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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #601 | Boaz, AL | $43,544 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,256 | — | — | |
| #602 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | Rock Hill, SC | $48,693 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,608 | 79.3% | 57.0% |
| #603 | Alberta, VA | $43,979 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,751 | — | — | |
| #604 | Mcminnville, TN | $49,364 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,520 | — | — | |
| #605 | Alexander City, AL | $50,615 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,042 | — | — | |
| #606 | Washington, NC | $51,493 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,337 | — | — | |
| #607 | Conway, SC | $52,398 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,563 | 75.3% | 48.5% | |
| #608 | Texarkana, TX | $48,048 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,002 | 63.5% | 29.6% | |
| #609 | Wilmington, DE | $55,102 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #610 | Georgetown, DE | $55,102 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #611 | Cameron UniversityPublic | Lawton, OK | $48,413 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,752 | — | 30.7% |
| #612 | Manna UniversityPrivate | Fayetteville, NC | $45,132 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 52.7% | 80.0% |
| #613 | Niceville, FL | $52,556 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,683 | — | 38.9% | |
| #614 | Regent UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $56,558 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,064 | 38.1% | 56.9% |
| #615 | El Reno, OK | $54,174 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,451 | — | — | |
| #616 | Immokalee, FL | $41,588 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,357 | — | — | |
| #617 | Shepherd UniversityPublic | Shepherdstown, WV | $55,251 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,906 | 96.8% | 51.0% |
| #618 | Wilson Community CollegePublic | Wilson, NC | $48,262 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,584 | — | — |
| #619 | Hampden-Sydney CollegePrivate | Hampden-Sydney, VA | $71,699 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,422 | 40.9% | 62.2% |
| #620 | Rainsville, AL | $41,273 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,451 | — | — |
