $55,439, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.47. The five-year earnings of $34,115 result in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 0.77. The ten-year earnings of $34,421 result in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 0.76.
With a median debt of $26,123 and a one-year post-graduation income of $55,439, the break-even point, not accounting for interest or living expenses, is less than one year. However, with the five-year earnings of $34,115, the break-even point is approximately 0.76 years. The graduation rate is 3.9%, and the retention rate is 10%.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $43,365 | 129% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $43,411 | 131% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $108,725 | 1921% |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,109 | 451% |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $54,350 | 430% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,478 | 105% |
| Public Administration | $48,623 | 273% |
| Legal Support Services | $38,332 | -9% |
| Psychology, General | $36,910 | -48% |
| Information Science/Studies | $60,708 | 605% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.