U

University of Memphis

PublicCity: Large

About University of Memphis

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers programs in business, engineering, law, and health sciences and is known for its connection to the city's music and cultural heritage.

Founded

1912

Location

Memphis, Tennessee

Students

17,207

Institution

Public

Known For

Music HeritageLaw SchoolEngineeringMemphis Location

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

72%

Moderately selective

Graduation Rate

50.9%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$10,728

Out-of-state: $15,384

Avg Net Price

$12,397

After financial aid

SAT Average

1088

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$48,458

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
72%

Selective

72 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Required

Application Fee

$25

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

With a 72% acceptance rate, University of Memphis admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.

SAT Scores

1088/ 1600

850750650550450350
435
Math: 435
480
R&W: 480
25th
580
Math: 580
600
R&W: 600
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

20/ 36

393429231813
18
25th: 18
25th
20
Avg: 20
Avg
24
75th: 24
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
50.9%

Average

50.9% complete their degree within six years

Retention

77.4%

4-Year Grad

32%

6-Year Grad

54%

Teaching Quality

17:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

72.8%

$/Student

$9.4K

Class Size

Medium

The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 77.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$10,728

In-State

/

$15,384

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$11,342

Books & Supplies

$920

Total Cost of Attendance

$25,169

After Financial Aid

$12,397

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$10,607

Receive Grants

41.2%

Take Loans

37.9%

The total cost of attendance runs about $25,169/yr, including $11,342 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,397.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Memphis fund their education.

While in School

41.2%

Get Grants

Free money

37.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$28,800

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$23,300

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$247/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 37.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,300. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Memphis.

Gender

59.9%

Female

/

40%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

40.7%
35.2%
12.2%
4.7%
4.3%
2%
Black
White
Hispanic
Asian
Multiracial
International

Enrollment

12,701

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

4,506

Graduates

36.8%

First-Gen

22 yrs

Avg Age

17.9%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 36.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Large

City: Large

Campus Quick Facts

12,701

Students

public

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

R1 Research

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Memphis fields 9 varsity teams with 564 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division I-FBS

Conference

American

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

9

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

564

4% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

66% / 34%

374

Men

/

190

Women

7

Men's Teams

7

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
172
Track & XC
165
Football
71
Soccer
37
Baseball
33
Softball

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country172Football165Soccer71Baseball37Softball33Basketball31Volleyball21Tennis18Golf16

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Memphisearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$48,458

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$41K
6yr
$39K
8yr
$48K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$32K

424 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$74K

293 grads

1yr Earnings

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

$37K

221 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$32K

188 grads

1yr Earnings

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$48K

136 grads

1yr Earnings

Accounting and Related Services

$51K

110 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Memphis

What is the acceptance rate at University of Memphis?
University of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. With a 72% acceptance rate, University of Memphis admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
How much does University of Memphis cost?
Tuition at University of Memphis is $10,728 for in-state students and $15,384 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $25,169/yr, including $11,342 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,397.
What is the graduation rate at University of Memphis?
University of Memphis has a graduation rate of 50.9%. The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 77.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do University of Memphis graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Memphis graduates is $48,458 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.