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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #901 | Spruce Pine, NC | $43,484 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,571 | — | — | |
| #902 | North Chesterfield, VA | $43,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #903 | Hampton, VA | $43,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #904 | Transylvania UniversityPrivate | Lexington, KY | $50,923 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,551 | 86.6% | 71.5% |
| #905 | Spalding UniversityPrivate | Louisville, KY | $64,136 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,509 | 99.5% | 51.7% |
| #906 | Buckhannon, WV | $55,915 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,611 | 93.3% | 57.1% | |
| #907 | Sweet Briar CollegePrivate | Sweet Briar, VA | $52,366 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,734 | 75.5% | 51.8% |
| #908 | New College Of FloridaPublic | Sarasota, FL | $43,848 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,591 | 73.2% | 66.7% |
| #909 | Keene, TX | $55,144 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,725 | 78.4% | 52.3% | |
| #910 | Huntsville, TN | $41,875 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,866 | — | — | |
| #911 | Cheraw, SC | $36,017 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,012 | — | — | |
| #912 | Oklahoma Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Bartlesville, OK | $62,310 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,011 | 66.2% | 34.8% |
| #913 | Tulsa Technology CenterPublic | Tulsa, OK | $42,754 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,027 | — | — |
| #914 | Okmulgee, OK | $37,261 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #915 | Goldey-Beacom CollegePrivate | Wilmington, DE | $52,348 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,367 | 84.5% | 57.4% |
| #916 | Texarkana CollegePublic | Texarkana, TX | $41,406 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,996 | — | — |
| #917 | Fisk UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $58,830 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,647 | 37.4% | 29.9% |
| #918 | Arlington Baptist UniversityPrivate | Arlington, TX | $48,934 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,759 | — | 19.4% |
| #919 | Lagrange CollegePrivate | Lagrange, GA | $62,232 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,764 | 62.1% | 46.9% |
| #920 | Troy, NC | $41,824 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,034 | — | — |
