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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #361 | Spelman CollegePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $59,993 Median Earnings (10yr) | $31,898 | 34.1% | 76.1% |
| #362 | Washington CollegePrivate | Chestertown, MD | $65,518 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,498 | 65.5% | 74.1% |
| #363 | Dallas Christian CollegePrivate | Dallas, TX | $43,503 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,705 | 84.0% | 23.9% |
| #364 | Transylvania UniversityPrivate | Lexington, KY | $54,705 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,035 | 85.0% | 69.8% |
| #365 | Glenville, WV | $39,315 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,878 | — | 35.5% | |
| #366 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $55,541 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,886 | 66.6% | 68.7% |
| #367 | Mcmurry UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $48,779 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,614 | 57.6% | 38.6% |
| #368 | Buckhannon, WV | $51,593 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,553 | 95.0% | 49.5% | |
| #369 | Catawba CollegePrivate | Salisbury, NC | $48,793 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,892 | 77.7% | 52.1% |
| #370 | Belton, TX | $56,132 Median Earnings (10yr) | $25,906 | 95.1% | 53.4% | |
| #371 | Faulkner UniversityPrivate | Montgomery, AL | $43,457 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,012 | 66.1% | 37.7% |
| #372 | San Antonio, TX | $37,709 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,083 | — | 27.3% | |
| #373 | University Of DallasPrivate | Irving, TX | $58,285 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,372 | 54.2% | 68.0% |
| #374 | Huntingdon CollegePrivate | Montgomery, AL | $49,601 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,007 | 70.8% | 46.9% |
| #375 | Washington, DC | $73,250 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,216 | 83.8% | 81.3% | |
| #376 | Hardin-Simmons UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $54,771 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,534 | 96.5% | 49.6% |
| #377 | St. Thomas UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $54,272 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,083 | 99.4% | 43.4% |
| #378 | Tougaloo CollegePrivate | Tougaloo, MS | $34,724 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,824 | 53.2% | 32.3% |
| #379 | Stetson UniversityPrivate | Deland, FL | $51,642 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,596 | 86.4% | 62.8% |
| #380 | Mississippi CollegePrivate | Clinton, MS | $47,485 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,767 | 48.9% | 62.8% |
