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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1121 | Miami, FL | $37,299 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,546 | — | — | |
| #1122 | Asbury UniversityPrivate | Wilmore, KY | $45,728 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,455 | 63.4% | 65.0% |
| #1123 | Saint Augustine's UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $41,272 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,815 | 33.8% | 25.0% |
| #1124 | Montreat CollegePrivate | Montreat, NC | $47,821 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,261 | 69.2% | 50.3% |
| #1125 | Coker UniversityPrivate | Hartsville, SC | $47,935 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,789 | 94.0% | 39.5% |
| #1126 | Omega, OK | $36,658 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1127 | Norman, OK | $42,499 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1128 | University Of MobilePrivate | Mobile, AL | $46,865 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,550 | 77.9% | 56.9% |
| #1129 | Brevard CollegePrivate | Brevard, NC | $41,671 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,294 | 42.2% | 48.8% |
| #1130 | St. John's CollegePrivate | Annapolis, MD | $45,787 Median Earnings (4yr) | $42,528 | 55.2% | 71.4% |
| #1131 | Point UniversityPrivate | West Point, GA | $45,849 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,992 | 44.3% | 34.1% |
| #1132 | Miami, FL | $26,511 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1133 | Lynn UniversityPrivate | Boca Raton, FL | $53,587 Median Earnings (4yr) | $40,711 | 73.5% | 52.1% |
| #1134 | Marshall, TX | $48,425 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,420 | 57.8% | 47.1% | |
| #1135 | Florida CollegePrivate | Temple Terrace, FL | $46,022 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,494 | 69.7% | 54.0% |
| #1136 | Blue Mountain, MS | $40,841 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,112 | 88.9% | 54.8% | |
| #1137 | Johnson UniversityPrivate | Knoxville, TN | $42,004 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,246 | 65.1% | 56.8% |
| #1138 | Sarasota, FL | $49,311 Median Earnings (4yr) | $47,261 | 69.7% | 72.1% | |
| #1139 | Palm Coast, FL | $24,972 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #1140 | Columbia, SC | $40,332 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,955 | 94.5% | 46.8% |
