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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #541 | Aiken, SC | $53,299 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,987 | 78.5% | 39.9% | |
| #542 | Fort Smith, AR | $49,998 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,890 | 80.5% | 37.9% | |
| #543 | Craven Community CollegePublic | New Bern, NC | $43,904 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,428 | — | — |
| #544 | Millsaps CollegePrivate | Jackson, MS | $67,303 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,215 | 43.1% | 57.1% |
| #545 | Atlanta, GA | $78,476 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #546 | Charlottesville, VA | $51,090 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,491 | — | — | |
| #547 | Trinity UniversityPrivate | San Antonio, TX | $67,249 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,356 | 25.9% | 84.0% |
| #548 | Wilburton, OK | $42,926 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,371 | — | — | |
| #549 | Wesson, MS | $36,902 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,165 | — | — | |
| #550 | Jacksonville, NC | $44,018 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,187 | — | — | |
| #551 | Sanford, NC | $42,844 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,326 | — | — | |
| #552 | Summit, MS | $27,408 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,171 | — | — | |
| #553 | Nash Community CollegePublic | Rocky Mount, NC | $48,139 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,138 | — | — |
| #554 | Columbia College - Fort SillPrivate | Fort Sill, OK | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #555 | College Of CharlestonPublic | Charleston, SC | $58,354 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,133 | 60.0% | 65.8% |
| #556 | Lynchburg, VA | $45,157 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,752 | — | — | |
| #557 | Tifton, GA | $53,386 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,323 | 75.7% | 36.1% | |
| #558 | North Arkansas CollegePublic | Harrison, AR | $46,210 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,059 | — | — |
| #559 | Brescia UniversityPrivate | Owensboro, KY | $51,492 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,977 | 35.2% | 53.7% |
| #560 | Logan, WV | $37,021 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,480 | — | — |
