Common Questions

Accreditation

Online education/online classroom

About South University

Academic programs

Financial Aid/Tuition

Contacts

Transfer of credits

 

Accreditation

What is accreditation?

Institutional accreditation is provided by regional and national associations of schools and colleges. There are six regional associations: Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western. The associations are independent of one another, but they cooperate and acknowledge one another's accreditation. An accrediting agency evaluates an entire educational organization in terms of its mission, and the agency's criteria. The organization is accredited as a whole. The accrediting agency evaluates such things as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with internal and external constituencies.

How is South University Accredited?

South University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (www.sacs.org). South University is a Level V institution eligible to award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Additionally our nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through our West Palm Beach campus.

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Online education/online classroom

How will my diploma appear?

Upon graduation, your diploma will be conferred from the Savannah campus of South University. Click here to see the diploma.

How often do I have to log in?

Our students are asked to log into the classroom four days a week. Those four days are selected by the student and do not have to be the same four days each week. Additionally, you are not required to log in at a specific time or for a specific length of time. You may log in on your lunch break, when you get home from work or in the middle of the night – whatever works for you.

What about books?

Like any traditional university, students in our online programs must purchase books for the classes they are enrolled in. As a student, you will have access to our online book store enabling you to order your books online and have them shipped directly to you. You are also free to purchase books at a source of your choosing.

Is South University really 100% online?

Many of our programs are offered 100% online, requiring no physical attendance at any of our campus locations; however, some programs do require campus attendance. Please refer to the specific academic program you are interested in for more information or speak with one of our admission representatives.

What types of degrees are offered?

South University awards Associate of Science, Bachelor, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. All degrees are conferred from the Savannah campus of South University.

What happens if I need help with a class?

If you are having trouble in a class, you have multiple places to turn to for help. The first place to go for help is our student support team. They are here to help you. Student support can be reached toll free at 1-888-444-3404.

Another option would be your classmates. The other students in the class may be having some of the same problems as you – and they may know of a resource or tip to help solve your problem. Your instructor is also a good resource for assistance. The instructor may be contacted online, through the classroom, as well as any other form of contact they provide for you (i.e. email, chat or phone).

As a student in one of South University's degree programs online, you will also have access to "Smart Thinking," our online tutoring service. In addition to the resources listed above, you will also have your student advisor as well as our tech support to help solve any problems you may have while attending South University.

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About South University

How long has South University existed?

Established in 1899, South University has a rich academic heritage spanning more than 100 years.

Does South University have ground campuses?

Yes. South University has campuses located in Savannah, Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; Columbia, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and West Palm Beach, Florida. South University has also made some of the ground campus programs available to students online.

How is attending South University online different than attending a ground campus?

The key difference to attending South University as an online student is the delivery method. As a student enrolled in one of South University's degree programs online you will take the same classes, receive the same quality of instruction and receive the same degree as our students attending our ground campuses. As an online student you have the flexibility to schedule school when it's convenient for you.

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Academic programs

What types of programs are offered?

South University currently offers the following academic programs:

How long will it take me to complete my degree online?

A full time student at South University can complete a bachelor's degree in as little as 2 years and 10 months. Our master's degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months.

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Financial Aid/Tuition

What is the tuition for South University?

Undergraduate Tuition
Business, Accounting, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Health Care Management, Health Sciences and Criminal Justice degree programs
Per 4-credit course ($296 per credit hour) $1,184
Nursing RN to BSN degree program
Per 4-credit course ($308 per credit hour - credit hours vary by course, see nursing curriculum for specific course credit hours) $1,232

Graduate Tuition
Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration
Per 4-credit course ($445 per credit hour) $1,780
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Per 4-credit course ($435 per credit hour) $1,740
Master of Science in Nursing
Per 4-credit course ($350 per credit hour) $1,400

Is there an application fee?

Yes. Your application to South University will not be considered completed until the fee has been submitted.
Admissions Fees
Application Fee: $50
Admissions Fees are paid one time as part of the initial application process

How much do books cost?

The cost of books will vary from class to class, but a conservative estimate would be between $75 - $150 per class.

Are there any other fees besides an application fee?

There are only three things you will have to pay for as a student at South University:

  1. Application fee
  2. Tuition
  3. Books/Materials

Will I be able to get financial aid?

Depending on your eligibility, financial aid resources include:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Stafford Student Loan
  • Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Alternative Loan Programs
  • State Student Assistance Programs
  • Veterans Education Act
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
  • Awards, Grants and Scholarships

 

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Contacts

How do I apply to South University?

You can apply to South University online by visiting our Online Application.

How do I contact an admissions representative?

You can contact an admissions representative in one of two ways

  1. Complete a "Request Info" form and an Admissions representative will contact you.
  2. Call 1-866-444-3404

How do I request more info about South University?

Complete a "Request Info" form and an Admissions representative will contact you

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Transfer of credits

How does South University determine which courses will qualify for transfer of credit?

South University determines transfer of credit based on set general criteria, as well as analysis and research of student transcripts. Each transcript is evaluated for credit equivalence and applied to the applicable general education, foundation, and core course requirements.

What are the basic criteria for South University Transfer of Credit

  • The course must be three or more quarter credit hours.
  • The course must be passed with a C or higher.
  • The course must be completed at a regionally or ACICS accredited institution.
  • The course must correspond with the degree offered and our course catalog.

Why didn't my course transfer?

Each student file is evaluated on a case by case basis and there are multiple reasons why a course may not be transferable. Please contact an admissions representative or your academic advisor for a detailed explanation for your particular situation.

Common reasons your course may not have transferred

  • South University does not transfer developmental courses.
  • South University does not transfer courses taken in a diploma program, unless the courses are cross-listed with an associate's-level program.
  • Course Levels do not match.

More info on course levels -
The course must correspond by class-level. 1000 levels can be transferred for 2000 level (associate's level), and 3000 for 4000 level (bachelor's level), but a 2000-level course cannot be transferred for 3000-4000 level course.

The scope of the course may be insufficient. For example, a business math course will not transfer in for a college math course, or an interpersonal communications course will not correspond with public speaking.

It's good to keep in mind that there are limited general education requirements for the degree programs with South University. The curriculum is designed so that a student may concentrate primarily on his or her area of study. Most transfer students have more general education requirements than they would area of study courses. We do not transfer over excess credits to a student's degree audit.

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Contact Information

For more information about South University please call 1-888-444-3404 or visit us online at http://online.southuniversity.edu.