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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #961 | New Orleans, LA | $52,459 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,131 | 93.0% | 59.0% | |
| #962 | Bethany CollegePrivate | Bethany, WV | $52,582 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,315 | 58.8% | 46.8% |
| #963 | Faulkner UniversityPrivate | Montgomery, AL | $52,824 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,385 | 73.1% | 37.4% |
| #964 | Morgantown, WV | $64,188 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #965 | Clifton Forge, VA | $44,085 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,393 | — | — | |
| #966 | Johnson C Smith UniversityPrivate | Charlotte, NC | $46,511 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,940 | 45.2% | 34.3% |
| #967 | Decatur, GA | $45,892 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,697 | — | — | |
| #968 | Knoxville, TN | $42,517 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,783 | — | — | |
| #969 | Rocky Mount, NC | $48,447 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,114 | 80.2% | 42.0% | |
| #970 | Houston, TX | $55,538 Median Earnings (4yr) | $44,047 | 86.4% | — | |
| #971 | Baton Rouge, LA | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,833 | — | — | |
| #972 | New Port Richey, FL | $34,166 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,684 | — | — | |
| #973 | Davis & Elkins CollegePrivate | Elkins, WV | $51,173 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,999 | 94.3% | 39.3% |
| #974 | Carson-Newman UniversityPrivate | Jefferson City, TN | $53,936 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,672 | 90.5% | 53.2% |
| #975 | Bethany, OK | $45,678 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,830 | — | 16.1% | |
| #976 | Tougaloo CollegePrivate | Tougaloo, MS | $42,641 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,294 | 59.9% | 33.1% |
| #977 | Clark Atlanta UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $47,337 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,356 | 64.2% | 49.0% |
| #978 | Texas Lutheran UniversityPrivate | Seguin, TX | $56,629 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,512 | 95.7% | 53.8% |
| #979 | League City, TX | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,618 | — | — | |
| #980 | Milton, FL | $31,056 Median Earnings (4yr) | $216 | — | — |
