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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #561 | Blue Mountain, MS | $40,841 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,112 | 88.9% | 54.8% | |
| #562 | Johnson UniversityPrivate | Knoxville, TN | $42,004 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,246 | 65.1% | 56.8% |
| #563 | St. John's CollegePrivate | Annapolis, MD | $45,787 Median Earnings (4yr) | $42,528 | 55.2% | 71.4% |
| #564 | Columbia, SC | $40,332 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,955 | 94.5% | 46.8% | |
| #565 | Warren Wilson CollegePrivate | Swannanoa, NC | $36,684 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,566 | 71.3% | 42.0% |
| #566 | Emmanuel UniversityPrivate | Franklin Springs, GA | $42,976 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,735 | 74.0% | 42.3% |
| #567 | Dallas, TX | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,193 | — | — | |
| #568 | Sarasota, FL | $49,311 Median Earnings (4yr) | $47,261 | 69.7% | 72.1% | |
| #569 | Truett Mcconnell UniversityPrivate | Cleveland, GA | $47,336 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,274 | 78.3% | 37.8% |
| #570 | Young Harris CollegePrivate | Young Harris, GA | $43,173 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,721 | 62.6% | 41.8% |
| #571 | Toccoa Falls CollegePrivate | Toccoa Falls, GA | $39,953 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,825 | 66.0% | 43.7% |
| #572 | Eckerd CollegePrivate | Saint Petersburg, FL | $48,651 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,615 | 75.8% | 65.9% |
| #573 | Beacon CollegePrivate | Leesburg, FL | $29,712 Median Earnings (4yr) | $47,601 | 43.5% | 60.2% |
| #574 | Baltimore, MD | $42,353 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,389 | 76.8% | 72.2% | |
| #575 | St. Benedict, LA | $44,996 Median Earnings (4yr) | $42,549 | — | 47.8% |
