Health and Medical Administrative Services at South University-Virginia Beach

South University-Virginia Beach graduates are carrying nearly double the debt load of their Virginia peers while earning less than most alternatives. The $55,123 median debt here towers over Virginia's program median of $45,110, yet starting salaries of $39,722 fall well short of the state's $43,316 median. That 1.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face more than a full year's salary in student loans—a heavy burden for healthcare administrative work that typically starts around $40,000.

The competitive landscape in Virginia makes this particularly stark. Radford and James Madison graduates in the same field earn $16,000-$14,000 more annually right out of the gate. Even Liberty University's program, with lower debt, delivers $4,000 higher starting salaries. With virtually no earnings growth over the first four years (just 1%), graduates aren't positioned to quickly improve their financial situation or accelerate debt payoff.

For families considering this program, the math is challenging. At 51% Pell eligibility, the school serves many students who can least afford to shoulder disproportionate debt. Unless this specific campus offers unique advantages—location, scheduling flexibility, or strong employer connections—Virginia families would benefit from comparing offers carefully against state universities with stronger earnings outcomes and lower debt loads.