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 | Del Mar CollegePublic | Corpus Christi, TX | $57,250 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,541 | — | 11.1% |
| #82 | Baltimore, MD | $60,930 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,807 | — | — | |
| #83 | Wake Forest UniversityPrivate | Winston-Salem, NC | $92,943 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,525 | 21.7% | 89.1% |
| #84 | Tallahassee, FL | $52,657 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,299 | 20.6% | 53.3% | |
| #85 | Commerce, TX | $57,494 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,709 | 92.2% | 42.8% | |
| #86 | Waco, TX | $55,511 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,726 | — | — | |
| #87 | Pensacola, FL | $67,723 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,815 | 58.2% | 58.8% | |
| #88 | Meharry Medical CollegePrivate | Nashville, TN | $132,857 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #89 | Madison, TN | $203,018 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #90 | Morehouse School Of MedicinePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $121,947 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #91 | Memphis, TN | $128,320 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #92 | Baylor College Of MedicinePrivate | Houston, TX | $129,134 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #93 | Tulsa, OK | $134,284 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #94 | Dothan, AL | $119,977 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #95 | Frontier Nursing UniversityPrivate | Versailles, KY | $123,147 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #96 | Lewisburg, WV | $130,307 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #97 | Jacksonville, FL | $59,418 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,647 | 53.2% | 69.2% | |
| #98 | Lexington, VA | $100,514 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,777 | 14.0% | 93.9% | |
| #99 | University Of KentuckyPublic | Lexington, KY | $65,922 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,182 | 92.9% | 71.4% |
| #100 | Blacksburg, VA | $123,416 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
