Skip to content
Private for-profit, 4-year

South University-Savannah

Savannah, Georgia · www.southuniversity.edu/savannah#location=Savannah, GA

中文

Tuition per year

$17,895

$27,334 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

270

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

8.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 8.3%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

South University-Savannah is a private institution known for its focus on providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Located in the vibrant city of Savannah, Georgia, the university benefits from a rich cultural heritage and a picturesque setting that enhances the student experience. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and libraries that facilitate a conducive learning atmosphere. One of the university's standout features is its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, which is particularly evident in its healthcare and business programs.

The university prides itself on its commitment to student success, offering personalized attention through small class sizes and dedicated faculty members. This strong faculty support ensures that students receive the guidance needed to excel academically and professionally. South University-Savannah also encourages a vibrant campus culture, with various student organizations and extracurricular activities that promote community engagement and personal growth. Graduates from South University-Savannah are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding successful careers in their chosen fields, thanks in part to the university's strong focus on career services and networking opportunities. Overall, South University-Savannah exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence and personal development, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.

Analysis of Key Educational Data at South University-Savannah

The data from South University-Savannah reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, student enrollment, and retention rates, which merit further discussion.

Firstly, the tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students remained relatively stable from 2014 to 2023, with a slight increase in 2021 and 2022, reaching $18,000, before decreasing to $16,560 in 2023. This could reflect the institution's response to economic pressures and the growing concern over student debt, particularly in a time when many universities are grappling with affordability and accessibility issues.

Graduation rates present a concerning picture, particularly the on-time graduation rate, which fluctuated significantly over the years. It decreased to as low as 3.33% in 2018 and 6.25% in 2020, but showed improvement to 16.67% in 2023. This volatility may indicate challenges in student support services or academic preparedness, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve student success.

Student enrollment has been on a downward trend, declining from 807 undergraduate students in 2013 to just 195 in 2023. Such a drop raises questions about the university's appeal and competitiveness in the current educational landscape, potentially influenced by factors like program offerings, campus environment, or external perceptions of the institution.

Retention rates also reflect fluctuating stability, with figures indicating that only 14.29% of students were retained in 2018 and 2019, compared to 60% in 2021 and a slight decrease to 50% in 2023. This inconsistency underscores the need for a robust retention strategy to engage students throughout their academic journey, which is crucial for institutional sustainability.

Overall, while South University-Savannah has made strides in certain areas, the challenges highlighted in graduation rates, enrollment, and retention require immediate attention to enhance educational outcomes and institutional reputation.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Charleston, about 90 mi
Nearest international airport
Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), about 10 mi
Savannah, Georgia
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Laurie Larson (Campus Director & Dean of Academic Affairs & Ops)
Phone
9122018000
City
Savannah, Georgia
Address
709 Mall Blvd, Savannah, GA 31406

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Public Affairs#260▲6
Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate200 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's250 international (0.0%)
Master's1220 international (0.0%)
Doctoral651 international (1.5%)
Top 7 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
7
Psychology, General
6
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
4
Criminal Justice/Police Science
3
Information Science/Studies
2
Public Health, General
2
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Physician Assistant · Master's68 (0% international)
  • Pharmacy · Doctoral65 (2% international)
  • Anesthesiologist Assistant · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's12 (0% international)
  • Public Health, General · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at South University-Savannah

The graduation data from South University-Savannah for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees across various fields. A notable observation is the dominance of master's degrees in the medical and health disciplines, particularly seen in the Physician Assistant program, which graduated 70 students at the master's level. This indicates a strong emphasis on advanced education in the healthcare sector, aligning with the growing demand for qualified professionals in this field.

Conversely, the data shows that several programs, including Pharmacy and Mental Health Counseling, did not produce any bachelor's or associate degree graduates. This could reflect specific program structures or a potential lack of enrollment in those levels, suggesting a focus on graduate education or a need for increased outreach and support for undergraduate programs.

