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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #481 | Pine Bluff, AR | $46,380 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,302 | 41.2% | 40.4% | |
| #482 | Stollings, WV | $46,392 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$767 | — | — | |
| #483 | Altus, OK | $60,211 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,846 | — | — | |
| #484 | Bluefield, WV | $61,729 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,810 | 97.2% | 37.0% | |
| #485 | Atlanta, GA | $40,964 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,731 | — | — | |
| #486 | Henderson, NC | $47,633 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,701 | — | — | |
| #487 | Christiansburg, VA | $47,070 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #488 | Pineville, KY | $44,416 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,401 | — | 38.5% | |
| #489 | Brillare Beauty InstitutePrivate | Cleveland, TN | $27,668 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,344 | — | — |
| #490 | Tuskegee UniversityPrivate | Tuskegee, AL | $69,077 Median Earnings (4yr) | $34,324 | 48.7% | 55.0% |
| #491 | Pocahontas, AR | $48,715 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,433 | — | — | |
| #492 | Batesville, AR | $45,597 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,668 | — | — | |
| #493 | Austin, TX | $55,873 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #494 | Altus, OK | $48,797 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,781 | — | — | |
| #495 | Takoma Park, MD | $74,717 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,534 | 46.2% | 28.6% | |
| #496 | Centre CollegePrivate | Danville, KY | $64,933 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,364 | 54.4% | 80.7% |
| #497 | Elkins, WV | $46,004 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,075 | — | — | |
| #498 | Abingdon, VA | $45,129 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,927 | — | — | |
| #499 | Thomas UniversityPrivate | Thomasville, GA | $63,556 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,640 | 38.3% | 27.5% |
| #500 | Arkansas Tech UniversityPublic | Russellville, AR | $49,759 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,426 | 95.9% | 48.6% |
