South University-Montgomery 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
One year after graduation, South University-Montgomery graduates earn a median of $55,439. However, five years after graduation, median earnings decrease to $34,115, and increase slightly to $34,421 ten years after graduation. The annual tuition cost is $18,238. The median debt for graduates is $26,123, and 70.2% of students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition cost and the one-year earnings, the initial return on investment appears positive. However, the decrease in earnings in the fifth year and the relatively high tuition cost suggest a more complex financial picture. The low graduation rate of 11.4% and the low retention rate of 28.6% indicate that a significant number of students do not complete 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
11%
Receive Financial Aid
70%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $43,365 | 129% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $106,747 | 1867% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,109 | 451% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $54,350 | 430% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,478 | 105% |
| Psychology, General | $36,910 | -48% |
| Legal Support Services | $38,332 | -9% |
| Information Science/Studies | $88,546 | 1368% |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $40,651 | 55% |
| Public Administration | $48,623 | 273% |
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.