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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #501 | Ferrum CollegePrivate | Ferrum, VA | $44,296 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,607 | 100.0% | 28.9% |
| #502 | Belmont Abbey CollegePrivate | Belmont, NC | $47,937 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,985 | 90.4% | 46.4% |
| #503 | Williamson Christian CollegePrivate | Franklin, TN | $37,474 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,474 | — | 50.0% |
| #504 | Coker UniversityPrivate | Hartsville, SC | $40,117 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,478 | 97.2% | 34.6% |
| #505 | Lynn UniversityPrivate | Boca Raton, FL | $49,006 Median Earnings (10yr) | $33,842 | 74.0% | 52.7% |
| #506 | Virginia Union UniversityPrivate | Richmond, VA | $38,275 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,272 | 97.7% | 41.3% |
| #507 | Anderson UniversityPrivate | Anderson, SC | $42,101 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,528 | 52.8% | 71.0% |
| #508 | Beulah Heights UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $35,236 Median Earnings (10yr) | $5,970 | — | 16.7% |
| #509 | West Palm Beach, FL | $49,232 Median Earnings (10yr) | $28,191 | 88.3% | 59.0% | |
| #510 | Hollins UniversityPrivate | Roanoke, VA | $40,075 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,579 | 70.9% | 69.7% |
| #511 | Savannah, GA | $45,954 Median Earnings (10yr) | $41,693 | 83.7% | 70.5% | |
| #512 | Warren Wilson CollegePrivate | Swannanoa, NC | $36,260 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,447 | 77.6% | 43.1% |
| #513 | Toccoa Falls CollegePrivate | Toccoa Falls, GA | $36,630 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,552 | 63.8% | 46.0% |
| #514 | High Point UniversityPrivate | High Point, NC | $61,389 Median Earnings (10yr) | $31,504 | 76.8% | 70.0% |
| #515 | Truett Mcconnell UniversityPrivate | Cleveland, GA | $46,700 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,603 | 90.7% | 41.1% |
| #516 | Eckerd CollegePrivate | Saint Petersburg, FL | $51,819 Median Earnings (10yr) | $26,746 | 78.7% | 67.6% |
| #517 | Sarasota, FL | $43,325 Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,332 | 67.4% | 70.8% | |
| #518 | Baltimore, MD | $45,212 Median Earnings (10yr) | $27,796 | 77.3% | 71.3% | |
| #519 | Beacon CollegePrivate | Leesburg, FL | $29,420 Median Earnings (10yr) | $28,819 | 60.4% | 57.3% |
| #520 | St. Benedict, LA | $38,366 Median Earnings (10yr) | — | — | 40.0% |
