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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #741 | Columbia CollegePrivate | Columbia, SC | $52,308 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,541 | 93.9% | 36.9% |
| #742 | Belton, TX | $61,024 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,089 | 95.8% | 49.3% | |
| #743 | San Antonio, TX | $54,430 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,338 | — | 80.0% | |
| #744 | Herzing University-NashvillePrivate | Nashville, TN | $58,575 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,220 | 92.7% | — |
| #745 | Lawton, OK | $44,322 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,338 | — | — | |
| #746 | Cisco CollegePublic | Cisco, TX | $46,191 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,287 | — | — |
| #747 | Mendenhall, MS | $36,902 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #748 | Natchez, MS | $36,902 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #749 | Wiley UniversityPrivate | Marshall, TX | $39,988 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,137 | — | 24.2% |
| #750 | Morrilton, AR | $43,385 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,073 | 100.0% | — | |
| #751 | Campbell UniversityPrivate | Buies Creek, NC | $63,540 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,751 | 87.2% | 61.0% |
| #752 | Cumberland UniversityPrivate | Lebanon, TN | $58,091 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,882 | 67.3% | 45.6% |
| #753 | Lafollette, TN | $34,821 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #754 | Dunbar, WV | $38,243 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,702 | — | — | |
| #755 | Lakeland, FL | $38,755 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #756 | Wayland Baptist UniversityPrivate | Plainview, TX | $56,530 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,070 | 56.0% | 19.3% |
| #757 | Muscle Shoals, AL | $45,546 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,356 | — | — | |
| #758 | Martinsburg, WV | $45,612 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,201 | — | — | |
| #759 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $63,007 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,048 | 67.7% | 72.2% |
| #760 | Lindsey Wilson CollegePrivate | Columbia, KY | $43,852 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,745 | — | 44.1% |
