- South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of South University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
School Highlights
South University-Columbia serves 879 students (71% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 879 students
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Student:teacher ratio: 8:1
- Minority enrollment: 82%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South University-Columbia ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
The teacher population of 109 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
South University-Columbia
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Associate's Colleges: High Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
109 staff
177 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South University-Columbia has grown by 10% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The South University-Columbia diversity score of 0.47 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has declined by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
879 students
1,971 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
622 students
622 students
# Part-Time Students
257 students
1,349 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
737 students
279 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
512 students
605 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
110 students
8 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
225 students
1,965 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
32 students
32 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
260 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
4%
9%
% Black
70%
29%
% White
18%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.47
0.63
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
26%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
8%
17%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,100
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$25,379
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
49%
71%
SAT Reading
n/a
430
SAT Math
n/a
458
SAT Writing
n/a
413
ACT Composite
n/a
18
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
18
ACT Writing
n/a
6
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The University traces its heritage to 1899, when Dr. John Draughon established Draughon's Practical Business College in Savannah, GA. Since its humble beginnings, South University has experienced continued growth transforming from a two-year college into a four-year, SACS-accredited University offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree programs with campus locations in Savannah, GA, Columbia, SC, Montgomery, AL, Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. Today, South University continues to build on its more than a century of academic excellence by continuing to be a recognized innovator in higher education. With the introduction of South University Online, students can pursue both undergraduate degree and master's degree programs ranging from Criminal Justice to an MBA. South University offers a wide range of educational programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Programs are offered in Accounting, Allied Health Science, Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, Health Science, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Paralegal Studies, Pharmacy, Physical Therapist Assisting, Physician Assistant. South University's Columbia campus is nestled in the historic district of Eau Claire, just minutes north of downtown and South Carolina's state capitol building. South University's Columbia campus provides classroom and student service areas and is equipped with computer labs and medical laboratories for use by students. The library houses a large collection that includes an extensive law library. Students may retrieve periodicals in paper or electronic form. Students may also access several commercial on-line services including WESTLAW, the computerized legal research service; LIRN; SearchBank; Infotract; and UMI ProQuest, and the Electronic Library. Internet access is available on all computers throughout the campus. South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) as a Level V institution eligible to award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of South University-Columbia?
The acceptance rate of South University-Columbia is 49%, which is lower than the state average of 71%.
What is South University-Columbia's ranking?
South University-Columbia ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Carolina for: Average community college minority breakdown.
In what neighborhood is South University-Columbia located?
South University-Columbia is located in the Midtown Downtown neighborhood of Columbia, SC.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to South University-Columbia is Southeastern College-Columbia (9.3 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
581 Columbia Mall Boulevard,
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 798-8800
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 798-8800
9.3 miles
| 155 students
Fortis College-Columbia
Private for-profit
246 Stoneridge Dr Ste 101
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 678-4800
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 678-4800
12.5 miles
| 438 students
1260 Lexington Drive
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 738-8324
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 738-8324
13.4 miles
| 12,632 students
200 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
35.6 miles
| 1,890 students
506 N Guignard Dr
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
35.8 miles
| 4,489 students
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