What is South University known for?
South University, a private institution established in 1899 in Savannah, GA, began its journey as Draughon’s Practical Business College. Initially focused on business programs, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering diverse educational opportunities for intellectual, social, and professional development.
Acquired by the South family in 1974, it has expanded from a two-year college to a university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
South University is renowned for its dedication to serving a diverse student population and offers certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree pathways.
The university’s programs span various fields including business and technology, counseling and psychology, criminal justice, healthcare, ministry, nursing, pharmacy, public administration, public health, and more.
With campuses across several states, including Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, and North Carolina, as well as an online platform, South University provides accessible education to students nationwide. Its commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive programs has established it as a leading institution for higher education in the United States.
Is it Legit?
South University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), enabling it to confer associate’s, baccalaureate’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Additionally, the university is accredited to provide certifications and diplomas at approved degree levels. This accreditation underscores South University’s commitment to maintaining rigorous academic standards and ensuring the quality of its educational offerings.
Moreover, South University’s Theology program has garnered national recognition, highlighting the institution’s excellence in this field. Notably, the program gained attention when it was featured on NPR’s Marketplace program, which underscored the uniqueness and quality of South University’s Theology program. This recognition reflects the university’s dedication to providing exceptional education and innovative programs that stand out on a national level.
Is South University Worth It?
South University welcomes individuals seeking educational challenges and provides diverse learning opportunities both on-campus and online. Students benefit from interacting with a dedicated community of faculty, staff, and administration committed to the institution’s missions.
The university’s mission is operationalized through key goals, ensuring exceptional educational and administrative services for all students. From admissions to career services, students receive high-quality support to foster success. Additionally, South University offers focused and balanced curriculum, leading to quality educational programs.
With a reputation for producing successful graduates and engaged alumni, South University stands as a testament to its commitment to excellence. The university’s strategic alignment and growth further solidify its position as a worthwhile institution for those seeking a quality education and a pathway to success.
South University vs. Community College
South University surpasses community colleges due to its comprehensive offerings and focused, balanced curricula across associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university’s broad core curriculum promotes critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong learning skills essential for personal and professional growth.
South University emphasizes the development of prerequisites for knowledge pursuit and appreciation, fostering intellectual acumen and pragmatic approaches.
Its philosophy values learning, professionalism, and community advancement, instilling in students a sense of contribution and commitment. Furthermore, South University provides extensive career services, including access to a plethora of resources such as videos, blogs, job market insights, and alumni connections.
With employer connections and job postings, the university actively supports students in securing internships and employment opportunities, offering a holistic educational experience geared towards success in both academic and professional spheres.
South University Acceptance Rate
South University has an acceptance rate of 100%.
South University Cost per Year
South University’s annual tuition costs vary depending on the degree level and the number of credit hours chosen by students. On average, students can expect to pay between $15,400 and $23,200 per year. Some master’s programs may have higher tuition fees, reaching up to $20,160 per year.
To assist students with financing their education, South University accepts federal grants and loans, participates in federal work-study programs, provides military support, and offers assistance to nontraditional students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education.
School Catalog
A copy of South University’s school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Although South University’s campus hours may vary depending on the individual campus, in general, expect the institution to be open from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM on Fridays, and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays. Online resources are available to students 24/7.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Human Resources
Legal
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- Allied Health
- Anesthesia Science
- Healthcare Administration
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Assisting
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Pharmacy PHD
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Public Health
Nursing
- BSN
- MSN
- RN to BSN
Social Services
- Counseling
- Psychology
Technology
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Atlanta 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, N.E., 100 Embassy Row Atlanta, GA 30328-1649
Austin South University 1220 W. Louis Henna Blvd. Round Rock, TX 78681
Columbia, SC South University 9 Science Court Columbia, SC 29203
High Point 3975 Premier Drive High Point, NC 27265
Montgomery 5355 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116-1120
Orlando 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, Suite 150 Orlando, FL 32809
Glen Allen, 2151 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060
Savannah 709 Mall Boulevard Savannah, GA 31406-4805
Tampa 4401 North Himes Avenue Suite 175 Tampa, FL 33614-7095
Virginia Beach 301 Bendix Rd Suite 100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
West Palm Beach University Centre 9801 Belvedere Road Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, South University, Austin, receives extremely negative feedback focused on administrative and financial dishonesty, with serious accusations regarding student welfare, veteran status, and financial aid handling.
Overall Score: 3.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Program Success (Inconsistent): One review, dating back seven years, offered a strong positive experience, noting that the university was “very accommodating with my financial needs” and helped them get into their desired Nursing program, which has a reported high NCLEX passing rate.
Academics: One older reviewer mentioned that the school has “great classes and programs to chose from.”
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid and Billing Fraud: This is the most prevalent and recent criticism. Students report that financial aid is “never enough or it is never there when you need it.” Multiple students detail being told they owe thousands of dollars ($6,000 in one case) with no explanation of where their federal aid (FAFSA) money went. One reviewer states the financial aid department is “pretty much worthless” and offers only the “runaround.”
Veteran Unfriendliness/Fraud: A highly serious, documented complaint states that the school is “Not Veteran Friendly.” A student claims that after notifying the school of their withdrawal, the school backdated the enrollment to make the student owe back all the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which led to the veteran’s future VA benefits being denied.
Poor Administration and Protection: Students describe the staff as “fake, foolish and scandalous” and warn that students must have their “own protection and back up system” because the staff “don’t protect you at all.”
Withholding Transcripts: One student reported that the school is withholding their transcripts due to the disputed balance of $6,000.
Academic Misconduct: A recent (3 months ago) complaint accuses the university of not following its own academic handbook by denying a student the two consecutive semesters they were supposedly entitled to for raising their GPA while on academic probation.
Poor Communication: Prospective students complained about calling three times on different days, leaving messages, and still receiving no response or call back from the university, causing them to consider cheaper alternatives like community college.
Momentum
The negative momentum is highly concerning and recent, with the most severe complaints about academic policy violations and no communication being posted in the last few months. The major historical problems related to financial aid fraud, veteran benefits denial, and general staff untrustworthiness continue to define the school’s reputation and appear to be ongoing. The single positive review about the Nursing program is now eight years old and is completely overshadowed by a cluster of serious and specific accusations against the school’s administration.