
South College traces its origins to Knoxville Business College, founded in 1882 to provide practical business education. Its later adoption of the South College name reflects a broader range of academic and professional programs than the original business curriculum.
Today, South College is a private institution based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with additional locations and online offerings. That expansion matters when comparing programs: a degree listed by the institution may not be offered in the same format, or at every campus. Applicants should check the location and delivery format attached to the specific program they want.
South College offers career-oriented programs across health professions, nursing, business, technology, education, and other fields. Its credentials span undergraduate and graduate study, including professional programs.
Examples of fields represented in its academic offerings include registered nursing, allied health, pharmacy, computer and information sciences, business administration, and teacher education. For an applicant, the more useful question than whether a field appears in the institution-wide directory is whether the intended credential is available in Knoxville, online, or at another location. Clinical placements, laboratory requirements, and licensing preparation may also differ substantially between programs.
South College is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Students considering in-person study should identify the address for their particular program rather than assuming that every Knoxville class or service operates from one building.
Knoxville offers access to employers, health-care facilities, and other community organizations that may be relevant to career-focused programs. Transportation is a practical consideration, particularly when a schedule includes classes and off-site clinical or field experiences. McGhee Tyson Airport serves the Knoxville area, but day-to-day travel is more likely to depend on a student's commute and program schedule.
South College describes its educational purpose in terms of preparing students for professional work through applied instruction and academic study. Its present range of health, technical, and business programs is consistent with that career-focused emphasis.
A stated mission is a description of institutional priorities, not a measure of an individual program's results. Prospective students can assess how that purpose translates into practice by reviewing the curriculum, required hands-on training, licensing eligibility where relevant, and published outcomes for the credential they intend to pursue.
Name of the institution
South CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, not primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
10,000 - 19,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1882South College is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.