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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #401 | Southern Virginia UniversityPrivate | Buena Vista, VA | $50,002 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,722 | 99.6% | 38.3% |
| #402 | Shenandoah UniversityPrivate | Winchester, VA | $58,433 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,803 | 77.8% | 70.5% |
| #403 | Morehouse CollegePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $52,889 Median Earnings (10yr) | $32,679 | 51.4% | 52.7% |
| #404 | University Of LynchburgPrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $56,380 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,308 | 82.2% | 61.6% |
| #405 | Midway UniversityPrivate | Midway, KY | $44,246 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,513 | 95.2% | 46.4% |
| #406 | Jarvis Christian UniversityPrivate | Hawkins, TX | $32,992 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,342 | — | 15.1% |
| #407 | Babson Park, FL | $45,606 Median Earnings (10yr) | $29,108 | 77.6% | 26.0% | |
| #408 | Hampton UniversityPrivate | Hampton, VA | $59,159 Median Earnings (10yr) | $29,338 | 48.3% | 55.7% |
| #409 | Bryan College-DaytonPrivate | Dayton, TN | $54,434 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,480 | — | 55.9% |
| #410 | Meredith CollegePrivate | Raleigh, NC | $51,539 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,882 | 74.7% | 65.0% |
| #411 | Arkansas Baptist CollegePrivate | Little Rock, AR | $28,418 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,700 | — | 8.0% |
| #412 | William Carey UniversityPrivate | Hattiesburg, MS | $43,087 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,423 | 58.0% | 40.8% |
| #413 | Florida Southern CollegePrivate | Lakeland, FL | $55,294 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,266 | 59.1% | 69.3% |
| #414 | Saint Augustine's UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $35,730 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,346 | 58.7% | 33.2% |
| #415 | Carolina UniversityPrivate | Winston-Salem, NC | $32,864 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,910 | 34.0% | 29.2% |
| #416 | Rollins CollegePrivate | Winter Park, FL | $58,295 Median Earnings (10yr) | $25,481 | 40.6% | 76.9% |
| #417 | Ouachita Baptist UniversityPrivate | Arkadelphia, AR | $51,673 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,709 | 68.5% | 70.3% |
| #418 | Brewton-Parker CollegePrivate | Mount Vernon, GA | $42,009 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,759 | 86.4% | 23.5% |
| #419 | University Of Holy CrossPrivate | New Orleans, LA | $49,316 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,852 | 99.0% | 35.8% |
| #420 | Charleston, SC | $45,898 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,840 | 76.1% | 48.6% |
