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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #301 | Clinton CollegePrivate | Rock Hill, SC | $30,180 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,378 | — | 11.1% |
| #302 | Warner UniversityPrivate | Lake Wales, FL | $46,086 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,182 | 47.8% | 34.9% |
| #303 | Melbourne, FL | $43,137 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,825 | 44.4% | 65.5% | |
| #304 | Newberry CollegePrivate | Newberry, SC | $48,040 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,692 | 74.8% | 44.4% |
| #305 | Belhaven UniversityPrivate | Jackson, MS | $46,440 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,855 | 53.3% | 51.1% |
| #306 | Chickasha, OK | $41,913 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,445 | 55.8% | 36.3% | |
| #307 | Carson-Newman UniversityPrivate | Jefferson City, TN | $48,382 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,134 | 68.3% | 46.5% |
| #308 | University Of Mount OlivePrivate | Mount Olive, NC | $47,139 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,775 | 77.8% | 47.5% |
| #309 | Itta Bena, MS | $31,919 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,034 | 51.2% | 22.1% | |
| #310 | Bluefield UniversityPrivate | Bluefield, VA | $48,896 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,017 | 62.7% | 27.1% |
| #311 | Lynchburg, VA | $28,396 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,007 | — | 26.1% | |
| #312 | Tifton, GA | $34,996 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,191 | 77.2% | 29.1% | |
| #313 | Agnes Scott CollegePrivate | Decatur, GA | $56,274 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,042 | 67.3% | 70.5% |
| #314 | Bethune-Cookman UniversityPrivate | Daytona Beach, FL | $38,518 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,728 | 99.9% | 27.8% |
| #315 | Winston Salem, NC | $38,357 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,932 | 33.1% | 79.2% | |
| #316 | Hood CollegePrivate | Frederick, MD | $57,089 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,019 | 78.1% | 55.3% |
| #317 | Georgetown CollegePrivate | Georgetown, KY | $52,074 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,926 | 73.9% | 47.5% |
| #318 | Brenau UniversityPrivate | Gainesville, GA | $54,003 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,696 | 87.0% | 35.4% |
| #319 | Wiley UniversityPrivate | Marshall, TX | $33,159 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,970 | — | 20.0% |
| #320 | Paine CollegePrivate | Augusta, GA | $33,338 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,133 | 83.4% | 21.7% |
