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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #341 | University Of The OzarksPrivate | Clarksville, AR | $44,384 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,780 | 58.1% | 51.8% |
| #342 | Wise, VA | $45,325 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,634 | 93.9% | 49.8% | |
| #343 | Langston UniversityPublic | Langston, OK | $33,261 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,626 | — | 17.5% |
| #344 | The University Of TampaPrivate | Tampa, FL | $59,436 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,631 | 40.9% | 61.9% |
| #345 | Crowley's Ridge CollegePrivate | Paragould, AR | $39,533 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,388 | — | 26.1% |
| #346 | Bacone CollegePrivate | Muskogee, OK | $40,006 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,948 | — | 2.4% |
| #347 | Tusculum UniversityPrivate | Greeneville, TN | $44,367 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,818 | 60.4% | 30.5% |
| #348 | Appalachian Bible CollegePrivate | Mount Hope, WV | $37,467 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,089 | 98.6% | 75.6% |
| #349 | Randolph CollegePrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $53,409 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,931 | 94.9% | 51.5% |
| #350 | Mary Baldwin UniversityPrivate | Staunton, VA | $44,427 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,996 | — | 55.7% |
| #351 | Talladega CollegePrivate | Talladega, AL | $32,229 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,423 | 99.3% | 65.0% |
| #352 | Spring Hill CollegePrivate | Mobile, AL | $51,500 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,239 | 59.1% | 56.1% |
| #353 | Keene, TX | $52,946 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,482 | 55.5% | 41.1% | |
| #354 | Criswell CollegePrivate | Dallas, TX | $43,185 Median Earnings (10yr) | — | 91.7% | 57.1% |
| #355 | Graceville, FL | $42,836 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,933 | 64.1% | 69.2% | |
| #356 | Oglethorpe UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $55,232 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,338 | 60.1% | 53.9% |
| #357 | Morris CollegePrivate | Sumter, SC | $30,614 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,687 | — | 20.4% |
| #358 | Hallmark UniversityPrivate | San Antonio, TX | $40,183 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,387 | 98.2% | 68.3% |
| #359 | Lagrange CollegePrivate | Lagrange, GA | $51,745 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,585 | 63.2% | 41.8% |
| #360 | Frankfort, KY | $36,382 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,809 | 92.5% | 27.1% |
