Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at South University-Columbia

South University-Columbia's Allied Health program produces graduates who earn exactly the state median, but at a significantly higher cost than most competitors. While the $39,761 starting salary matches what other SC programs deliver, the $30,694 median debt is notably above the state average of $27,403—and dramatically higher than the national median of $19,825.

The debt burden here stands out as problematic. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt means 95% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. When you compare this to nearby alternatives like Greenville Technical College, where graduates earn $43,962, or Midlands Technical College at $43,709, the value proposition becomes questionable. Both of these programs likely offer better earnings with lower debt loads.

The 9% earnings growth over four years provides some optimism, and the program does serve a diverse student body with 58% receiving Pell grants. However, for parents focused on return on investment, the technical colleges in South Carolina appear to offer superior outcomes. Unless there are specific program features or scheduling advantages that matter to your family, the community college route would likely provide better financial results in this field.