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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #581 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | Boca Raton, FL | $59,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,556 | 81.5% | 61.4% |
| #582 | Colonial Heights, VA | $76,113 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #583 | Alpine, TX | $49,811 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,110 | 98.7% | 29.9% | |
| #584 | Montgomery, AL | $55,551 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,706 | 91.6% | 32.6% | |
| #585 | Navarro CollegePublic | Corsicana, TX | $46,253 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,283 | — | 22.6% |
| #586 | Richmont Graduate UniversityPrivate | Chattanooga, TN | $45,042 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #587 | Gaston CollegePublic | Dallas, NC | $45,803 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #588 | Blacksburg, VA | $53,206 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #589 | Thomasville, NC | $44,533 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,564 | — | — | |
| #590 | Morehead, KY | $50,224 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,150 | 77.2% | 52.2% | |
| #591 | Port Charlotte, FL | $43,247 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,513 | — | — | |
| #592 | Perry, FL | $44,422 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,541 | — | — | |
| #593 | Melfa, VA | $42,773 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,054 | — | — | |
| #594 | University Of CharlestonPrivate | Charleston, WV | $68,945 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,427 | 61.5% | 45.6% |
| #595 | Dothan, AL | $55,048 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #596 | Montgomery, AL | $55,048 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #597 | Phenix City, AL | $55,048 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #598 | Howard CollegePublic | Big Spring, TX | $50,818 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,301 | — | — |
| #599 | Lacombe, LA | $37,814 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,584 | — | — | |
| #600 | Salisbury, NC | $43,916 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,580 | — | — |
