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South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC

private forprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1899
Founded
Private for-profit university
Type
445
Total Students
$18K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$23K
Avg Net Price
10%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About South University-Columbia

South University-Columbia: Delivering career-focused education with an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program.

South University-Columbia is a branch campus of a private institution with a rich legacy spanning over a century, dedicated to practical, career-focused education. Tracing its roots back to a business college founded in Savannah, Georgia, in 1899, South University has continuously adapted to meet the evolving demands of the professional world. Today, the Columbia campus stands as a vital hub, contributing to the university's mission of preparing students for successful careers in diverse fields, particularly in the health professions.

A standout academic offering at South University-Columbia is its distinguished Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. This program is notable for being one of only a limited number nationwide that provides an accelerated pathway, allowing students to complete four academic years of study within just three calendar years. This rigorous, accredited program (by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) prepares future pharmacists with comprehensive knowledge and skills, marking South University as a significant contributor to health professions education in the region and nationwide.

Over its history, South University has undergone significant transformations, expanding from its original campus to multiple locations across the United States and embracing online learning to serve a broader student body. While the university has navigated periods of ownership changes and financial scrutiny, it has demonstrated resilience, addressing past issues to ensure continued accreditation and focus on student success. The institution's commitment to providing accessible, quality education is reflected in its diverse student population and its efforts to adapt to the changing educational landscape, aiming to empower students for their professional journeys.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1899, offering over a century of educational heritage.
  • ✦Offers an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at its Columbia campus, completing four academic years in three calendar years.
  • ✦The Pharm.D. program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
  • ✦Part of a university system that expanded to eleven locations and embraced online learning.
  • ✦Served a substantial student body, with 9,930 students reported across the university system.
  • ✦Successfully addressed past financial concerns, being removed from SACS probation in 2017.
  • ✦Former parent company, EDMC, ordered to forgive over $100.8 million in student loan debt for 80,000+ former students.

Timeline

1899
Founded in Savannah, Georgia, as Draughan's Practical Business College.
1974
Acquired by the South family and renamed Draughan's Junior College.
1986
Name changed to South College.
2001
Accredited at the master's level by SACS and renamed South University.
2002
Launched its Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program, the first health professions doctorate in the Savannah area.
2003
Acquired by Education Management Corporation (EDMC).
2004
Expanded from Savannah to eleven other locations and began offering online courses.
2015
EDMC settled a False Claims Act violation, leading to forgiveness of over $100.8 million in student loan debt.
2016
Placed on probation by SACS due to financial concerns regarding its parent company, EDMC.
2017
Removed from SACS probation after sale to Dream Center Education Holdings.
🏛️
127 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within South University-Columbia

💊

School of Pharmacy

Offers an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program, providing four academic years of study within three calendar years. This program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), was the first health professions doctorate of its kind in the Savannah area and is offered at the Columbia, South Carolina campus.

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