Cost & ROI · 2026
Is South University-Richmond worth it?
Pay $30,442/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,421 ten years out — about 1.1× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
South University-Richmond vs Virginia avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Virginia college and the typical US college.
| Metric | South University-Richmond | Virginia avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $30,442 | $20,419 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $34,421 | $52,672 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $26,123 | $21,799 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 42.1% | 52.5% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | — | 72.3% | 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 $146,308 over four years. Most students get $6,135/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-Richmond 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-Richmond
The average student at South University-Richmond pays $30,442 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $36,577 published sticker price. That is above the VA average net price of $20,419.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $34,421 — below the VA median of $52,672. 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 Virginia colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of South University-Richmond.
Martinsville, VA · Public Patrick & Henry Community College A+ 
Locust Grove, VA · Public Germanna Community College A+ Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at South University-Richmond?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $30,442 per year. That's $6,135/yr in financial aid against the $36,577 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $121,768.
How much do South University-Richmond graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, South University-Richmond graduates earn a median of $34,421 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.1× the annual net cost.
How much debt do South University-Richmond 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). 49.7% of students take federal loans.
Is South University-Richmond worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns South University-Richmond a value grade of D — top 97% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $30,442/yr, earn $34,421/yr ten years out, ROI score of 2.83. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at South University-Richmond?
39.1% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 49.7% take federal student loans. On average, students get $6,135 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-Richmond?
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-Richmond?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $29,903. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $33,277. 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 →