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 | Tyler, TX | $57,053 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,040 | 91.5% | 46.8% | |
| #62 | Davidson CollegePrivate | Davidson, NC | $81,400 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,613 | 14.5% | 91.9% |
| #63 | James Madison UniversityPublic | Harrisonburg, VA | $69,954 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,582 | 76.3% | 80.9% |
| #64 | Columbia, SC | $62,177 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,421 | 61.5% | 77.8% | |
| #65 | Prairie View, TX | $45,411 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,605 | 75.3% | 43.2% | |
| #66 | Richmond, KY | $45,795 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,107 | 78.1% | 49.7% | |
| #67 | Daytona Beach, FL | $84,131 Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,431 | 61.8% | 67.4% | |
| #68 | Memphis, TN | $72,529 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,765 | 67.8% | 53.8% | |
| #69 | William & MaryPublic | Williamsburg, VA | $73,490 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,616 | 32.7% | 91.0% |
| #70 | Pensacola, FL | $49,137 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,367 | 56.9% | 61.8% | |
| #71 | Clemson UniversityPublic | Clemson, SC | $71,513 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,212 | 38.0% | 87.9% |
| #72 | New Orleans, LA | $47,872 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,768 | 66.8% | 42.5% | |
| #73 | Clayton State UniversityPublic | Morrow, GA | $49,179 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,685 | 70.6% | 35.4% |
| #74 | Laurel, MD | $85,035 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,397 | 77.9% | 46.7% | |
| #75 | Dahlonega, GA | $50,135 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,958 | 72.2% | 36.9% | |
| #76 | Winston-Salem, NC | $45,344 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,012 | 68.5% | 48.5% | |
| #77 | University Of DelawarePublic | Newark, DE | $72,950 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,354 | 65.1% | 78.8% |
| #78 | Dalton State CollegePublic | Dalton, GA | $40,251 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,109 | — | 29.6% |
| #79 | Carrollton, GA | $49,587 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,779 | 49.4% | 42.7% | |
| #80 | Victoria, TX | $54,467 Median Earnings (10yr) | $6,329 | 76.7% | 26.5% |
