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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #841 | Richmond, VA | $55,990 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 70.4% | — | |
| #842 | Miami, FL | $69,903 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | 100.0% | |
| #843 | Helms CollegePrivate | Augusta, GA | $33,374 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,130 | — | — |
| #844 | Wesleyan CollegePrivate | Macon, GA | $52,803 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,045 | 59.1% | 44.5% |
| #845 | Spindale, NC | $40,215 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,108 | — | — | |
| #846 | Mississippi CollegePrivate | Clinton, MS | $55,434 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,984 | 29.1% | 59.3% |
| #847 | Blytheville, AR | $40,125 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,232 | — | — | |
| #848 | New Orleans, LA | $73,816 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,126 | 14.0% | 86.1% | |
| #849 | Conyers, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #850 | Warner Robins, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #851 | Martinez, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #852 | Dublin, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #853 | Madison, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #854 | Fairburn, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #855 | Columbus, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #856 | Valdosta, GA | $39,508 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #857 | Nashville, TN | $41,766 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,215 | — | — | |
| #858 | Stetson UniversityPrivate | Deland, FL | $57,773 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,931 | 71.6% | 62.3% |
| #859 | Dickson, TN | $43,136 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,472 | — | — | |
| #860 | Pineville, LA | $53,861 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,203 | 77.2% | 43.9% |
