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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1081 | Coconut Creek, FL | $40,638 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,214 | — | — | |
| #1082 | Sumter, SC | $36,240 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,894 | 74.1% | — | |
| #1083 | Institute, WV | $44,688 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,457 | 96.0% | 39.2% | |
| #1084 | Sarasota, FL | $40,433 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,328 | — | — | |
| #1085 | Malvern, AR | $33,964 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,070 | — | — | |
| #1086 | Union, SC | $33,838 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,340 | 62.2% | — | |
| #1087 | Oglethorpe UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $52,138 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,207 | 88.4% | 54.1% |
| #1088 | Bryan College-DaytonPrivate | Dayton, TN | $51,604 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,500 | — | 49.7% |
| #1089 | William Peace UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $51,163 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,779 | 94.3% | 44.8% |
| #1090 | Southeastern UniversityPrivate | Lakeland, FL | $50,572 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,498 | 53.0% | 42.5% |
| #1091 | Flagler CollegePrivate | Saint Augustine, FL | $52,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,733 | 80.8% | 56.0% |
| #1092 | Stillwater, OK | $39,328 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1093 | Grayson, KY | $52,466 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,241 | 60.9% | 36.7% | |
| #1094 | West Palm Beach, FL | $54,983 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,570 | 82.0% | 55.3% | |
| #1095 | Savannah, GA | $47,980 Median Earnings (4yr) | $44,858 | 83.0% | 69.4% | |
| #1096 | Denmark, SC | $28,350 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,698 | — | — | |
| #1097 | Trinity College Of FloridaPrivate | Trinity, FL | $35,285 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,224 | 91.9% | 0.0% |
| #1098 | Babson Park, FL | $50,359 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,801 | 69.4% | 28.0% | |
| #1099 | Emory & Henry UniversityPrivate | Emory, VA | $47,079 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,246 | 83.7% | 56.3% |
| #1100 | Clearwater, FL | $41,457 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,166 | — | — |
