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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #721 | Thomas More UniversityPrivate | Crestview Hills, KY | $70,208 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,841 | 90.3% | 40.5% |
| #722 | Schreiner UniversityPrivate | Kerrville, TX | $58,631 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,863 | 88.2% | 43.2% |
| #723 | Carolina UniversityPrivate | Winston-Salem, NC | $52,812 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,738 | 39.5% | 21.6% |
| #724 | Gardner-Webb UniversityPrivate | Boiling Springs, NC | $60,516 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,304 | 77.2% | 55.4% |
| #725 | Florence, AL | $50,818 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,741 | 87.3% | 54.9% | |
| #726 | Brenau UniversityPrivate | Gainesville, GA | $61,654 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,481 | 87.8% | 32.9% |
| #727 | Memphis, TN | $46,641 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,026 | — | — | |
| #728 | Stillman CollegePrivate | Tuscaloosa, AL | $42,622 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,804 | 62.3% | 25.0% |
| #729 | Paine CollegePrivate | Augusta, GA | $41,449 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,322 | 95.4% | 14.4% |
| #730 | Florence, SC | $52,141 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,723 | 86.4% | 43.4% | |
| #731 | West Memphis, AR | $42,850 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,411 | — | — | |
| #732 | New Orleans, LA | $59,131 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,829 | — | 73.9% | |
| #733 | Bradenton, FL | $45,049 Median Earnings (4yr) | $974 | — | — | |
| #734 | Fairmont, WV | $47,693 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,780 | — | — | |
| #735 | Bolivia, NC | $47,006 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,748 | — | — | |
| #736 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | Waco, TX | $69,608 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,024 | 51.3% | 80.0% |
| #737 | Texas Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Fort Worth, TX | $57,671 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,812 | 69.2% | 31.5% |
| #738 | Glenns, VA | $47,349 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,915 | — | — | |
| #739 | Hamlet, NC | $42,771 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,289 | — | — | |
| #740 | Winston Salem, NC | $42,023 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,165 | 30.0% | 77.8% |
