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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #761 | Helena, AR | $39,117 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,683 | — | — | |
| #762 | Tcat AthensPublic | Athens, TN | $46,100 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,299 | — | — |
| #763 | Belhaven UniversityPrivate | Jackson, MS | $51,795 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,551 | 49.8% | 48.5% |
| #764 | Morristown, TN | $41,899 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,449 | — | — | |
| #765 | Wheeling, WV | $39,901 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,911 | — | — | |
| #766 | Crowley's Ridge CollegePrivate | Paragould, AR | $48,062 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,652 | — | 35.9% |
| #767 | Swainsboro, GA | $41,835 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,278 | — | 16.7% | |
| #768 | Miami Lakes, FL | $37,299 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #769 | Chipola CollegePublic | Marianna, FL | $46,272 Median Earnings (4yr) | $210 | — | 53.1% |
| #770 | St. Cloud, FL | $37,201 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #771 | Kissimmee, FL | $37,201 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #772 | Jones Technical InstitutePrivate | Jacksonville, FL | $37,942 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,967 | — | — |
| #773 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | Mckenzie, TN | $62,152 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,871 | 60.2% | 35.0% |
| #774 | Marion Technical CollegePublic | Ocala, FL | $38,674 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,318 | — | — |
| #775 | Wetumka, OK | $42,011 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,916 | — | — | |
| #776 | Lander UniversityPublic | Greenwood, SC | $47,003 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,450 | 81.3% | 49.8% |
| #777 | Oklahoma City, OK | $55,200 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,517 | 91.8% | 44.2% | |
| #778 | Agnes Scott CollegePrivate | Decatur, GA | $52,746 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,467 | 62.2% | 70.7% |
| #779 | Virginia Beach, VA | $43,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,808 | — | 24.5% | |
| #780 | University Of Holy CrossPrivate | New Orleans, LA | $62,842 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,202 | 73.7% | 48.6% |
