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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #281 | Claflin UniversityPrivate | Orangeburg, SC | $40,304 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,663 | 72.5% | 49.1% |
| #282 | Brunswick, GA | $39,318 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,793 | 98.5% | 25.6% | |
| #283 | Campbell UniversityPrivate | Buies Creek, NC | $54,886 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,276 | 94.3% | 55.9% |
| #284 | Asheville, NC | $44,030 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,513 | 93.9% | 54.9% | |
| #285 | Concordia University TexasPrivate | Austin, TX | $60,883 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,380 | 91.1% | 40.5% |
| #286 | Rocky Mount, NC | $45,873 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,574 | 78.0% | 40.4% | |
| #287 | Washington, DC | $44,236 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,786 | — | 26.3% | |
| #288 | Pfeiffer UniversityPrivate | Misenheimer, NC | $51,562 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,581 | 95.3% | 42.6% |
| #289 | Millsaps CollegePrivate | Jackson, MS | $53,848 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,651 | 49.0% | 55.5% |
| #290 | Bellarmine UniversityPrivate | Louisville, KY | $62,069 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,542 | 93.6% | 67.8% |
| #291 | Wheeling UniversityPrivate | Wheeling, WV | $57,949 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,139 | 75.2% | 32.0% |
| #292 | Le Moyne-Owen CollegePrivate | Memphis, TN | $35,594 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,457 | 97.2% | 24.7% |
| #293 | Johnson C Smith UniversityPrivate | Charlotte, NC | $42,680 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,693 | 42.9% | 34.1% |
| #294 | Hendrix CollegePrivate | Conway, AR | $60,376 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,343 | 53.0% | 69.2% |
| #295 | University Of PikevillePrivate | Pikeville, KY | $48,231 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,218 | — | 39.1% |
| #296 | Messenger CollegePrivate | Bedford, TX | $29,463 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,029 | 50.0% | 55.6% |
| #297 | Bob Jones UniversityPrivate | Greenville, SC | $44,354 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,037 | — | 69.6% |
| #298 | John Brown UniversityPrivate | Siloam Springs, AR | $53,907 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,732 | 67.6% | 66.8% |
| #299 | Clark Atlanta UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $42,712 Median Earnings (10yr) | $33,555 | 64.6% | 47.8% |
| #300 | Heritage Bible CollegePrivate | Dunn, NC | $30,672 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,706 | — | 40.0% |
