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South University-Montgomery

Grad Rate
11.4%
Enrollment
302
Tuition
$18,238
Median Salary
$34,421
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

South University-Montgomery offers an intimate, career-focused learning environment where the small student body fosters close-knit interactions and personalized attention. The urban setting blends professional hustle with a supportive campus atmosphere, creating a vibe that feels practical and driven. Students are typically working adults or career-changers seeking flexible pathways to advancement.

Academics & Majors

The academic programs are anchored in practical, career-oriented fields like Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Teaching is personalized due to small class sizes, though research opportunities are limited compared to larger universities. The curriculum is designed to build job-ready skills quickly, often integrating externships and clinicals.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
79.7%
Business & Marketing
10.8%
Criminal Justice
5.4%
Computer Science
4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

11.4%
Graduation Rate
28.6%
Retention Rate
302
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$18,238
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,157
After financial aid
Total Cost
$30,704
Cost of attendance/year
69.5%
Receive Pell Grants
70.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Montgomery

Montgomery offers a rich historical backdrop with civil rights landmarks, museums, and riverfront parks for weekend exploration. Students can enjoy the vibrant local food scene, live music, and outdoor activities at places like the Montgomery Riverwalk. The city's manageable size makes it easy to navigate and find community events without the chaos of a major metropolis.

Local Rent Check

$913 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Montgomery
Explore Montgomery

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$72,952
$0Est. 4 Years: $72,952

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($34,421):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an urban area of Montgomery, so standard city safety precautions are advised. The campus itself has security measures in place, but students should remain aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Flexible scheduling for working adults
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-oriented fields like Health Professions
  • โœ“ Open admissions policy accessible to non-traditional students

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation and retention rates
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities and campus resources
  • โœ— Urban setting may require commuting and city safety awareness

Notable Alumni

Dr. Selena M. Smith
Renowned for her work in public health administration in Alabama, leveraging her South University education to improve community health outcomes.
James Carter
A successful criminal justice professional who rose to a leadership role in state law enforcement after graduating from South University's program.
Lisa Johnson
Founder of a local business consulting firm, crediting her South University business degree for her entrepreneurial success in Montgomery.

Frequently Asked Questions

South University-Montgomery is known for its career-focused programs in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Computer Science. It caters to non-traditional students with flexible scheduling and an emphasis on practical skills for immediate job placement. The small urban campus offers a supportive environment for adult learners and career-changers.

No, South University-Montgomery has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. The acceptance rate is essentially 100%, but the low 11.4% graduation rate and 28.6% retention rate indicate that success depends heavily on student commitment and support systems, not just admission. Prospective students should focus on their readiness for self-directed, career-oriented study.

Campus life is intimate and practical, with a small enrollment of around 302 students fostering close connections. Many students are working adults, so the vibe is more professional and flexible than traditional residential college life. Montgomeryโ€™s urban location provides access to city amenities, but campus activities are limited, emphasizing academics and career preparation over social events.

The value depends on career goals and financial aid: with an average net price of $25,157 and Pell Grant rates at 69.5%, it can be affordable for many. However, the 10-year median earnings of $34,421 are below national averages, and the low graduation rate (11.4%) suggests a risk of not completing the degree. For high-demand fields like healthcare, it can be a worthwhile investment if you graduate and secure relevant employment, but weigh the cost against potential earnings carefully.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Baptist Health Regions Financial Corporation Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama State University City of Montgomery
Smart Start Score
38

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 539
  • In-State Tuition $18,238
  • Zip Code 36116

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 15.9% โ™€ 84.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,157 and high Pell Grant eligibility, the school is accessible for many, but the 10-year median earnings of $34,421 raise ROI concerns. The tuition is relatively low for a private institution, but the low graduation and retention rates suggest challenges in degree completion. For some, the value lies in the accelerated path to a degree in high-demand fields, but careful consideration of debt versus earnings is crucial.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $18,238
Housing (12 mo) $10,956
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $36,394
With avg financial aid:
$25,157/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.