29 Area Studies colleges in the South with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $67,586.
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #26 | University Of MemphisPublic | $48,458 | $23,300 | Good | $15,393 | Challenging | 88th percentile mobility |
| #27 | $48,160 | $22,858 | Manageable | $14,638 | Challenging | 92th percentile mobility | |
| #28 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | $47,384 | $20,903 | Manageable | $14,837 | Challenging | 98th percentile mobility |
| #29 | Berea CollegePrivate | $43,150 | — | — | — | — | 62th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
