South University-Richmond
South University-Richmond — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is South University-Richmond Worth It?
At a value score of 8/100, South University-Richmond is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,421 — 36% below average — while paying $30,442/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,123 representing 76% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at South University-Richmond has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How South University-Richmond compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #27 of 35 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Concorde Career College-Aurora | 42 | $16,666 | $42,456 |
| #2 | ATI College-Whittier | 33 | $20,467 | $38,938 |
| #3 | American Medical Sciences Center | 25 | $21,629 | $29,972 |
| #4 | PCI College | 24 | $27,439 | $36,141 |
| #5 | Wade College | 23 | $20,778 | $36,657 |
| #6 | Northwest College of Art & Design | 23 | $16,418 | $31,167 |
| #27 | South University-Richmond | 8 | $30,442 | $34,421 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of South University-Richmond's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at South University-Richmond
The highest-earning program at South University-Richmond is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $26,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from South University-Richmond earns $64,200, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $26,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $15,278 in median debt vs. $42,987 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,442/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,200 | $64,200 | $15,278 |
| Information Science/Studies | $45,900 | $45,900 | $46,176 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,200 | $40,200 | $43,495 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,800 | $31,800 | $45,209 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $31,800 | $31,800 | $44,420 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | $43,436 |
| Legal Support Services | $29,700 | $29,700 | $40,151 |
| Psychology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $42,987 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Glen Allen, VA
- Student Body
- 232 students
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,442
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,421
- Median Student Debt
- $26,123