Cost & ROI · 2026
Is South University-Columbia worth it?
Pay $27,693/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years out — about 1.2× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
South University-Columbia vs South Carolina avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical South Carolina college and the typical US college.
| Metric | South University-Columbia | South Carolina avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $27,693 | $16,627 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $34,421 | $45,070 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $26,123 | $22,931 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 23.3% | 44.6% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | — | 72.6% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $141,288 over four years. Most students get $7,629/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $26,123 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 76% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're below the recommended ceiling.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median South University-Columbia grad earns about -$423,160 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about South University-Columbia
The average student at South University-Columbia pays $27,693 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $35,322 published sticker price. That is above the SC average net price of $16,627.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $34,421 — below the SC median of $45,070. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $26,123, roughly $284 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a heavy load at about 76% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper South Carolina colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of South University-Columbia.
Graniteville, SC · Public Aiken Technical College A+ Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at South University-Columbia?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $27,693 per year. That's $7,629/yr in financial aid against the $35,322 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $110,772.
How much do South University-Columbia graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, South University-Columbia graduates earn a median of $34,421 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.2× the annual net cost.
How much debt do South University-Columbia graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $26,123 — about $284/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 64.7% of students take federal loans.
Is South University-Columbia worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns South University-Columbia a value grade of D — top 96% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $27,693/yr, earn $34,421/yr ten years out, ROI score of 3.11. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at South University-Columbia?
58% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 64.7% take federal student loans. On average, students get $7,629 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at South University-Columbia?
In-state tuition is $18,145 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $18,145 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at South University-Columbia?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $26,588. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →