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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #421 | Rogers State UniversityPublic | Claremore, OK | $53,237 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,714 | — | 29.0% |
| #422 | Alexandria, LA | $51,983 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,008 | 92.1% | 34.2% | |
| #423 | Shelbyville, TN | $54,975 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,007 | — | — | |
| #424 | Ellisville, MS | $36,340 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,645 | — | — | |
| #425 | Jacksonville UniversityPrivate | Jacksonville, FL | $77,058 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,893 | 56.9% | 50.6% |
| #426 | Smithfield, NC | $48,144 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,743 | — | — | |
| #427 | La Plata, MD | $58,851 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,798 | — | — | |
| #428 | Ozarka CollegePublic | Melbourne, AR | $46,188 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,718 | — | — |
| #429 | Georgia Gwinnett CollegePublic | Lawrenceville, GA | $56,872 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,356 | 95.5% | 21.5% |
| #430 | Sumter, SC | $45,876 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,526 | — | — | |
| #431 | National Park CollegePublic | Hot Springs, AR | $45,799 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,368 | — | — |
| #432 | Daphne, AL | $69,925 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,550 | 61.4% | — | |
| #433 | Maysville, KY | $42,970 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,965 | — | — | |
| #434 | Decatur, GA | $61,443 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #435 | Louisville, KY | $57,449 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #436 | South Arkansas CollegePublic | El Dorado, AR | $48,099 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,690 | — | — |
| #437 | Martinsville, VA | $44,016 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,671 | — | — | |
| #438 | Princess Anne, MD | $55,733 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,914 | 96.4% | 35.3% | |
| #439 | Wentworth, NC | $44,278 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,161 | — | — | |
| #440 | Huntington, WV | $45,495 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,895 | — | — |
