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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #461 | Antioch, TN | $55,873 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #462 | Fort Worth, TX | $119,351 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #463 | Lanier Technical CollegePublic | Gainesville, GA | $44,754 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,307 | — | — |
| #464 | Ashland, KY | $47,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,881 | — | — | |
| #465 | Cumberland, KY | $42,469 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,963 | — | — | |
| #466 | Orange, TX | $54,162 Median Earnings (4yr) | $384 | — | — | |
| #467 | Landover, MD | $62,051 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #468 | Wake Forest, NC | $69,450 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,587 | 74.6% | 58.1% | |
| #469 | Lewes, DE | $82,233 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #470 | Charlotte, NC | $55,771 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #471 | Warner Robins, GA | $42,979 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,450 | — | — | |
| #472 | Gaston CollegePublic | Dallas, NC | $45,803 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,784 | — | — |
| #473 | Arnold, MD | $55,889 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,789 | — | — | |
| #474 | Bentonville, AR | $48,056 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,722 | — | — | |
| #475 | Roanoke, VA | $48,004 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,105 | — | — | |
| #476 | Richmond, VA | $84,129 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #477 | Hood CollegePrivate | Frederick, MD | $70,173 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,424 | 77.8% | 56.9% |
| #478 | Chester, VA | $50,344 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,150 | — | — | |
| #479 | Florence, KY | $47,990 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,932 | — | — | |
| #480 | Paducah, KY | $43,110 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,345 | — | — |
