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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #801 | Dublin, VA | $49,197 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,883 | — | — | |
| #802 | Harriman, TN | $44,754 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,148 | — | — | |
| #803 | Key West, FL | $54,493 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,373 | — | 34.1% | |
| #804 | College Of The AlbemarlePublic | Elizabeth City, NC | $39,693 Median Earnings (4yr) | $398 | — | — |
| #805 | Lubbock Christian UniversityPrivate | Lubbock, TX | $57,061 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,018 | 73.1% | 51.4% |
| #806 | Hallmark UniversityPrivate | San Antonio, TX | $59,410 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,662 | 51.3% | 66.3% |
| #807 | Asheboro, NC | $39,546 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,347 | — | — | |
| #808 | Seminole State CollegePublic | Seminole, OK | $41,118 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,825 | — | — |
| #809 | Newport News, VA | $62,140 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,461 | 86.0% | 71.6% | |
| #810 | Philander Smith UniversityPrivate | Little Rock, AR | $42,151 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,393 | — | 30.4% |
| #811 | Charlotte, NC | $54,530 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,414 | 79.9% | 49.0% | |
| #812 | Edmond, OK | $67,575 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,818 | 96.5% | 55.5% | |
| #813 | Frankfort, KY | $46,766 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,225 | 96.1% | 31.9% | |
| #814 | Jacksboro, TN | $34,821 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,828 | — | — | |
| #815 | Concord UniversityPublic | Athens, WV | $45,035 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,021 | 92.6% | 39.0% |
| #816 | Wilkes Community CollegePublic | Wilkesboro, NC | $41,911 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,444 | — | — |
| #817 | Georgia Military CollegePublic | Milledgeville, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,265 | — | 38.0% |
| #818 | Forrest City, AR | $42,176 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,888 | — | — | |
| #819 | Dillard UniversityPrivate | New Orleans, LA | $48,421 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,819 | 41.9% | 43.3% |
| #820 | Beaufort, SC | $47,361 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,531 | — | — |
