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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #861 | Itta Bena, MS | $40,972 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,073 | 92.4% | 26.8% | |
| #862 | Chickasha, OK | $42,786 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,493 | 65.8% | 44.1% | |
| #863 | Newbern, TN | $44,302 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,431 | — | — | |
| #864 | Asheville, NC | $45,777 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,219 | 91.9% | 54.5% | |
| #865 | Central Baptist CollegePrivate | Conway, AR | $46,683 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,750 | 63.5% | 34.1% |
| #866 | Georgetown CollegePrivate | Georgetown, KY | $54,370 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,777 | 91.1% | 48.9% |
| #867 | Saint Augustine, FL | $43,471 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,448 | — | — | |
| #868 | Statesboro, GA | $41,835 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #869 | Augusta, GA | $41,835 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #870 | Lynchburg, VA | $32,493 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,700 | — | 37.6% | |
| #871 | Martin Community CollegePublic | Williamston, NC | $41,361 Median Earnings (4yr) | $1,924 | — | — |
| #872 | Virginia Union UniversityPrivate | Richmond, VA | $50,840 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,424 | 98.0% | 34.2% |
| #873 | Charlotte, NC | $70,176 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,792 | 62.1% | 61.3% | |
| #874 | Drumright, OK | $41,040 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,674 | — | — | |
| #875 | University Of DallasPrivate | Irving, TX | $61,870 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,711 | 53.4% | 73.1% |
| #876 | Claflin UniversityPrivate | Orangeburg, SC | $43,925 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,354 | 64.9% | 51.6% |
| #877 | Frank Phillips CollegePublic | Borger, TX | $41,353 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,940 | — | — |
| #878 | Herzing University-TampaPrivate | Tampa, FL | $58,575 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,666 | 89.7% | — |
| #879 | Choctaw, OK | $56,311 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,666 | — | — | |
| #880 | Rust CollegePrivate | Holly Springs, MS | $41,313 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,546 | 48.7% | 11.8% |
