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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1021 | Converse UniversityPrivate | Spartanburg, SC | $44,925 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,137 | 67.7% | 61.5% |
| #1022 | Harding UniversityPrivate | Searcy, AR | $53,024 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,418 | 70.5% | 68.8% |
| #1023 | Clarendon CollegePublic | Clarendon, TX | $36,818 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,755 | — | — |
| #1024 | Duncan, OK | $44,667 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1025 | Ave Maria UniversityPrivate | Ave Maria, FL | $59,489 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,761 | 41.4% | 53.9% |
| #1026 | Catawba CollegePrivate | Salisbury, NC | $49,190 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,618 | 75.2% | 47.3% |
| #1027 | Culpeper, VA | $27,924 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,280 | — | — | |
| #1028 | Ponca City, OK | $37,175 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,727 | — | — | |
| #1029 | University Of The OzarksPrivate | Clarksville, AR | $46,099 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,664 | 59.5% | 51.5% |
| #1030 | Nelson UniversityPrivate | Waxahachie, TX | $46,199 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,583 | 89.0% | 41.6% |
| #1031 | Livingston, TN | $39,535 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,368 | — | — | |
| #1032 | Hohenwald, TN | $43,241 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,226 | — | — | |
| #1033 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $56,202 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,950 | 95.3% | 70.7% |
| #1034 | Lees-Mcrae CollegePrivate | Banner Elk, NC | $50,979 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,030 | 76.8% | 42.1% |
| #1035 | Mars Hill UniversityPrivate | Mars Hill, NC | $50,256 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,021 | 67.9% | 44.9% |
| #1036 | Eastern Mennonite UniversityPrivate | Harrisonburg, VA | $60,150 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,994 | 100.0% | 67.0% |
| #1037 | Fort Myers, FL | $43,662 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1038 | Kentucky Wesleyan CollegePrivate | Owensboro, KY | $45,592 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,951 | 71.6% | 46.8% |
| #1039 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | Salem, VA | $56,840 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,204 | 83.1% | 67.4% |
| #1040 | Muskogee, OK | $36,725 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,265 | — | — |
