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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #641 | Fort Worth, TX | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #642 | Hattiesburg, MS | $43,603 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #643 | Kiln, MS | $43,603 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #644 | Hill CollegePublic | Hillsboro, TX | $43,521 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,906 | — | — |
| #645 | Cleveland, TN | $45,295 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,538 | — | — | |
| #646 | The University Of The SouthPrivate | Sewanee, TN | $63,966 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,485 | 56.9% | 79.8% |
| #647 | Panama City, FL | $38,454 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,246 | — | — | |
| #648 | Andalusia, AL | $40,116 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,054 | — | — | |
| #649 | Norfolk, VA | $52,946 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,029 | — | — | |
| #650 | Chesapeake CollegePublic | Wye Mills, MD | $52,363 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,668 | — | — |
| #651 | Clinton CollegePrivate | Rock Hill, SC | $35,371 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,105 | — | 14.1% |
| #652 | Cet-El PasoPrivate | El Paso, TX | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,516 | — | — |
| #653 | Tonkawa, OK | $42,753 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,308 | — | — | |
| #654 | Lane CollegePrivate | Jackson, TN | $38,716 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,904 | — | 18.4% |
| #655 | Sylva, NC | $45,381 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,982 | — | — | |
| #656 | Memphis, TN | $40,340 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,714 | — | — | |
| #657 | Kenansville, NC | $34,297 Median Earnings (4yr) | $376 | — | — | |
| #658 | Arkadelphia, AR | $47,583 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,386 | — | 37.3% | |
| #659 | Palatka, FL | $51,036 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,157 | — | 48.9% | |
| #660 | Stanly Community CollegePublic | Albemarle, NC | $44,892 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,640 | — | — |
