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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #821 | Richmond, VA | $79,623 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #822 | Flat Rock, NC | $40,879 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,723 | — | — | |
| #823 | Oklahoma City UniversityPrivate | Oklahoma City, OK | $64,450 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,187 | 77.0% | 64.9% |
| #824 | Shawnee, OK | $43,075 Median Earnings (4yr) | $311 | — | — | |
| #825 | Westminster, MD | $54,507 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,167 | — | — | |
| #826 | Cumberland, MD | $47,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,807 | — | — | |
| #827 | Washington, DC | $79,320 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,358 | 82.8% | 79.5% | |
| #828 | University Of PikevillePrivate | Pikeville, KY | $55,132 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,115 | — | 41.7% |
| #829 | Morris CollegePrivate | Sumter, SC | $39,972 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,485 | — | 17.3% |
| #830 | Pfeiffer UniversityPrivate | Misenheimer, NC | $57,619 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,167 | 96.0% | 35.0% |
| #831 | Amberton UniversityPrivate | Garland, TX | $72,929 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #832 | Louisville, KY | $66,838 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 55.9% | 40.3% | |
| #833 | Ecclesia CollegePrivate | Springdale, AR | $44,055 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,801 | 73.8% | 40.0% |
| #834 | Homestead, FL | $35,454 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,918 | — | — | |
| #835 | Mount St. Mary's UniversityPrivate | Emmitsburg, MD | $64,424 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,603 | 73.8% | 65.4% |
| #836 | Statesville, NC | $43,465 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,287 | — | — | |
| #837 | Averett UniversityPrivate | Danville, VA | $59,911 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,064 | 56.6% | 48.1% |
| #838 | Trinity Baptist CollegePrivate | Jacksonville, FL | $47,042 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,686 | 53.3% | 34.2% |
| #839 | William Carey UniversityPrivate | Hattiesburg, MS | $54,242 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,224 | 60.3% | 59.8% |
| #840 | Marion, NC | $44,664 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,084 | — | — |
