Best
Public Colleges in South in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in the South combines foundational business knowledge with industry perspectives. Students typically take courses in accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, analytics, and entrepreneurship. Programs often include internships or team projects. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or sales representative. Popular Southern options include the University of Georgia, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Psychology

Studying psychology in the South combines coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognition, and abnormal behavior with opportunities for fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles in human resources, social services, behavioral health support, or research assistance; clinical practice typically requires advanced education and licensure. Popular Southern choices include the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Texas at Austin. Programs vary in emphasis.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in the South combines theory with projects and access to a growing technology sector. Typical courses include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular Southern choices include Georgia Tech, the University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University, Duke University, the University of Florida, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Counseling

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Nursing

Studying a nursing program in the South combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health, and population health. Graduates may become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health agencies. Popular Southern colleges offering nursing degrees include University of Alabama at Birmingham, Duke University in North Carolina, Emory University in Georgia, and Vanderbilt University.

Best Colleges in the South Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 15,792.0, compared with 28,372.5 at schools in the top 10% of the ranking.
• An average of 99.0% of students receive financial aid, higher than the 74.83% average at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 74.83%. Schools receive an average of 15,291.88 applicants, while top 10% schools average 38,447.6 applicants. The median applicant counts are 3,394.0 men and 5,180.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,108.5 on the SAT and 22.7 on the ACT.
• Average enrollment is 14,173.93 students, including averages of 982.18 men and 1,309.05 women.
• The average graduation rate is 47.39%, compared with 74.0% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rates are 40.0% for men and 48.0% for women.
• There are 163 institutions offering associate's degrees, 297 offering bachelor's degrees, 223 offering master's degrees, and 157 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 303 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, applicant competition, test scores, enrollment, and graduation rates. In particular, the higher costs and graduation rates at top 10% schools, as well as their lower average financial-aid rate, may be important to weigh against your own priorities.

How much does studying at a college in the South cost?

The reported average total cost of studying in the South is $16,547.24. This figure is a helpful starting point for planning a degree, though it should not be mistaken for a guaranteed price for every student or program. Your actual bill will depend on the college, your major, housing choices, and time to completion.

The supplied averages also put tuition and fees at $8,622.12, room and board at $12,438.21, and books and supplies at $1,364.71. Since school budgets classify expenses differently, use each campus's published cost breakdown to plan how these categories apply rather than assuming every estimate will match your bill.

Popular choices include the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama, and Louisiana State University. Compare in-state eligibility, scholarships, housing, and each campus's net price. With a realistic budget and early financial-aid search, finding an affordable Southern college can feel achievable and exciting.

How long does it take to finish college in the South?

In the South, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree often takes two. Your timeline may be longer if you study part-time, change majors, or need prerequisites, but Southern colleges offer flexible routes to stay on track, and many offer evening, online, or commuter-friendly options for nearby residents.

Completion rates show that finishing is not automatic: the average graduation rate is 47.39%, compared with 74% at the top 10% of schools. The average is 42.76% for men and 50.51% for women. These figures can help you compare schools, alongside advising, costs, and student support.

• Earn credits early: AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses at a community college can reduce requirements.
• Consider summer classes or accelerated terms at schools such as the University of Georgia or UT Austin to complete credits sooner.
• Transfer strategically: confirm credit acceptance before changing schools to prevent lost credits and save time.

Salary

After graduating from college in the South, the median alumni salary is about $46,079. For graduates of top 10% schools, the median is about $56,447 - a promising benchmark as you consider how a degree could support your financial goals.

Your actual earnings can vary based on your field, experience, and where you work. Students at popular Southern universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of Florida, and Georgia Tech may pursue very different career paths, so these figures are broad benchmarks rather than a salary guarantee for any particular school or major.

People also ask

Does the South have good public schools?

Yes - many Southern communities have strong public schools, but the experience can vary considerably by state, district, and individual school. You may find excellent academic programs, career pathways, arts, and sports, alongside schools with fewer resources. If you're considering a move, compare school report cards, course offerings, student supports, and extracurriculars in the specific area. A little local research can help you find a great fit.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in the South Ranking in 2026-2027

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolls 34,099 students and reports a 91% graduation rate alongside a 15% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $39,228, while median alumni salary is $50,569. Chapel Hill offers a classic Southern college-town setting, with strong access to North Carolina's research, healthcare, and business communities. For a student from the South, it can combine familiar regional culture with broad academic opportunities, lively campus traditions, and connections to employers across the state and wider Southeast after graduation.

Georgia Institute of Technology enrolls 56,715 students, with a 94% graduation rate and 14% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $32,938, and median alumni salary reaches $83,689. Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech places students in a major Southern city with access to technology firms, startups, and established industries. A Southern student seeking a highly career-oriented education may value its urban campus, extensive professional networks, and strong outcomes, while benefiting from the region's growing innovation economy and connections throughout the Southeast.

The University of Texas at Austin enrolls 55,000 students and has an 89% graduation rate and 27% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $44,908, with median alumni salary of $53,267. Austin provides a distinctive Southern and Texan setting, pairing a large public-university experience with a lively music, technology, and entrepreneurship scene. Students from the South can find familiar warmth alongside a growing city, diverse internships, and access to employers across Texas, making it appealing for campus life and careers.

University of Virginia enrolls 26,685 students and posts a 96% graduation rate, with a 17% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $57,261, and median alumni salary is $65,164. In Charlottesville, students experience Virginia's academic culture, mountain scenery, and access to communities across the state. For Southern students, UVA offers a regional option with a strong campus identity and connections to employers in Virginia and nearby Southern markets. Its high graduation rate may appeal to students prioritizing completion and career prospects.

University of Maryland-College Park enrolls 42,290 students, with an 89% graduation rate and a 45% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $39,464, and median alumni salary is $59,961. Just outside Washington, D.C., the campus offers access to government, technology, and research employers. For Southern students, Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic choice rather than a traditional Southern campus, but its proximity to the capital and diverse student community can broaden career options while keeping the Southeast within reach for future graduates.