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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #941 | Clyde, NC | $41,095 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,638 | — | — | |
| #942 | Bluefield UniversityPrivate | Bluefield, VA | $53,206 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,807 | 59.3% | 17.8% |
| #943 | Hollywood, FL | $37,703 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,305 | — | — | |
| #944 | Crossville, TN | $38,089 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,184 | — | — | |
| #945 | Dallas Baptist UniversityPrivate | Dallas, TX | $59,308 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,326 | 88.8% | 57.0% |
| #946 | Lively Technical CollegePublic | Tallahassee, FL | $35,313 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,164 | — | — |
| #947 | Berry CollegePrivate | Mount Berry, GA | $58,750 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,189 | 64.0% | 69.5% |
| #948 | Furman UniversityPrivate | Greenville, SC | $64,492 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,401 | 43.0% | 78.8% |
| #949 | Jackson, TN | $45,526 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,439 | — | — | |
| #950 | Enterprise, AL | $37,158 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,191 | — | — | |
| #951 | Ridge Technical CollegePublic | Winter Haven, FL | $35,542 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,170 | — | — |
| #952 | Dallas, TX | $53,099 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,399 | — | — | |
| #953 | Delta State UniversityPublic | Cleveland, MS | $47,248 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,223 | 100.0% | 48.1% |
| #954 | Oklahoma Technical CollegePrivate | Tulsa, OK | $31,820 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,581 | — | — |
| #955 | Hampton UniversityPrivate | Hampton, VA | $61,865 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,101 | 62.3% | 57.2% |
| #956 | Randolph-Macon CollegePrivate | Ashland, VA | $61,824 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,601 | 86.6% | 70.5% |
| #957 | Miami, FL | $26,385 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,065 | — | — | |
| #958 | Erskine CollegePrivate | Due West, SC | $48,305 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,555 | 62.7% | 45.2% |
| #959 | Oral Roberts UniversityPrivate | Tulsa, OK | $54,666 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,894 | 98.9% | 56.8% |
| #960 | Hardin-Simmons UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $53,769 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,822 | 90.0% | 46.0% |
