What is Southeastern College Known For?
Established in 1988 as the Cruise Career Training Institute, Southeastern College has evolved into a distinguished institution within the Keiser schools network. Founded by esteemed cruise and travel industry leaders, the college has since expanded its footprint with branches in key locations across the Carolinas and Florida, including Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Miami Lakes, and West Palm Beach.
Southeastern College is known for providing career education in an immersive environment that involves personalized attention, mirroring real-world scenarios. The institution offers diverse business, allied healthcare, nursing, cosmetology, and more programs.
Renowned for its roots in the travel industry and its affiliation with the Keiser network, Southeastern College remains a trusted institution for students seeking quality education and practical skills for a successful career.
Is it Legit?
Southeastern College holds institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The school features additional accreditation from The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for South Carolina campuses, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to meeting state-specific educational criteria.
Southeastern College’s programs additionally boast programmatic accreditation. For instance, the medical assisting programs at Southeastern College are programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Further, the Pharmacy Technology program distinguishes itself with accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), attesting to its alignment with industry standards.
Moreover, the massage therapy programs offered at various Southeastern College locations hold accreditation from the respective states’ boards of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, underscoring Southeastern College’s commitment to meeting state-specific requirements for these specialized programs.
Is Southeastern College Worth It?
Students should consider Southeastern College for its strong commitment to practical, career-focused education and diverse program offerings. With roots dating back to its founding in 1988, the institution has evolved into a reputable vocational training institution.
Southeastern College provides a unique blend of personalized attention and real-world simulation, ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen fields. The institution’s accreditation by reputable bodies further underscores its commitment to academic excellence.
Whether pursuing business, allied healthcare, nursing, cosmetology, or other programs, students can benefit from a well-rounded education that equips them with the skills needed for success in their chosen careers.
Southeastern College vs. Community College
Southeastern College students graduate with competitive advantages compared to community college alumni. Southeastern College is dedicated to providing quality career education in South Florida and the Carolinas, specifically tailored for entry-level students without a prior background in the subject matter.
The institution stands out with both institutional and programmatic accreditations, ensuring a high standard of education recognized in the industry. With a hands-on training approach and faculty possessing practical experience in their respective fields, students benefit from a learning environment that prioritizes skill performance and career development. Being family-owned and operated, Southeastern College fosters community, amplified by small class sizes promoting personalized attention.
The institution’s career-focused approach includes professional development and job placement assistance, emphasizing practical outcomes for students. Moreover, its accreditation by reputable bodies in specific programs further attests to the quality of education provided. With flexible scheduling options and financial aid eligibility, Southeastern College offers a comprehensive and specialized educational experience that distinguishes itself from generic community colleges.
Acceptance Rate
Southeastern College has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
In general, tuition at Southeastern College may vary depending on the specific campus and program a student is pursuing. Still, on average, student tuition costs approximately $21,520 per year.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Southeastern College campuses are generally open from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM on Fridays, and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS
- Medical Assisting, AAS
- Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS
- Radiologic Technology, AAS
- Electronic Medical Billing and Coding Specialist - Diploma
- Medical Assisting - Diploma
- Professional Clinical Massage Therapy - Diploma
- Medical Office Basic X-Ray Technician - Diploma
- Phlebotomy - Non Title IV - Diploma
- Surgical Technology Certificate - Diploma
Business
- Business Administration, AAS
- Hospitality Certificate - Diploma
- Information Technology and Network Systems, AAS
Campus Locations
Charlotte, NC 207 Regency Executive Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217
North Charleston, SC 2431 Aviation Ave., Ste 703, North Charleston, SC 29406
Columbia, SC 581 Columbia Mall Boulevard Columbia, SC 29223
Financial Aid Services
A Financial Services Administrator works at each campus. These experts assist students in getting the educational funding they need. Meetings are available by appointment. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to begin the application process. Those who qualify may be eligible for loans and grants. Southeastern College’s website features a Net Price Calculator that estimates costs.
Student Services
Orientation takes place before the first day of classes. The Southeastern College staff covers rules, standards, and best practices that prepare incoming freshmen for success. Academic advising is also available for those who need assistance. Campuses feature a quarterly digital newsletter which includes upcoming events, advice, and important web links.
Career Services
The College Central Network (CCN) gives students and graduates a convenient way to explore careers. This online source allows users to post or build resumes, search jobs, and get interview help. Employers use the site to list openings and browse candidates. Attendees can find tips from alumni and professionals as well. Southeastern Student Services provides additional guidance in person.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Southeastern College – Charlotte has a highly polarized reputation, defined by administrative chaos and financial pressure, directly conflicting with praise for certain instructors and program outcomes. The most severe complaints are very recent.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Instructor Performance: Multiple long-term and recent students praise specific program instructors for being supportive, highly effective at teaching the material, and successfully preparing them for certification exams.
Positive Program Outcomes (Inconsistent): Some students report a great learning experience, with one nursing student noting the program was “quick and fast.” An older review also credits the school with helping them pass with an “extremely exceptional grade.”
Massage Clinic Service: The campus’s student-run massage clinic is praised in a few older reviews for providing “excellent” services.
Recent Program Improvement: A new student in a hands-on trade program expressed satisfaction, citing a new program director and professor for actively reforming the curriculum and improving the environment.
Common Criticisms
Administrative Chaos and Unprofessionalism: This is the most prevalent and recent criticism. Graduates call the college “the worst college experience I have ever had,” describing it as the “most unorganized and unprofessional college.” Students report staff turnover, lack of basic knowledge, and poor communication, with one student claiming a senior administrator asked them not to call or email because he was “too busy.”
Financial Pressure and Overpriced Tuition: Multiple students report feeling “peer pressured” and “forced” to continue enrollment and find ways to pay for the “overpriced” tuition. They complain that staff constantly discussed “money/loans” without parents present. One student called the tuition for a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program “70k,” noting they felt manipulated.
Lack of Core Program Resources: A recent Radiology Tech graduate complained that they “barely had clinical site,” which is a critical failure for a hands-on technical program and severely impacts a student’s ability to complete their training.
Enrollment Issues: One prospective student’s enrollment was entirely derailed due to the Admissions Director being “not organized,” leading to the student not being enrolled in the program.
Momentum
The negative momentum is very strong and recent, with a Radiology Tech graduate posting a highly critical review just two weeks ago regarding organization and lack of clinical sites. The persistent, severe themes of administrative dysfunction, financial manipulation, and unprofessional staff behavior are heavily outweighing the scattered positive experiences with a few good instructors. The college is struggling to deliver the foundational academic and administrative support necessary for its students.