The absence of international students in bachelor's and master's programs across many disciplines is also worth noting. For instance, while there were some international graduates in the Anesthesiologist Assistant program, it was minimal compared to the overall numbers. This could indicate barriers to entry for international students in these programs or a preference for domestic candidates.

Lastly, it is essential to recognize the growing trend in healthcare-related degrees, which is likely influenced by the increasing global focus on health issues, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data reflects a shift towards preparing a workforce capable of meeting the evolving challenges in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of higher education institutions in addressing these needs. Overall, the graduation statistics underscore the critical role of specialized education in shaping a skilled workforce in high-demand sectors.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 207 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$32,908-$53,376
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.$32,908-$53,376
Medical/Clinical Assistant.$42,087-$223,454
Physical Therapy Assistant.$42,087-$223,454
Anesthesiologist Assistant.$42,087-$223,454
Physician Assistant.$111,581
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$47,917
Pharmacy.$112,785
Public Health, General.$45,579
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$79,957-$129,146
Businesshas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$47,785-$80,174
Organizational Leadership.$47,785-$80,174
Psychology has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$37,532
Homeland security has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$37,864-$41,959
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$37,864-$41,959
Public administrationhas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Public Administration.-
Computer and information sciencehas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Information Science/Studies.$49,812-$58,114

Students

716 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 24:76 · Freshman retention 22.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (270)

Black
149 · 55.2%
White
49 · 18.1%
Unknown
47 · 17.4%
Hispanic
16 · 5.9%
Two or more races
5 · 1.9%
Asian
2 · 0.7%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at South University-Savannah

The student demographic data for South University-Savannah in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its undergraduate and graduate populations. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 22, with a notable gender disparity where only 22.7% are male and a significant 77.3% are female. This trend continues among the undergraduate juniors, where out of 129 students, 27.9% are male and 72.1% are female, reflecting a broader pattern of female representation in higher education.

In contrast, the data for undergraduate transfer students shows an even more pronounced gender imbalance, with just 18.2% male representation among 44 students. This raises questions about the factors influencing these demographics, such as societal norms, economic conditions, or perhaps the appeal of certain programs that may attract more female students.

The graduate student population is substantially larger at 527 students, with 24.7% males and 75.3% females. This high ratio of female students in graduate programs is consistent with national trends, where women increasingly outnumber men in higher education settings.

Additionally, the breakdown of ethnic diversity among these groups highlights a predominance of white students across the categories. Such demographic trends are important for the university to consider in its strategic planning, outreach, and support services. Overall, South University-Savannah's student population reflects significant gender disparities and is predominantly white, suggesting areas for potential growth in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at South University-Savannah

The age composition of students at South University-Savannah offers interesting insights into the demographics of the institution. The data indicates that the majority of students fall within the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets, with a significant concentration of both undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, the 22-24 age group comprises 41 males and 130 females, while the 25-29 age group includes 82 females and 25 males. This suggests a strong presence of traditional-aged students, particularly females, who are likely to be pursuing their undergraduate studies during these years.

Moreover, the data reveals a notable decline in the number of students in the 18-19 and 20-21 age ranges, which could imply a trend where students are either delaying their entry into higher education or are opting for non-traditional pathways. This trend is not unique to South University but reflects broader patterns observed nationally, where more individuals are taking gap years or pursuing work experience before enrolling in college.

Additionally, the representation of students aged 30 and above indicates that South University-Savannah is accommodating non-traditional students, with 40 students aged 30-34 and 21 in the 35-39 range. This underscores the growing trend of lifelong learning, where individuals seek to enhance their skills or change careers later in life.

