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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #881 | Voorhees UniversityPrivate | Denmark, SC | $36,170 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,968 | — | 43.0% |
| #882 | Jarvis Christian UniversityPrivate | Hawkins, TX | $40,867 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,606 | — | 15.2% |
| #883 | Miami, FL | $40,251 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,243 | — | — | |
| #884 | Virginia Beach, VA | $24,664 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,605 | — | — | |
| #885 | University Of MontevalloPublic | Montevallo, AL | $46,262 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,471 | 53.8% | 54.1% |
| #886 | Atlanta, GA | $40,965 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,288 | — | 17.4% | |
| #887 | Austin CollegePrivate | Sherman, TX | $57,361 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,528 | 47.6% | 67.0% |
| #888 | Dallas Christian CollegePrivate | Dallas, TX | $47,383 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,302 | 21.8% | 28.6% |
| #889 | Spelman CollegePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $58,897 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,923 | 24.9% | 78.5% |
| #890 | Shorter CollegePrivate | N Little Rock, AR | $26,763 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,844 | — | — |
| #891 | Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityPrivate | Hickory, NC | $57,711 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,669 | 84.6% | 47.8% |
| #892 | Clarksdale, MS | $31,140 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$145 | — | — | |
| #893 | Elizabethton, TN | $40,444 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,181 | — | — | |
| #894 | Terrell, TX | $39,678 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,140 | — | 3.1% | |
| #895 | Visible Music CollegePrivate | Memphis, TN | $36,048 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,744 | 28.0% | 22.9% |
| #896 | Warner UniversityPrivate | Lake Wales, FL | $50,390 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,853 | 42.8% | 42.1% |
| #897 | Alice Lloyd CollegePrivate | Pippa Passes, KY | $42,268 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,444 | 75.2% | 38.9% |
| #898 | Rollins CollegePrivate | Winter Park, FL | $65,488 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,177 | 47.5% | 75.0% |
| #899 | Charleston, SC | $89,770 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #900 | Shorter UniversityPrivate | Rome, GA | $54,008 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,929 | 96.5% | 37.7% |
