South University, Columbia

South University’s Columbia campus offers a welcoming and student-focused environment designed to support academic and personal success. Located in South Carolina’s capital city, the campus provides small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and flexible* learning options that include both on-campus and online formats. Students benefit from access to:

• Modern classrooms
• Academic Success Center
• Military Lounge for events and other meetings
• Career Services
• Computer Lab
• Physical and virtual library resources
• Nursing Labs with high-fidelity mannequins
• Medical Assisting labs for clinical procedures
• Physical Therapist Assisting labs with industry-standard therapeutic equipment.

*Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.

The Columbia campus is located in the heart of South Carolina’s capital, offering students access to a variety of local attractions. Nearby highlights include the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the scenic Riverwalk Park. Students can also explore the vibrant Vista entertainment district, known for its restaurants, shops, and live music venues.

South University’s Columbia campus is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Columbia. It’s easily accessible from major highways and is close to landmarks such as the South Carolina State House, and the Congaree River. The central location makes it easy for students to enjoy the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.

Yes, parking is available. The campus includes on-site parking for students, faculty, and visitors.

Public transportation in Columbia is provided by The COMET (https://catchthecomet.org/ ). Students can use The COMET’s bus routes to commute to and from campus, with several stops located near the university. The service also offers real-time tracking and a mobile app for trip planning.

The South University, Columbia campus is located at 9 Science Court, Columbia, SC, 29203.

The Columbia campus offers a variety of student support services, including:

• Academic advising and tutoring through the Academic Success Center
• On-site Financial Aid Office to apply for any needed financial aid
• Career Services for job search support, resume building, and interview prep
• Student Affairs Office with 24/7 counseling and wellness support
• Counseling services for academic, career, and personal concerns
• Disability services and accommodations
• Access to digital textbooks and learning platforms
• On-Campus Learning Commons with access to study spaces, computer labs, digital and print resources, and APA webinars
• Student Lounge area designed for relaxation and collaboration
• Onsite & Virtual tutoring for academic support

Yes. The campus features both an on-campus and virtual library, a student lounge for relaxation and collaboration, and an Academic Success Center that provides tutoring and academic support.

Yes. The Career Services department actively supports students in finding internships with local businesses in healthcare, business, and technology sectors. Clinical Coordinators and Career Services connect students with internships and clinical rotations that align with their program requirements. Columbia’s status as a regional hub provides access to employers such as Prisma Health, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and state government agencies.

A number of local businesses and medical centers are near the campus and frequently partner with South University. These include but are not limited to:

Hospitals & Health Systems

• Lexington Medical Center
• Prisma Health
• MUSC – Columbia Division
• NHC Healthcare, Parklane

Clinics & Specialty Practices

• Quest Diagnostics
• Recovery Solutions
• Cherished Comfort Home Care, LLC

Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Centers

• Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
• Millennium Post Acute
• Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina

Other Industry Partners

• Custom Healthcare Solutions
• Open Door Personnel, LLC
• Credentia Nurse Aide, LLC

Yes. South University’s Columbia campus is fully wheelchair accessible and complies with ADA standards. Students needing accommodations can work with the campus Disability Services office.

The Columbia campus follows South University’s comprehensive safety protocols, which include:

• Annual security reports
• Emergency response procedures
• On-site security staff
• Surveillance cameras
• ID badge access control
• Drug and alcohol policies
• Sexual offense prevention programs

You can contact the admissions office at South University, Columbia by calling (866) 396-6045 or the front desk at (803) 799-9082. The office hours are Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

South University, Columbia offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as:

• Associate of Science in Medical Assisting (AS)*
• Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)*¥
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)*¥
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA)
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS)
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (BS)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BS)
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Leadership (MSL)
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)*¥
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS)
• Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)

* Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.

¥ Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program. 

While South University does not offer on-campus housing, students can explore nearby rental options using the following resources:

• https://www.apartments.com/columbia-sc/student-housing/
• https://www.forrentuniversity.com/sc/columbia-student-housing
• https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Student-Housing/South-Carolina/Columbia

These platforms offer a range of affordable housing options close to campus.

South University does not offer on-campus dining; however, the Columbia campus does have a student lounge that has vending machines with hot and cold snacks and beverages. The lounge comes with a microwave and other appliances for student use along with complimentary coffee. The Columbia area also features a wide variety of dining options; from Southern comfort food and international cuisine to fast-casual favorites. Popular nearby spots include local BBQ joints, coffee shops, and restaurants in the Vista and Five Points districts.