About Us
Mission & Heritage
South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced curricula at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
We are committed to providing a balanced, comprehensive education that instills a philosophy of learning and professionalism combined with contribution and commitment to advancing the community. South University offers a wide range of programs in business, nursing, healthcare, criminal justice, accounting, and information technology.
At South University, to ensure the needs for military and Veteran students are being addressed, we have specially designated experienced admissions and financial aid personnel focused on meeting the needs of military students.
Enjoying a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, South University has delivered quality education and personal attention to students for more than a century. The university traces its heritage to 1899 when Dr. John Draughon, committed to advancing his community, established Draughon's Practical Business College in Savannah, GA.
Since those humble beginnings, South University has grown from a two-year business college into an accredited four-year university. Today, South University continues to build on academic excellence as a recognized innovator in higher education.
South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
Learning Online with South University
Designed with the needs of adult students with many responsibilities in mind, South University's online programs are built on the same curriculum offered by our campus programs. As a student in one of our online programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at our six campus locations. We provide more than just an online classroom — we strive to bring a range of campus experiences and services online, including advising, tutoring, student community, and career services.
Our online programs provide you with the freedom to attend class any time – day or night – from anywhere you connect to the Internet. At South University, you are in control of your education.
Financial Aid
Making an Education Affordable
The Financial Aid Services for Military related personnel at South University are designed to give you personalized attention to help you begin your education with ease. We understand potential concerns about expense. This why we’ve designed our tuition structure for eligible Active Military, Drilling members of the Reserve and National Guard and Veterans to minimize your out-of-pocket expense. Depending on your situation you may find that your expenses for tuition, fees and books are fully covered under existing military benefit programs. Our experienced Military Student Financial Aid Officers are committed to helping you understand the types of financial aid you may qualify for, as well as helping you to establish an overall financial plan so you can begin your education with confidence.
Financial Aid Opportunities
We are committed to helping you explore every option for making your education affordable. Among the programs which may be applicable to you are:
- Military Tuition Assistance
The five branches of service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy) each have programs designed to assist Active Duty military personnel in receiving aid to meet their educational objectives. Eligible servicemen and servicewoman, depending on the available benefit and programs and courses selected, may find their tuition covered for the academic year by Military Tuition Assistance. - Montgomery GI Bill
Applicable to certain Reserve as well as Active Duty and Veterans personnel, the Montgomery GI Bill can provide up to 36 months of education benefits. Depending on the amount of benefit available and the degree program chosen, eligible individuals may find that the majority of education expenses would be covered under this program. - Post 9/11 GI Bill
South University is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. This means eligible Veterans may incur no out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and books over the course of an academic year. Active Duty personnel participating in this program may well find the majority of the tuition expenses covered as well. - Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.
At South University our Military Student Financial Aid Officers understand the inter-play of the various military education programs and are in a position to help you develop a school financing program that is right for you.
These are only a sample of the types of financial aid that you may be eligible for. Student financial aid eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Online Education
Online Education at South University
Do you wish attending school could fit into your busy schedule? Now it can. At South University taking online classes gives you the freedom to decide when – and where – to attend class.
Distance Learning at South University
South University's innovative distance learning programs are designed to cater to your needs with small classes that ensure individualized attention, qualified instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, customized learning environments, and challenging curricula that's geared toward your career goals.
The Campus Common Experience
At South University, online never feels out of touch. We are committed to delivering more than an education — we bring the entire campus experience to you through the Campus Common, South University's online campus.
More than an online classroom, the Campus Common enables students to connect with their academic advisor or financial aid officer, access tutoring and other services, interact with their classmates and instructors, attend special online events, purchase books and apparel, and even participate in professional organization. For South University online students, success in education takes place inside – and outside – the classroom.
Student Services
Once you're accepted to South University, our help doesn't stop there. Throughout your entire academic program, you will be supported with a wide range of resources that make online learning with South University convenient and productive, including:
- Admisssions and Financial Aid personnel trained to meet the needs of military-affiliated students
- The Student Support Center
- The South University Discussion Forum
- The Worldwide Professional Network
- 24-hour Tech Support
- Academic Advising
- The South University Online Library
- Online Tutoring
- Online Bookstore

