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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #261 | Mcdaniel CollegePrivate | Westminster, MD | $60,663 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,334 | 83.6% | 63.8% |
| #262 | Voorhees UniversityPrivate | Denmark, SC | $35,339 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,081 | — | 37.8% |
| #263 | Lane CollegePrivate | Jackson, TN | $31,670 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,494 | — | 17.0% |
| #264 | St. Mary's City, MD | $60,110 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,618 | 75.4% | 68.0% | |
| #265 | Dallas, TX | $78,354 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,165 | 61.2% | 83.3% | |
| #266 | Baton Rouge, LA | $43,371 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,473 | 49.9% | 28.4% | |
| #267 | Austin CollegePrivate | Sherman, TX | $61,296 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,701 | 46.7% | 69.5% |
| #268 | Bennett CollegePrivate | Greensboro, NC | $36,654 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,663 | 33.6% | 20.6% |
| #269 | Baltimore, MD | $65,344 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,820 | 86.5% | 51.9% | |
| #270 | Florence, SC | $43,888 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,670 | 82.2% | 42.7% | |
| #271 | Alpine, TX | $41,871 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,209 | 95.6% | 27.4% | |
| #272 | Newport News, VA | $60,509 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,652 | 88.0% | 75.1% | |
| #273 | Montgomery, AL | $44,391 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,999 | 92.6% | 35.7% | |
| #274 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | Waco, TX | $65,793 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,674 | 51.0% | 80.2% |
| #275 | Dillard UniversityPrivate | New Orleans, LA | $39,196 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,801 | 40.5% | 45.1% |
| #276 | Washington, DC | $53,804 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,164 | 99.2% | 44.4% | |
| #277 | Pineville, LA | $51,700 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,046 | 83.8% | 41.3% | |
| #278 | Gallaudet UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $43,101 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,221 | 60.9% | 46.6% |
| #279 | Stillman CollegePrivate | Tuscaloosa, AL | $35,421 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,789 | 74.2% | 41.0% |
| #280 | Alabama State UniversityPublic | Montgomery, AL | $34,502 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,512 | 95.6% | 30.2% |
