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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1001 | Livingstone CollegePrivate | Salisbury, NC | $37,280 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,860 | 59.3% | 28.2% |
| #1002 | Florida Southern CollegePrivate | Lakeland, FL | $58,753 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,624 | 64.4% | 70.5% |
| #1003 | Western Texas CollegePublic | Snyder, TX | $47,279 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,703 | — | — |
| #1004 | West Liberty UniversityPublic | West Liberty, WV | $48,985 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,714 | 97.3% | 59.5% |
| #1005 | Bridgewater CollegePrivate | Bridgewater, VA | $55,722 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,283 | 91.7% | 53.0% |
| #1006 | Newberry CollegePrivate | Newberry, SC | $50,324 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,887 | 89.8% | 45.1% |
| #1007 | Life UniversityPrivate | Marietta, GA | $51,860 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,151 | 93.0% | 37.9% |
| #1008 | Erwin Technical CollegePublic | Tampa, FL | $41,518 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,238 | — | — |
| #1009 | Ardmore, OK | $40,071 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,008 | — | — | |
| #1010 | Davie, FL | $38,025 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,888 | — | — | |
| #1011 | Jacksonville, TX | $37,414 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,913 | — | — | |
| #1012 | Shenandoah UniversityPrivate | Winchester, VA | $65,784 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,356 | 77.0% | 66.8% |
| #1013 | Wheeling UniversityPrivate | Wheeling, WV | $54,632 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,739 | 63.2% | 23.3% |
| #1014 | Florida Memorial UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $46,572 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,882 | 85.3% | 31.1% |
| #1015 | Pulaski, TN | $46,181 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,335 | 86.7% | 36.9% | |
| #1016 | Anderson UniversityPrivate | Anderson, SC | $55,541 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,188 | 54.7% | 65.7% |
| #1017 | Methodist UniversityPrivate | Fayetteville, NC | $60,011 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,371 | 75.1% | 43.5% |
| #1018 | Barbourville, KY | $52,077 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,214 | 63.1% | 32.1% | |
| #1019 | Memphis, TN | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,292 | — | — | |
| #1020 | Longwood UniversityPublic | Farmville, VA | $54,005 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,896 | 90.2% | 61.2% |
