South Region

The fastest-growing region in the country, with an increasingly diverse mix of institutions.

The South region covers Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. It's the largest region by state count and one of the fastest-growing in population, which shows up directly in the number and variety of colleges, universities, and trade schools opening or expanding here. This guide covers what the region is known for and how to research schools across it.

What You'll Find in This Region

The South has strong programs across health sciences (particularly nursing, given rapid healthcare-sector growth in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia), engineering, skilled trades and manufacturing (driven by the region's growing industrial base), education, and the arts. It's also home to a wide mix of institution types - large public flagships, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), smaller private colleges, and an expanding set of community and technical colleges tied to the region's manufacturing and construction growth.

Because the South spans such a large geographic and economic range, from major metro areas like Atlanta, Houston, and Charlotte to smaller college towns, students have an unusually wide set of environments to choose from within a single region.

Researching Schools in the South

• Use the Academic Common Market. Through the Southern Regional Education Board, students in participating Southern states can pursue certain degree programs at out-of-state public schools for in-state tuition when the program isn't offered at home. Check which programs qualify.
• Look into state merit scholarships. Several Southern states, including Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina, offer lottery-funded merit scholarships for in-state students. They can change the math on staying in your home state.
• Consider HBCUs. The South is home to most of the country's historically Black colleges and universities, many with strong programs in health sciences, engineering, education, and business.
• Ask about workforce partnerships. Community and technical colleges across the region partner directly with healthcare systems and manufacturers. Ask about clinical placements, apprenticeships, and job placement rates.

Who This Guide Is For

Students interested in schools across the South - whether drawn by the region's growth, warmer climates, lower cost of living in many areas, or specific program strength in health sciences or the trades. You don't need to have picked a major yet to start comparing schools here.

Counselors and teachers can use this guide to introduce students to the full range of Southern institutions, including HBCUs and fast-growing regional universities that may not appear in a typical national search.

Next Steps

Our 2026-2027 fairs have been cancelled, but we are working on a new way to connect students with colleges. Get notified and we will let you know as soon as we have news.

Not set on the South? Browse other regions or explore by area of interest instead.