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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #661 | Paris, TN | $39,070 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,312 | — | — | |
| #662 | Baltimore, MD | $95,457 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #663 | Hartsville, TN | $51,479 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,891 | — | — | |
| #664 | Herzing University-AtlantaPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $58,575 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,612 | 93.8% | 14.0% |
| #665 | Hampton, VA | $47,856 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,074 | — | — | |
| #666 | Beebe, AR | $41,404 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,030 | — | — | |
| #667 | Alva, OK | $51,228 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,439 | 65.5% | 30.3% | |
| #668 | Vero Beach, FL | $53,449 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,643 | — | — | |
| #669 | Chesapeake, VA | $80,530 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #670 | Bethune-Cookman UniversityPrivate | Daytona Beach, FL | $46,007 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,896 | 88.2% | 30.5% |
| #671 | Middletown, VA | $49,868 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,521 | — | — | |
| #672 | Herzing University-OrlandoPrivate | Winter Park, FL | $58,575 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,463 | 94.2% | 37.1% |
| #673 | Douglas, GA | $44,925 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,553 | — | 16.2% | |
| #674 | Fredericksburg, VA | $59,661 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,304 | 79.8% | 66.4% | |
| #675 | Saint Leo UniversityPrivate | Saint Leo, FL | $58,644 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,602 | 78.4% | 45.0% |
| #676 | Wilmington, NC | $48,346 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,221 | — | — | |
| #677 | Rhodes CollegePrivate | Memphis, TN | $65,427 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,770 | 50.3% | 84.5% |
| #678 | Franklin, VA | $48,904 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,709 | — | — | |
| #679 | Jacksonville, FL | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #680 | New Orleans, LA | $49,328 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,405 | 69.0% | 48.5% |
