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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #381 | Waxahachie, TX | $46,238 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,990 | 84.2% | 35.5% | |
| #382 | American UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $77,370 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,176 | 47.4% | 78.5% |
| #383 | Southwestern UniversityPrivate | Georgetown, TX | $56,878 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,791 | 39.1% | 69.3% |
| #384 | Randolph-Macon CollegePrivate | Ashland, VA | $58,448 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,959 | 83.4% | 74.6% |
| #385 | Piedmont UniversityPrivate | Demorest, GA | $49,130 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,494 | 92.8% | 41.5% |
| #386 | Ave Maria UniversityPrivate | Ave Maria, FL | $49,520 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,716 | 44.8% | 55.5% |
| #387 | Delta State UniversityPublic | Cleveland, MS | $41,991 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,183 | 99.7% | 46.9% |
| #388 | Trinity Baptist CollegePrivate | Jacksonville, FL | $37,275 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,080 | 62.5% | 44.2% |
| #389 | Thomas More UniversityPrivate | Crestview Hills, KY | $59,384 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,407 | 97.0% | 40.1% |
| #390 | New Orleans, LA | $63,268 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,957 | 14.6% | 88.9% | |
| #391 | West Liberty UniversityPublic | West Liberty, WV | $43,296 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,368 | 72.1% | 60.6% |
| #392 | Livingstone CollegePrivate | Salisbury, NC | $32,600 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,621 | 74.1% | 27.1% |
| #393 | Texas Lutheran UniversityPrivate | Seguin, TX | $53,863 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,458 | 94.8% | 55.2% |
| #394 | New Orleans, LA | $34,042 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,247 | 60.2% | 17.9% | |
| #395 | Maryville CollegePrivate | Maryville, TN | $49,279 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,787 | 65.7% | 47.2% |
| #396 | Berry CollegePrivate | Mount Berry, GA | $53,800 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,036 | 61.9% | 73.9% |
| #397 | Bethany CollegePrivate | Bethany, WV | $44,512 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,618 | 60.5% | 46.3% |
| #398 | Williams Baptist UniversityPrivate | Walnut Ridge, AR | $38,484 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,498 | 58.9% | 35.9% |
| #399 | Shaw UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $34,409 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,125 | 30.5% | 20.3% |
| #400 | Jackson, KY | $21,256 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,650 | 35.7% | 35.7% |
