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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1041 | Letourneau UniversityPrivate | Longview, TX | $65,664 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,785 | 38.0% | 58.6% |
| #1042 | Barton CollegePrivate | Wilson, NC | $51,766 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,641 | 94.2% | 45.9% |
| #1043 | Mobile, AL | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,859 | — | — | |
| #1044 | Garrett CollegePublic | Mchenry, MD | $37,793 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,387 | — | — |
| #1045 | Midway UniversityPrivate | Midway, KY | $54,588 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,206 | 95.1% | 40.7% |
| #1046 | Shaw UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $44,468 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,236 | 80.2% | 21.8% |
| #1047 | Washington CollegePrivate | Chestertown, MD | $58,768 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,804 | 56.9% | 65.4% |
| #1048 | Maryville CollegePrivate | Maryville, TN | $49,454 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,094 | 60.9% | 50.0% |
| #1049 | Talladega CollegePrivate | Talladega, AL | $39,579 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,835 | 85.4% | 30.9% |
| #1050 | Houston, TX | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,985 | — | — | |
| #1051 | Reinhardt UniversityPrivate | Waleska, GA | $53,795 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,877 | 61.5% | 43.6% |
| #1052 | Huntingdon CollegePrivate | Montgomery, AL | $51,132 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,435 | 69.5% | 48.0% |
| #1053 | Goucher CollegePrivate | Baltimore, MD | $57,036 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,471 | 77.7% | 57.3% |
| #1054 | Glenville, WV | $42,049 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,884 | — | 33.9% | |
| #1055 | Saint Petersburg, FL | $40,318 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,524 | — | — | |
| #1056 | Lakeland, FL | $38,755 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1057 | Limestone UniversityPrivate | Gaffney, SC | $51,758 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,772 | 97.3% | 35.3% |
| #1058 | Guilford CollegePrivate | Greensboro, NC | $50,433 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,367 | 80.0% | 45.8% |
| #1059 | Pulaski, TN | $46,239 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,653 | — | — | |
| #1060 | Louisburg CollegePrivate | Louisburg, NC | $37,222 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,975 | 55.8% | — |
