Cost & ROI · 2026
Is South University-Montgomery worth it?
Pay $27,807/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-Montgomery vs Alabama avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Alabama college and the typical US college.
| Metric | South University-Montgomery | Alabama avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $27,807 | $17,577 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $34,421 | $45,434 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $26,123 | $22,953 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 9.1% | 43.7% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | — | 73.8% | 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 $139,172 over four years. Most students get $6,986/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-Montgomery 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-Montgomery
The average student at South University-Montgomery pays $27,807 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $34,793 published sticker price. That is above the AL average net price of $17,577.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $34,421 — below the AL median of $45,434. 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 Alabama colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of South University-Montgomery.
Andalusia, AL · Public Lurleen B Wallace Community College A+ 
Phenix City, AL · Public Chattahoochee Valley Community College A+ 
Marion, AL · Public Marion Military Institute A+ Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at South University-Montgomery?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $27,807 per year. That's $6,986/yr in financial aid against the $34,793 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $111,228.
How much do South University-Montgomery graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, South University-Montgomery 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-Montgomery 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). 69.5% of students take federal loans.
Is South University-Montgomery worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns South University-Montgomery a value grade of D — top 96% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $27,807/yr, earn $34,421/yr ten years out, ROI score of 3.09. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at South University-Montgomery?
65.6% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 69.5% take federal student loans. On average, students get $6,986 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-Montgomery?
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-Montgomery?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $27,444. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $31,493. 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 →