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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #521 | Atlanta, GA | $52,376 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #522 | North Florida CollegePublic | Madison, FL | $45,061 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4 | — | 59.2% |
| #523 | Mount Pleasant, TX | $43,940 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,932 | — | — | |
| #524 | Saber CollegePrivate | Miami, FL | $36,937 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,748 | 80.4% | — |
| #525 | Statesboro, GA | $40,635 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,607 | — | — | |
| #526 | Saint Edward's UniversityPrivate | Austin, TX | $59,999 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,799 | 81.4% | 62.6% |
| #527 | Beckley, WV | $64,952 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,998 | 36.7% | 33.0% | |
| #528 | Fairmont, WV | $52,884 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,434 | 98.6% | 44.3% | |
| #529 | Owensboro, KY | $44,854 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,554 | — | — | |
| #530 | Ocala, FL | $46,025 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,096 | — | 44.5% | |
| #531 | Lubbock, TX | $75,618 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #532 | New Cumberland, WV | $54,005 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,229 | — | — | |
| #533 | Martinsburg, WV | $53,906 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,802 | — | — | |
| #534 | Miami, FL | $59,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #535 | Tampa, FL | $59,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #536 | Sarasota, FL | $59,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #537 | Maitland, FL | $59,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #538 | Angelo State UniversityPublic | San Angelo, TX | $54,923 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,008 | 83.0% | 44.0% |
| #539 | Martin, TN | $47,898 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,151 | 88.2% | 52.5% | |
| #540 | Memphis Theological SeminaryPrivate | Memphis, TN | $49,113 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
