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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | Morgan State UniversityPublic | Baltimore, MD | $50,698 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,666 | 83.0% | 41.6% |
| #82 | Grambling, LA | $41,109 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,447 | 23.7% | 32.3% | |
| #83 | University Of ArkansasPublic | Fayetteville, AR | $58,191 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,017 | 71.7% | 70.0% |
| #84 | Cookeville, TN | $48,501 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,641 | 83.2% | 54.2% | |
| #85 | University Of KentuckyPublic | Lexington, KY | $59,025 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,267 | 92.4% | 69.9% |
| #86 | Commerce, TX | $50,296 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,709 | 92.6% | 45.9% | |
| #87 | Cullowhee, NC | $49,458 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,571 | 86.7% | 59.1% | |
| #88 | Hattiesburg, MS | $44,140 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,798 | 99.4% | 50.6% | |
| #89 | Birmingham, AL | $54,501 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,816 | 88.4% | 62.6% | |
| #90 | Mississippi State, MS | $51,513 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,968 | 76.3% | 62.9% | |
| #91 | Stephenville, TX | $53,040 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,477 | 94.2% | 51.2% | |
| #92 | Boone, NC | $51,836 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,370 | 88.6% | 73.1% | |
| #93 | Kingsville, TX | $51,450 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,028 | 92.3% | 45.6% | |
| #94 | University Of LouisvillePublic | Louisville, KY | $53,899 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,768 | 80.5% | 60.7% |
| #95 | Williamsburg, KY | $45,036 Median Earnings (10yr) | $4,895 | 71.4% | 46.2% | |
| #96 | Petersburg, VA | $45,543 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,432 | 89.1% | 40.7% | |
| #97 | Chattanooga, TN | $51,151 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,492 | 77.0% | 53.1% | |
| #98 | Valdosta, GA | $49,361 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,443 | 83.5% | 41.7% | |
| #99 | Odessa, TX | $56,073 Median Earnings (10yr) | $7,684 | 84.5% | 43.0% | |
| #100 | Spartanburg, SC | $48,587 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,021 | 69.6% | 42.4% |