Overall, the demographic data highlights the diversity in age among the student body, showcasing both traditional and non-traditional students. This diversity enriches the learning environment and reflects the evolving landscape of higher education, where age barriers are increasingly irrelevant.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.2%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.4%

2 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.7%2021: 1.0%2022: 0.9%2023: 0.9%2024: 1.1%2025: 0.4%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at South University-Savannah

The data from South University-Savannah reveals significant fluctuations in international student enrollment over the years. Notably, in 2004, the university had only 1 international undergraduate student, representing a mere 0.20% of the total undergraduate population. However, by 2010, there was a marked increase, with 43 international students, accounting for 0.37%. This growth trajectory indicates an evolving interest in the university among international students.

The years following 2010 show a dramatic rise in total undergraduate enrollment, peaking at 11,698 in 2010. Still, the percentage of international students remained low, reflecting a broader trend in U.S. higher education where domestic enrollment often overshadows international presence. By 2021 and 2022, the figures for international undergraduates stabilized around 1, maintaining an approximate 0.41% to 0.42% share of the total undergraduate population. This consistency suggests that while the university may have attracted some international students, it has not been able to sustain or significantly grow this demographic in recent years.

Graduate enrollment trends also exhibit a similar pattern, with international students making up 1.54% in 2004 and fluctuating around 0.55% to 1.05% in subsequent years. The data paints a concerning picture of stagnation in attracting international talent, particularly as global competition for students intensifies.

In conclusion, while South University-Savannah has seen growth in overall student numbers, the low percentage of international students raises questions about its appeal in a globalized educational landscape. Addressing these challenges may be crucial for the university to enhance its international profile and foster a more diverse student body in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$27,334

Undergraduate tuition
$17,895
Room and board
$9,439
Graduate tuition
$16,611
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 7% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$25.3M

Tuition and fees
$23.2M91.8%
Government grants and contracts
$1.8M6.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$295K1.2%

Expenses$17.5M

Instruction
$9.9M56.7%
Institutional support
$5.1M29.1%
Student services
$1.9M10.8%
Academic support
$309K1.8%
Other
$280K1.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$83,194peers $68,006
Professor
$115,323peers $78,041
Associate professor
$88,711peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$84,840peers $63,827
Instructor
$57,484peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding South University-Savannah:

  1. University of Florida - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Florida is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in various fields including engineering, business, and health.

  2. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - With a ranking of 33rd, Georgia Tech is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, making it one of the leading institutions in the country for STEM education.

  3. Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson University is known for its vibrant campus and strong emphasis on research, particularly in the fields of engineering and agricultural sciences.

  4. University of South Carolina-Columbia - This comprehensive university is ranked 124th and is recognized for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant student life.

  5. Emory University - A prestigious institution ranked 24th, Emory is known for its rigorous academics and strong research programs, particularly in the fields of medicine and public health.

  6. Davidson College - This liberal arts college is ranked 16th and is known for its small class sizes and commitment to academic excellence.

These institutions offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at South University-Savannah

The crime statistics from South University-Savannah reveal a fluctuating trend over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the campus reported no criminal activities for several years, particularly from 2014 to 2012, and again from 2019 to 2023, indicating a period of relative safety on campus. However, there were incidents reported in 2015, 2016, and especially in 2017, which saw the highest recorded criminal activities with a rate of 5.03 per 1000 students.

The types of crimes reported include gun arrests, drug arrests, and alcohol-related incidents, with gun arrests being a significant concern nationally. The sporadic nature of the data suggests that while there are instances of crime, the university environment has remained largely safe for students. This is a positive indicator for prospective students and their families, as safety on campus is a major factor in choosing a college.

Furthermore, it is essential to contextualize these statistics within broader societal trends. The period of heightened concern around gun violence and drug-related incidents across the United States may have influenced the reported numbers. As universities continue to prioritize student safety, the implementation of effective preventive measures could contribute to maintaining low crime rates in the future.

In conclusion, while the presence of crime cannot be entirely eliminated, South University-Savannah has demonstrated an overall commitment to the safety and well-being of its students, as reflected in the recent years' data showing no reported crimes. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.