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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | Stillwater, OK | $65,492 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,243 | 75.0% | 68.2% | |
| #62 | Jacksonville, FL | $53,224 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,563 | — | 36.8% | |
| #63 | Morgan State UniversityPublic | Baltimore, MD | $62,308 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,585 | 82.2% | 40.9% |
| #64 | St Petersburg CollegePublic | St. Petersburg, FL | $54,088 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$716 | — | 38.3% |
| #65 | Greensboro, NC | $56,996 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,223 | 49.9% | 57.2% | |
| #66 | South Texas CollegePublic | Mcallen, TX | $40,768 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,395 | — | 27.3% |
| #67 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | Norfolk, VA | $64,472 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,739 | 90.4% | 46.3% |
| #68 | Richmond, VA | $64,703 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,512 | 92.6% | 63.2% | |
| #69 | Little Rock, AR | $62,191 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,384 | — | 43.0% | |
| #70 | Columbia, SC | $67,741 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,634 | 60.2% | 78.8% | |
| #71 | Lake Charles, LA | $60,488 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,439 | — | — | |
| #72 | University, MS | $66,243 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,945 | 96.6% | 71.7% | |
| #73 | Lamar UniversityPublic | Beaumont, TX | $66,816 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,568 | 86.4% | 37.3% |
| #74 | Houston, TX | $59,865 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,330 | 90.5% | 51.6% | |
| #75 | Albany State UniversityPublic | Albany, GA | $54,096 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,693 | — | 31.1% |
| #76 | Lafayette, LA | $58,638 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,157 | 87.0% | 52.6% | |
| #77 | Baltimore, MD | $74,396 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,087 | 72.4% | 70.0% | |
| #78 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | Greenville, NC | $60,888 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,046 | 89.2% | 62.6% |
| #79 | Greensboro, NC | $51,594 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,305 | 88.5% | 56.3% | |
| #80 | Tyler, TX | $68,633 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,307 | 94.0% | 54.1% |
