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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #921 | Cecil CollegePublic | North East, MD | $50,453 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,850 | — | — |
| #922 | Hobe Sound Bible CollegePrivate | Hobe Sound, FL | $37,793 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,148 | — | 50.0% |
| #923 | The University Of TampaPrivate | Tampa, FL | $62,720 Median Earnings (4yr) | $30,011 | 40.3% | 63.7% |
| #924 | Lancaster, SC | $45,843 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,306 | 83.4% | — | |
| #925 | Randall UniversityPrivate | Moore, OK | $44,913 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,216 | 57.9% | 26.4% |
| #926 | Southern Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Central, SC | $52,228 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,084 | 99.5% | 52.4% |
| #927 | Okmulgee, OK | $36,807 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,072 | — | — | |
| #928 | Kissimmee, FL | $37,201 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,494 | — | — | |
| #929 | Lake Technical CollegePublic | Eustis, FL | $40,817 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,179 | — | — |
| #930 | Inverness, FL | $36,110 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,347 | — | — | |
| #931 | Shreveport, LA | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $30,758 | — | 33.0% | |
| #932 | Murphy, NC | $41,132 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,220 | — | — | |
| #933 | Meredith CollegePrivate | Raleigh, NC | $54,650 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,207 | 74.2% | 70.1% |
| #934 | Morehouse CollegePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $61,320 Median Earnings (4yr) | $36,359 | 44.0% | 59.4% |
| #935 | John Brown UniversityPrivate | Siloam Springs, AR | $55,210 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,484 | 76.1% | 71.8% |
| #936 | Charleston, SC | $54,684 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,145 | 96.5% | 47.2% | |
| #937 | Collegedale, TN | $58,282 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,123 | 65.5% | 49.4% | |
| #938 | New Orleans, LA | $47,240 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,771 | 78.9% | 13.1% | |
| #939 | Spartanburg, SC | $36,778 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,794 | 78.2% | 42.9% | |
| #940 | Athens, TN | $53,707 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,609 | 68.8% | 47.6% |
