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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1101 | Richard Bland CollegePublic | South Prince George, VA | $40,781 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,245 | 89.3% | — |
| #1102 | Lafayette, LA | $30,937 Median Earnings (4yr) | $33,429 | 42.6% | — | |
| #1103 | North Greenville UniversityPrivate | Tigerville, SC | $44,607 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,947 | 66.7% | 54.5% |
| #1104 | Oklahoma Baptist UniversityPrivate | Shawnee, OK | $49,999 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,562 | 49.4% | 52.4% |
| #1105 | Tampa, FL | $39,799 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,535 | — | — | |
| #1106 | Covenant CollegePrivate | Lookout Mountain, GA | $48,802 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,310 | 86.5% | 71.5% |
| #1107 | Ferrum CollegePrivate | Ferrum, VA | $46,725 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,940 | 89.0% | 31.9% |
| #1108 | Nashville, TN | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,688 | — | — | |
| #1109 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | Henderson, TN | $50,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,988 | 59.7% | 70.8% |
| #1110 | Oklahoma City, OK | $36,657 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,839 | — | — | |
| #1111 | Burns Flat, OK | $34,252 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,057 | — | — | |
| #1112 | Mcmurry UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $48,273 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,946 | 57.0% | 44.3% |
| #1113 | Hendrix CollegePrivate | Conway, AR | $50,422 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,951 | 55.6% | 72.4% |
| #1114 | Allendale, SC | $38,256 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,535 | 76.0% | — | |
| #1115 | Orange Technical CollegePublic | Orlando, FL | $34,945 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,042 | — | — |
| #1116 | Virginia Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $50,183 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,080 | 72.9% | 41.6% |
| #1117 | Southern Virginia UniversityPrivate | Buena Vista, VA | $44,267 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,957 | 96.4% | 33.5% |
| #1118 | High Point UniversityPrivate | High Point, NC | $65,028 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,763 | 75.3% | 73.7% |
| #1119 | Benedict CollegePrivate | Columbia, SC | $41,293 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,177 | 95.7% | 24.3% |
| #1120 | Tampa, FL | $22,645 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
