Home to 520 ranked institutions, the South offers a diverse higher education landscape ranging from research powerhouses like Florida International University to specialized regional colleges. With 39% public universities and 61% private colleges, graduates earn a median of $50,640 ten years after enrollment—$5,177 lower than the national average but reflecting the region's varied economic sectors.
Graduates from Southern institutions earn between $21,256 and $103,494 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the significant impact of program selection on career outcomes. The University of Texas at Austin produces graduates earning $75,121, while Florida International University leads the overall rankings with its highest Azimuth Score of 2.4, showing how comprehensive institutional quality drives long-term success.
While Florida International University dominates the rankings, students seeking accessible admissions should consider this Miami-based institution's 58% acceptance rate. With graduates earning $60,249—nearly $10,000 above the regional median earnings—it proves that strong career outcomes don't require exclusive admissions, making it an ideal choice for students prioritizing both accessibility and results.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Miami, FL | $60,249 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,112 | 58.8% | 73.9% | |
| #2 | Austin, TX | $75,121 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,972 | 29.1% | 87.6% | |
| #3 | Edinburg, TX | $49,620 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,006 | 84.8% | 49.3% | |
| #4 | University Of HoustonPublic | Houston, TX | $62,377 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,327 | 69.5% | 64.9% |
| #5 | Orlando, FL | $58,308 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,170 | 39.5% | 75.1% | |
| #6 | Arlington, TX | $63,199 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,535 | 81.3% | 56.5% | |
| #7 | College Station, TX | $72,097 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,273 | 63.2% | 83.8% | |
| #8 | George Mason UniversityPublic | Fairfax, VA | $76,343 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,197 | 88.8% | 69.3% |
| #9 | Kennesaw, GA | $57,552 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,754 | 69.2% | 48.1% | |
| #10 | San Antonio, TX | $57,131 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,802 | 88.5% | 51.2% | |
| #11 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | Atlanta, GA | $47,384 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,552 | 62.3% | 53.7% |
| #12 | Denton, TX | $57,010 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,816 | 72.5% | 59.6% | |
| #13 | Tampa, FL | $57,743 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,785 | 41.0% | 74.6% | |
| #14 | Texas State UniversityPublic | San Marcos, TX | $56,906 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,144 | 89.5% | 56.2% |
| #15 | University Of FloridaPublic | Gainesville, FL | $71,588 Median Earnings (10yr) | $2,387 | 24.0% | 91.5% |
| #16 | El Paso, TX | $50,923 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,413 | 99.9% | 46.0% | |
| #17 | Atlanta, GA | $102,772 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,491 | 16.5% | 92.3% | |
| #18 | Boca Raton, FL | $56,746 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,120 | 73.4% | 64.3% | |
| #19 | College Park, MD | $82,860 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,603 | 44.8% | 88.6% | |
| #20 | Florida State UniversityPublic | Tallahassee, FL | $61,675 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,777 | 25.4% | 83.0% |
