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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1061 | Williams Baptist UniversityPrivate | Walnut Ridge, AR | $41,389 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,733 | 83.4% | 25.6% |
| #1062 | Shreveport, LA | $49,479 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,493 | 55.7% | 56.2% | |
| #1063 | Shreveport, LA | $76,380 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1064 | Milligan UniversityPrivate | Milligan, TN | $55,216 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,118 | 72.3% | 63.4% |
| #1065 | Hollins UniversityPrivate | Roanoke, VA | $44,151 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,511 | 68.0% | 64.6% |
| #1066 | Midwest City, OK | $32,475 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,726 | — | — | |
| #1067 | Mcalester, OK | $36,651 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,551 | — | — | |
| #1068 | North Richland Hills, TX | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $25,777 | — | — | |
| #1069 | Howard Payne UniversityPrivate | Brownwood, TX | $50,567 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,043 | 67.4% | 28.0% |
| #1070 | Crump, TN | $39,150 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,680 | — | — | |
| #1071 | Campbellsville UniversityPrivate | Campbellsville, KY | $47,650 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,880 | 79.7% | 42.0% |
| #1072 | Pensacola, FL | $43,815 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1073 | Lafayette, LA | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,259 | — | — | |
| #1074 | Lee UniversityPrivate | Cleveland, TN | $47,559 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,834 | 70.5% | 62.6% |
| #1075 | Dallas, TX | $33,677 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,447 | — | — | |
| #1076 | St. Andrews UniversityPrivate | Laurinburg, NC | $50,359 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,730 | — | 29.5% |
| #1077 | Greensboro CollegePrivate | Greensboro, NC | $51,898 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,877 | 70.1% | 46.2% |
| #1078 | Belmont Abbey CollegePrivate | Belmont, NC | $57,346 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,610 | 74.7% | 46.7% |
| #1079 | Ouachita Baptist UniversityPrivate | Arkadelphia, AR | $49,862 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,207 | 67.5% | 61.4% |
| #1080 | Chowan UniversityPrivate | Murfreesboro, NC | $43,702 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,726 | 68.8% | 29.9% |
