Health and Medical Administrative Services at South University-Columbia

South University-Columbia graduates earning around $40,000 face a daunting financial reality: they're borrowing $55,123—nearly 80% more than the typical debt load for this degree nationally. While this program does outperform the South Carolina median for healthcare administration programs (placing in the 60th percentile statewide), that's partly because SC's healthcare admin salaries run low compared to national averages. These graduates are still earning $4,000 less than peers nationally while carrying almost double the debt burden.

The math here is stark. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.39, graduates are looking at monthly payments that will consume a significant portion of entry-level paychecks. Earnings barely budge over the first four years—just a $400 increase—suggesting limited room for advancement that might help manage those loan payments. The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (58% receive Pell grants), making this debt load particularly concerning for families with limited financial cushions.

For $55,000 in debt, families should expect stronger outcomes. Coastal Carolina delivers similar healthcare administration credentials for substantially less debt. Unless this specific campus or program offers compelling advantages—established clinical partnerships, flexible scheduling for working adults, or career services that dramatically outperform the data—the financial trade-off doesn't favor South University-Columbia.