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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #321 | Shreveport, LA | $50,330 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,875 | 54.4% | 59.3% | |
| #322 | Tuskegee UniversityPrivate | Tuskegee, AL | $49,641 Median Earnings (10yr) | $31,858 | 31.4% | 57.1% |
| #323 | Miami Beach, FL | $30,667 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,305 | — | 36.4% | |
| #324 | Averett UniversityPrivate | Danville, VA | $51,516 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,743 | 47.8% | 43.6% |
| #325 | Athens, TN | $45,989 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,734 | 59.4% | 43.6% | |
| #326 | Union UniversityPrivate | Jackson, TN | $53,990 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,793 | 47.2% | 70.9% |
| #327 | Mount St. Mary's UniversityPrivate | Emmitsburg, MD | $64,072 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,674 | 71.9% | 58.0% |
| #328 | Schreiner UniversityPrivate | Kerrville, TX | $52,228 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,646 | 88.0% | 43.7% |
| #329 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | Boca Raton, FL | $47,597 Median Earnings (10yr) | $26,784 | 86.4% | 57.8% |
| #330 | Lubbock Christian UniversityPrivate | Lubbock, TX | $53,787 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,241 | 73.2% | 48.7% |
| #331 | Oklahoma City UniversityPrivate | Oklahoma City, OK | $54,655 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,408 | 70.4% | 64.2% |
| #332 | Columbia CollegePrivate | Columbia, SC | $41,338 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,126 | 95.8% | 53.5% |
| #333 | Paul Quinn CollegePrivate | Dallas, TX | $29,288 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,812 | 33.8% | 38.1% |
| #334 | Wesleyan CollegePrivate | Macon, GA | $44,317 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,364 | 62.1% | 60.6% |
| #335 | Bluefield, WV | $38,217 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,971 | 87.2% | 34.6% | |
| #336 | Collegedale, TN | $53,723 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,100 | 66.6% | 51.4% | |
| #337 | Oklahoma City, OK | $46,116 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,373 | — | 33.3% | |
| #338 | Randall UniversityPrivate | Moore, OK | $42,051 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,874 | 44.8% | 20.5% |
| #339 | Alice Lloyd CollegePrivate | Pippa Passes, KY | $40,573 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,717 | 85.6% | 26.4% |
| #340 | Furman UniversityPrivate | Greenville, SC | $68,635 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,190 | 52.6% | 81.5% |
