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 | Austin, TX | $79,115 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,553 | 26.6% | 88.9% | |
| #2 | Arlington, TX | $79,176 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,893 | 79.9% | 54.0% | |
| #3 | College Station, TX | $76,234 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,784 | 57.4% | 83.9% | |
| #4 | University Of HoustonPublic | Houston, TX | $68,091 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,929 | 73.9% | 64.6% |
| #5 | Edinburg, TX | $53,888 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,785 | 94.2% | 50.9% | |
| #6 | Miami, FL | $62,192 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,003 | 54.7% | 74.4% | |
| #7 | George Mason UniversityPublic | Fairfax, VA | $78,425 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,942 | 87.5% | 67.8% |
| #8 | Miami Dade CollegePublic | Miami, FL | $49,323 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,822 | — | 45.9% |
| #9 | San Antonio, TX | $60,333 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,870 | 86.8% | 52.6% | |
| #10 | Orlando, FL | $61,355 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,816 | 40.1% | 78.0% | |
| #11 | Kennesaw, GA | $68,306 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,235 | 69.2% | 52.2% | |
| #12 | Valencia CollegePublic | Orlando, FL | $46,937 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,453 | — | 47.8% |
| #13 | Houston, TX | $50,591 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,722 | — | 16.5% | |
| #14 | Texas State UniversityPublic | San Marcos, TX | $58,786 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,715 | 89.3% | 55.3% |
| #15 | Denton, TX | $58,743 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,311 | 72.2% | 60.7% | |
| #16 | El Paso, TX | $58,771 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,863 | 99.9% | 50.2% | |
| #17 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | Atlanta, GA | $58,898 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,787 | 55.4% | 53.1% |
| #18 | University Of FloridaPublic | Gainesville, FL | $77,321 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,982 | 61.3% | 91.1% |
| #19 | Atlanta, GA | $119,180 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,666 | 14.1% | 94.0% | |
| #20 | Chapel Hill, NC | $81,033 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,004 | 15.3% | 91.2% |
