There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which school to attend. College Factual has developed its Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in the Southeast Region ranking as one thing you can use to help make this decision.
We analyzed 375 colleges and universities across the Southeast Region to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.
Better Early-Career Average Salaries
The average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. Recent students who earned a bachelor's degree in the Southeast Region entered the job market making an average of $37,400 while those in the top 25 schools on our list made an average of $44,422.
Starting Salary ( 36879 to 49947 )
Student Loan Borrowing
Students may also take on a lot of debt while working on their bachelor's so we factor that into our rankings as well.
During their time at college, bachelor's degree seekers from schools in the Southeast Region take out an average of $27,180.
The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.
Additional Ranking Factors We Use
Our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools considers other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt.
These factors include things like the educational resources, the demand associated with the school, whether or not the school offers online classes, and the student body caliber - just to name a few.
Are you more interested in the top bachelor's degree schools in your area? Try narrowing this list by location. In addition, we've put together a number of other college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
Our 2024 rankings named Duke University the best school in the Southeast Region in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Duke is a private not-for-profit institution located in Durham, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,319 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Duke go into careers with an average salary of $55,249 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $11,804 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $727 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Vanderbilt University. The school came in at #2 in the Southeast Region on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Vanderbilt is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,365 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt is $46,210 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $15,553 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $644.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,879 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech go into careers with an average salary of $61,438 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,117 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $444 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Out of the 375 bachelor’s degree schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Emory University landed the #4 spot on the list. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,691 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Emory make an average of $38,834 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $20,961 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $524 for a 10-year repayment plan.
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Virginia - Main Campus helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Southeast Region. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the large public school handed out 5,493 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from University of Virginia make an average of $47,801 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $19,228 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $383 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #6. UNC Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,496 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UNC Chapel Hill make an average of $38,883 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $16,457 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $300 for a 10-year repayment plan.
University of Florida landed the #7 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. University of Florida is a large public school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 9,775 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UF make an average of $38,610 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $17,907. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $207.
Washington and Lee University landed the #8 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Lexington, Virginia, and it awarded 585 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $51,702 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,666. Average monthly loan payments are around $838 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Tulane University of Louisiana ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,884 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $36,437 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,938 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $504.
Virginia Tech ranked #10 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the large public school awarded 7,699 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech is $47,788 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,250 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $426 for a 10-year repayment plan.
University of Georgia landed the #11 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Athens, Georgia, the large public school handed out 8,870 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UGA make an average of $39,743 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,135. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $222.
With a ranking of #12, North Carolina State University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 6,377 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from NC State is $43,600 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,883 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $285 for a 10-year repayment plan.
With a ranking of #13, William & Mary did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, and it awarded 1,983 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from William & Mary make an average of $40,570 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $19,322 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $447 for a 10-year repayment plan.
University of Miami came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 3,348 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from U Miami make an average of $39,687 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $17,552 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $530 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Florida State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #15. Florida State is a large public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 9,735 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State is $37,655 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,576 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $171.
Wake Forest University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #16. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,472 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University is $44,719 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,031 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $644.
With a ranking of #17, Clemson University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the large public school awarded 5,155 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Clemson is $43,611 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,072. Average monthly loan payments are around $375 for a 10-year repayment plan.
George Mason University landed the #18 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. GMU is a public institution located in Fairfax, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,388 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from GMU make an average of $42,617 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,030. Average monthly loan payments are around $355 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Columbia Southern University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,131 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University make an average of $53,324 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $30,396.
The University of Alabama did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #20. Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the large public school handed out 8,062 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UA make an average of $38,629 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,259 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $629 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
With a ranking of #21, University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. UofSC is located in Columbia, South Carolina and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,272 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UofSC go into careers with an average salary of $39,031 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,262 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $403 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach landed the #22 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,258 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach make an average of $52,973 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,434 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $811 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Auburn University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Auburn, Alabama, the large public school awarded 5,840 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Auburn go into careers with an average salary of $43,414 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $22,929 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $582 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Florida International University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. FIU is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 13,988 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $38,840 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $20,192 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $93 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
American Public University System did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #25. American Military University is a large private for-profit school situated in Charles Town, West Virginia. It awarded 7,005 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from American Military University is $49,190 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,856.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
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