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 | Charlotte, NC | $57,673 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,332 | 67.7% | 65.9% | |
| #422 | Union CollegePrivate | Barbourville, KY | $42,002 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,372 | 55.0% | 36.0% |
| #423 | Longwood UniversityPublic | Farmville, VA | $52,347 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,546 | 84.8% | 61.6% |
| #424 | Bridgewater CollegePrivate | Bridgewater, VA | $53,453 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,410 | 90.8% | 49.4% |
| #425 | Oakwood UniversityPrivate | Huntsville, AL | $42,488 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,428 | 50.5% | 48.9% |
| #426 | Campbellsville UniversityPrivate | Campbellsville, KY | $41,583 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,491 | 98.3% | 47.1% |
| #427 | Salem CollegePrivate | Winston-Salem, NC | $44,640 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,009 | 87.0% | 56.3% |
| #428 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | Salem, VA | $58,047 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,269 | 80.1% | 65.9% |
| #429 | Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityPrivate | Hickory, NC | $45,543 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,289 | 80.7% | 51.0% |
| #430 | Florida Memorial UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $36,624 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,963 | 74.3% | 30.2% |
| #431 | Marshall, TX | $52,788 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,306 | 60.1% | 48.0% | |
| #432 | Chowan UniversityPrivate | Murfreesboro, NC | $38,412 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,377 | 72.4% | 28.5% |
| #433 | Lees-Mcrae CollegePrivate | Banner Elk, NC | $43,415 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,829 | 80.8% | 44.2% |
| #434 | Guilford CollegePrivate | Greensboro, NC | $47,590 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,785 | 83.8% | 47.7% |
| #435 | Lyon CollegePrivate | Batesville, AR | $44,232 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,857 | 65.5% | 55.9% |
| #436 | Barton CollegePrivate | Wilson, NC | $47,913 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,391 | 95.9% | 51.5% |
| #437 | Arlington Baptist UniversityPrivate | Arlington, TX | $44,644 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,353 | — | 4.5% |
| #438 | Limestone UniversityPrivate | Gaffney, SC | $44,999 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,648 | 98.3% | 27.6% |
| #439 | North Greenville UniversityPrivate | Tigerville, SC | $43,035 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,890 | 62.8% | 54.9% |
| #440 | Elizabeth City, NC | $38,342 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,091 | 76.2% | 42.6% |
