Most
Affordable Colleges in South in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in the South combines practical coursework with regional industry connections. Students typically take accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and operations courses, often completing internships or team projects. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or financial associate. Popular Southern colleges offering the degree include the University of Georgia, University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Tennessee, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Psychology

Studying psychology in the South combines coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students gain experience through labs, internships, and placements. Popular options include the University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, health technician, or youth services worker; clinical careers require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in the South combines technical foundations with opportunities in a region known for growing technology and research sectors. Students typically take courses in 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 project managers. Popular Southern choices include Georgia Tech, the University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University, Duke University, and the University of Florida.

Counseling

Studying counseling in the South combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, and group counseling with supervised fieldwork. Programs may prepare students for licensure as professional counselors, depending on degree and state requirements. Graduates often work as school counselors, mental health counselors, college advisers, rehabilitation counselors, and case managers. Popular Southern options include the University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, the University of Florida, UNC Greensboro, and the University of Alabama.

Nursing

Studying nursing in the South combines learning with hands-on clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing ethics. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or health agencies. Southern colleges where students can study nursing include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Emory University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Programs emphasize safe, compassionate care.

Best Colleges in the South Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 17,865.0, compared with 40,194.2 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 22,329.2.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 71.45% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 71.45%. Schools receive an average of 8,700.73 applicants, compared with 24,622.1 applicants at schools in the top 10%.
• The median number of male applicants is 1,437.5, while the median number of female applicants is 2,079.5.
• The average SAT score is 1,115.92, and the average ACT score is 23.06.
• The average number of enrolled students is 7,214.01. The average number of enrolled men is 500.72, compared with 656.13 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 48.37%, compared with 77.0% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 42.0% for men and 52.0% for women.
• There are 455 institutions offering associate's degrees, 785 offering bachelor's degrees, 599 offering master's degrees, and 287 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 758 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When selecting a college, potential students should weigh total cost and financial aid alongside admissions measures, enrollment, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school setting. The figures show that the top 10% of schools have higher median costs and applicant numbers, but also a higher average graduation rate; students should consider which factors best match their priorities.

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

Average total study costs in the South are about $21,641 per year. This is a useful planning benchmark, not a guaranteed price at every school or the full cost of a multi-year program. Your bill varies by institution, residency status, housing choice, and course of study.

• Tuition and fees average $19,775.73.
• Room and board average $12,648.29.
• Books and supplies average $1,279.83.
• Overall average total cost: $21,641.49.

These category averages are separate figures; don't add them to the overall total. At campuses such as the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Georgia, or LSU, your bill depends on residency, housing, and program. Compare financial aid and course-material costs, then confirm current figures with each college. Scholarships and grants may make a Southern degree feel more attainable, leaving room to enjoy campus life while building skills and connections. Check each college's current published cost of attendance.

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

In the South, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree commonly takes two. Your timeline depends on your major, course availability, work or family responsibilities, and whether you study year-round. At universities such as the University of Georgia, Florida State, LSU, or the University of Texas at Austin, planning each semester with an adviser can help you stay on track.

The reported average graduation rate is 48.37%; among the top 10% of schools, the average is 77%. Rates are 43.92% for men and 51.97% for women, showing that completion outcomes vary.

To finish sooner, ask about:

• Summer or winter courses and accelerated online terms.
• AP, dual-enrollment, or prior-learning credits.
• Transfer-credit policies and a semester-by-semester plan.

An adviser can help you choose a sustainable pace that fits your budget and responsibilities, making a degree feel within reach.

Salary

The median alumni salary for graduates in the South is $45,336.50. Graduates of schools in the top 10% earn a median of $61,411.40 - about $16,075 more. These figures offer a helpful benchmark, though your own earnings can vary with your field, experience, location, and choice of college.

Whether you're considering the University of Texas at Austin, Georgia Tech, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, or another Southern school, your degree can open doors to opportunities across the region. Compare programs and career support alongside tuition, and look at outcomes for your intended major: earnings can differ substantially between fields, even at the same university.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in the South?

Costs vary by state, school, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. As a rough annual planning estimate, tuition and fees at public four-year colleges may be around $8,000-$12,000 for in-state students; housing, food, books, and other expenses can bring the total to roughly $20,000-$35,000. Private and out-of-state options often cost more, while aid can reduce your bill.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in the South Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolls 34,099 students and pairs a large campus with a close-knit college-town atmosphere. Located in the South, Chapel Hill offers access to North Carolina's research, healthcare, and technology opportunities, while Raleigh and Durham are nearby. Its 91% graduation rate is strong, though admission is selective at 15%. Annual total study cost is $39,228, and median alumni salary is $50,569, useful figures to weigh alongside academic fit, campus life, and financial aid.

The University of Florida enrolls 57,401 students and offers a broad range of programs in Gainesville, a college city in the South. Its 91% graduation rate stands out, and its 24% acceptance rate makes admission competitive but less selective than some peers here. The reported total study cost is $25,694, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $49,188. For Southern students, Florida's location, large-campus resources, and comparatively lower listed cost may make it an appealing option.

Georgia Tech enrolls 56,715 students in Atlanta, placing students in a Southern hub for engineering, computing, business, and culture. Its 94% graduation rate is the highest in this group, while its 14% acceptance rate signals highly selective admission. Total study cost is $32,938, and median alumni salary is $83,689, also the highest figure listed here. Students considering a demanding, career-focused education may value Atlanta's internships and employers, while weighing the competitive admissions process and urban campus setting and city life.

The University of Texas at Austin serves 55,000 students in Texas's capital, combining a large public university with the energy of a major Southern city. Its 89% graduation rate and 27% acceptance rate offer measures of student outcomes and selectivity. The listed total study cost is $44,908, the highest among these five, while median alumni salary is $53,267. Students from the South may appreciate regional familiarity, academic breadth, and Austin's career networks, but should compare costs and program-specific opportunities carefully.

University of Maryland-College Park enrolls 42,290 students near Washington, D.C., in the Mid-Atlantic, offering a different regional setting for students from the South. Its 89% graduation rate and 45% acceptance rate suggest broad access alongside solid completion outcomes. Total study cost is $39,464, and median alumni salary is $59,961. The large campus and proximity to government, research, and employers can support varied goals; Southern applicants should consider distance, travel, and whether this location fits their plans and long-term career goals.