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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #981 | Fort Walton Beach, FL | $40,636 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,365 | — | — | |
| #982 | Allen UniversityPrivate | Columbia, SC | $36,436 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,553 | 72.5% | 13.3% |
| #983 | Randolph CollegePrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $50,675 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,048 | 93.7% | 46.4% |
| #984 | Ranger CollegePublic | Ranger, TX | $42,565 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,459 | — | — |
| #985 | Woodward, OK | $41,154 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,826 | — | — | |
| #986 | Samford UniversityPrivate | Birmingham, AL | $66,567 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,716 | 82.4% | 77.0% |
| #987 | Elon UniversityPrivate | Elon, NC | $77,800 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,523 | 66.3% | 84.0% |
| #988 | Lexington, KY | $25,640 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,871 | — | — | |
| #989 | Defuniak Springs, FL | $40,437 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,093 | — | — | |
| #990 | Oakwood UniversityPrivate | Huntsville, AL | $50,714 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,999 | 45.2% | 44.6% |
| #991 | El Reno, OK | $48,081 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,520 | — | — | |
| #992 | Chipley, FL | $34,965 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,307 | — | — | |
| #993 | Miami Lakes, FL | $40,843 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,878 | — | — | |
| #994 | Union UniversityPrivate | Jackson, TN | $60,152 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,839 | 60.4% | 66.0% |
| #995 | Tusculum UniversityPrivate | Greeneville, TN | $51,271 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,766 | 72.2% | 25.4% |
| #996 | Panola CollegePublic | Carthage, TX | $29,299 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,916 | — | — |
| #997 | University Of LynchburgPrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $60,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,692 | 43.0% | 57.4% |
| #998 | Southwestern UniversityPrivate | Georgetown, TX | $59,994 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,478 | 43.0% | 72.8% |
| #999 | Welch CollegePrivate | Gallatin, TN | $43,472 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,590 | — | 53.4% |
| #1000 | Community Care CollegePrivate | Tulsa, OK | $31,820 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,504 | — | — |
