South University-Columbia (SUC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Established in 1899, South University provides quality education and personal attention to its students at six locations including Columbia, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; West Palm Beach, Florida; Montgomery, Alabama; Savannah, Georgia; and Richmond, Virginia; as well as through a virtual campus which provides online degree programs. South University’s online programs are designed to suit the needs of working adults and provides the same high quality curriculum used at the on-ground campuses.

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$18,514
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	25 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	983

Academics

South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant associate’s, baccalaureate’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. The Master of Science in nursing degree program offered online through the South University West Palm Beach campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). As an online student you will have the liberty to attend class anytime, day or night, from anywhere you can connect to the Internet.

Students may earn an online master’s degree in criminal justice, healthcare administration, leadership, business administration, nursing, information systems, or public administration. Students seeking online bachelor’s degrees may choose among a degree in business administration, criminal justice, healthcare management, information technology, health science, nursing, psychology, or legal studies which is offered partially online. South University’s online degree programs also offer associate’s degrees in accounting, business administration, health science, information technology, and paralegal which is partially online. All online degrees offer a variety of concentrations to choose in related areas of study.

South University’s Columbia, South Carolina campus provides associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs through four academic colleges: College of Business; College of Health Professions; College of Nursing; and, College of Arts & Sciences.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

South University is open to all students who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Prospective students should contact an admissions representative, apply online, or speak to an assistant director of admissions for assistance in applying to the University and for scheduling a campus tour. In addition, students should also contact a financial aid officer to discuss financial aid options and qualifications. Prospective students are also required to send all their official transcripts and SAT/ ACT test scores directly to the University.

Financial Aid

South University offers several financial aid options for qualifying students, including grants, loans, part-time employment through work study, as well as veteran’s benefits. All students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance. Students can apply for the federal grants and loans offered by the U.S. government. It also offers various grants, scholarships, and other benefits. Loans are the types of financial aid that must be returned with interest.

South University also offers a variety of military benefits to the students. These programs include Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty & Veteran; Montgomery G.I. Bill – Selected Reserves; Loan Repayment (LRP) and Tuition Assistance (TA) Programs; Tuition Assistance “Top-Up” Program; Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP); Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA); and Tutorial Assistance Program.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1364th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in South Carolina.

Students

South University maintains six campus locations within five states, all of which provide degree programs geared toward the students’ goals. Students attending on-campus and online classes can expect ample classroom and student service areas, the use of audio and visual technology in the classrooms, video conferencing capabilities, a medical lab, a bookstore, several computer labs, and a library with an extensive legal library, electronic and paper format periodicals, and access to other online services.

There is an online library where the students can have an access to a full-text search engine that includes more than 350 databases, supporting every academic program. The students get full-text articles, not just abstracts. In addition, the interlibrary book loans can also be shipped to students at no additional charge.

The Counseling Center at South University has a dedicated team of staff that helps students be unbeaten in all aspects of their lives, create options for the faculty and staff when trying to help students, and provide timely and useful intervention to assist a student in-crisis. The Counseling Center provides a 24/7 access to a counselor throughout a year, when a student is faced with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

The Disabilities Services at South University is committed to providing qualified students with documented disabilities an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of college services, programs and activities in compliances with The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

You can “get connected” with other South University online students in the Campus Common. Students have access to the interactive online communities such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn community pages, in addition to more than 130 student groups. You can also enjoy chat live with faculty and join the national honorary and professional groups.

‘Connections’ is a great place for the online students to interact with faculty and each other. It includes three specific areas for interaction: a department area, where the faculty and students from particular programs can network and read about the most recent news and events relevant to them; an Organizations area, which involves student chapters of professional organizations, and groups organized by Student Affairs department at South University; and a lounge area, where the users can form their own groups based on wide-ranging topics from their location to specific interests.

For the students who may not have the opportunity to check out ‘Connections’ on a regular basis, Student Affairs also publishes a quarterly newsletter known as the ‘Connections Corner’, which highlights some of the latest events and organizations discussed in the Connections. The newsletter is e-mailed to the students and also posted on the Campus Common.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Additional School Information

At South University, the military students are offered a quality educational experience along with flexible online programs to help you attain in-service and post-service goals. Based on its heritage of academic excellence, the University delivers career-focused and real-world programs in an online setting. The military students including Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans and spouses of active duty have a team of dedicated admissions, financial aid, and advising representatives focused on meeting the unique needs of a military student.

Bibliography

South University – Online. 2011.

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2002: The National Data Book. Hoovers Inc, 2003. Print.

South University-Columbia