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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #621 | Decatur, MS | $36,389 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,575 | — | — | |
| #622 | Tullahoma, TN | $45,149 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,003 | — | — | |
| #623 | Piedmont UniversityPrivate | Demorest, GA | $65,743 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,416 | 93.3% | 47.4% |
| #624 | Alabama State UniversityPublic | Montgomery, AL | $45,998 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,711 | 97.5% | 30.3% |
| #625 | Mcdaniel CollegePrivate | Westminster, MD | $65,855 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,210 | 77.9% | 63.3% |
| #626 | Houston, TX | $52,809 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #627 | Houston, TX | $52,809 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #628 | Houston, TX | $52,809 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #629 | Big Stone Gap, VA | $43,703 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,148 | — | — | |
| #630 | Murray State CollegePublic | Tishomingo, OK | $49,179 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,223 | — | 27.1% |
| #631 | Ft. Stewart, GA | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #632 | Hunter Army Airfield, GA | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #633 | Connors State CollegePublic | Warner, OK | $48,055 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,493 | — | — |
| #634 | Destrehan, LA | $50,215 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #635 | Baton Rouge, LA | $50,215 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #636 | St. Rose, LA | $50,215 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #637 | St Amant, LA | $50,215 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #638 | Henderson, KY | $50,202 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,040 | — | — | |
| #639 | Brunswick, GA | $52,505 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,298 | 98.1% | 25.6% | |
| #640 | Bellarmine UniversityPrivate | Louisville, KY | $64,564 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,430 | 86.1% | 64.4% |
