- 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 797 students (66% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 38%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 797 students
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Student:teacher ratio: 7:1
- Minority enrollment: 76%
- 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
Student Earnings
School Overview
The teacher population of 109 teachers has grown by 81% over five years.
South University, Columbia
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
109 staff
142 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South University, Columbia has declined by 29% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 7:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The South University, Columbia diversity score of 0.50 is less than the state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
797 students
1,813 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
524 students
646 students
# Part-Time Students
273 students
1,167 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
100 students
359 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
383 students
646 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
141 students
5 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,317 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
2 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
260 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
5%
5%
% Black
66%
24%
% White
24%
62%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
4%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.55
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
24%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.19%
2.47%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,100
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
95%
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: 2021 (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 and Highest graduate earnings (10 years post graduation).
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to South University, Columbia is Midlands Technical College (13.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1260 Lexington Drive
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 738-8324
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 738-8324
13.4 miles
| 8,794 students
200 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
35.6 miles
| 1,387 students
506 N Guignard Dr
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
35.8 miles
| 2,885 students
3250 Saint Matthews Rd
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 536-0311
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 536-0311
39.0 miles
| 2,257 students
476 Hubbard Drive
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-7000
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 313-7000
45.9 miles
| 1,810 students
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