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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #441 | Harriman, TN | $45,998 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,444 | — | — | |
| #442 | Whiteville, NC | $51,895 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,660 | — | — | |
| #443 | Beaver, WV | $39,109 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,657 | — | — | |
| #444 | Elizabethtown, KY | $43,584 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,080 | — | — | |
| #445 | Thibodaux, LA | $51,767 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,714 | 90.8% | 53.8% | |
| #446 | Moorhead, MS | $37,960 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,507 | — | — | |
| #447 | Gainesville, TX | $52,437 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,439 | — | — | |
| #448 | Eleanor, WV | $41,118 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,975 | — | — | |
| #449 | Cedar Bluff, VA | $43,371 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,800 | — | — | |
| #450 | Alcorn State UniversityPublic | Alcorn State, MS | $45,495 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,613 | 45.3% | 57.4% |
| #451 | Fort Valley, GA | $44,844 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,017 | 65.9% | 41.1% | |
| #452 | Wofford CollegePrivate | Spartanburg, SC | $65,763 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,493 | 51.9% | 84.2% |
| #453 | Palo Alto CollegePublic | San Antonio, TX | $38,443 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,680 | — | 33.0% |
| #454 | Marion, AL | $40,145 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,471 | 97.0% | — | |
| #455 | Murray State UniversityPublic | Murray, KY | $50,487 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,242 | 85.7% | 61.3% |
| #456 | Poteau, OK | $41,241 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,902 | — | — | |
| #457 | Abilene Christian UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $59,305 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,283 | 100.0% | 59.0% |
| #458 | Texas Southmost CollegePublic | Brownsville, TX | $41,643 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,696 | — | — |
| #459 | Laurel, MD | $62,913 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #460 | Avon Park, FL | $48,619 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,480 | — | 47.6% |
