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Southern Wesleyan University vs South University-Columbia

Southern Wesleyan University is a private university in Central, SC, and South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Southern Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,464 a year against $27,693 at South University-Columbia. About 52% of students graduate at Southern Wesleyan University, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $47,756, against $34,421 for South University-Columbia.

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, SC · Private

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Central, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
747
450
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1210
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,464
$27,693
Full cost / yr
$39,914
$35,322
In-state tuition
$29,800
$18,145
Out-of-state tuition
$29,800
$18,145
Application fee
$25
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,084
$26,588
$30k - $48k
$14,218
$30,474
$48k - $75k
$14,230
$32,022
$75k - $110k
$14,899
$29,386
Over $110k
$17,381
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
13%
Freshman retention
69%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,489
$34,115
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,756
$34,421
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$26,123
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
58%
First-generation students
39%
47%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia?
Southern Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,464 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Southern Wesleyan University and South University-Columbia?
Before aid, South University-Columbia costs about $35,322 a year and Southern Wesleyan University about $39,914. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia?
Southern Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,084 there, against about $26,588 at South University-Columbia. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia?
Southern Wesleyan University is the larger of the two, with about 747 undergraduates against 450 at South University-Columbia.
Does Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
Southern Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
Do graduates of Southern Wesleyan University or South University-Columbia earn more?
Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,421 for South University-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southern Wesleyan University and South University-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Southern Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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