Allen University vs South University-Columbia: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but South University-Columbia comes closer — median earnings $34,421 against a $110,772 total, vs $30,497 at Allen University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Allen University | South University-Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,972 | $27,693 |
| Total net cost | $43,888 | $110,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $30,497 | $34,421 |
| Median debt | $34,290 | $26,123 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$401,148 | -$389,552 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Allen University or South University-Columbia?
Allen University, at $10,972 a year after aid versus $27,693 — a gap of $16,721 a year, or $66,884 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Allen University or South University-Columbia graduates earn more?
South University-Columbia graduates report a median $34,421 ten years after entry, $3,924 more than the $30,497 at Allen University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Allen University or South University-Columbia?
South University-Columbia: its completers carry a median $26,123 in federal loans versus $34,290 at Allen University, a difference of $8,167. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
23% of students finish at South University-Columbia, against 13% at Allen University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.