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Public Health at South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,789/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 6.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #181 of 213 Public Health programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$441K	$444K	$430K
Earnings Multiple	6.1x	6.1x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$72,952

Median Debt at Graduation

$38,888

13.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

South University-Columbia's Public Health program produces graduates earning $34,789/yr — within striking distance of the $38,916 national average for this field.

A 6.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #181 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places South University-Columbia in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About South University-Columbia

a smaller institution with 445 students in Columbia, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 58% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at South University-Columbia →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at South University-Columbia

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at South University-Columbia?

At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Health programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Public Health degree from South University-Columbia?

At $38,888 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at South University-Columbia?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →