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University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee 38152

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

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Known for business — excellent value

University of Memphis is a public institution in Memphis with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1051, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 13.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $48,458 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,253.

Established
1912
Motto
Latin: Imaginari cogitare facere
Mascot
TOM III (Formally Live Tiger - deceased September 18, 2020)Pouncer (costume)
Type
Public research university

Campus Visits

203 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

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93%Acceptance
1051SAT Avg
13,645Students
17:1Student:Faculty
49%Grad Rate
$48,458Earnings 10yr
$13,253Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate93.4%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1051

Reading & Writing
465615
Math
440590

ACT Score Range

Composite
1724

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,344
Tuition (out-of-state)$14,784
Room & Board$10,344
Books & Supplies$920
Total Cost of Attendance$25,164
Average Net Price$13,253
Median Debt at Graduation$23,300
Monthly Payment (10yr)$247

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,985
$30–48K$12,003
$48–75K$15,357
$75–110K$18,600
$110K+$19,252

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

61.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$15,809

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

104

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

27

Burglary

5

Aggravated Assault

4

Robbery

9

Motor Vehicle Theft

11

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

27

Drug Arrests

20

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (161)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

71%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
13,645
Gender Split
60% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
37%
Pell Grant Recipients
40%

Race & Ethnicity

White 37%
Black 41%
Hispanic 11%
Asian 5%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate49.4%
Freshman Retention71.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$40,921
10 Years$48,458

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History Mynders Hall (left) and the Administration Building (right) at the West Tennessee State Normal School in 1911 In 1909, the Tennessee Legislature enacted the General Education Bill.
  • This bill stated that three colleges be established, one within each grand division of the state and one additional school for African-American students.
  • This earlier University of Memphis was formed in 1909 by adding to an already existing medical school's departments of pharmacy, dentistry, and law.
  • On September 10, 1912, West Tennessee State Normal School opened in Memphis; its first president was Seymour A.
  • By 1913 all departments of the earlier University of Memphis, except the law school, had been taken over by West Tennessee State Normal School.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

103Above Average

Estimated from TN state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Nashvillepop. 690K
191 mi(331 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
243 mi(421 min)
Atlantapop. 500K
330 mi(572 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MEM Memphis6 mi
BNA Nashville196 mi
BHM Birmingham211 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1130 mi · ~32h 39m drive
New York, NY949 mi · ~27h 25m drive
Hartford, CT1038 mi · ~29h 59m drive
Providence, RI1101 mi · ~31h 48m drive
Albany, NY1012 mi · ~29h 14m drive
Syracuse, NY918 mi · ~26h 31m drive
Rochester, NY862 mi · ~24h 54m drive
Buffalo, NY799 mi · ~23h 5m drive
Philadelphia, PA874 mi · ~25h 15m drive
Pittsburgh, PA655 mi · ~18h 55m drive
Harrisburg, PA796 mi · ~23h drive
Newark, NJ941 mi · ~27h 11m drive
Washington, DC758 mi · ~21h 54m drive
Baltimore, MD787 mi · ~22h 44m drive
Atlanta, GA330 mi · ~9h 32m drive
Charlotte, NC514 mi · ~14h 51m drive
Raleigh, NC637 mi · ~18h 24m drive
Miami, FL868 mi · ~25h 5m drive
Orlando, FL677 mi · ~19h 33m drive
Tampa, FL662 mi · ~19h 7m drive
Nashville, TN191 mi · ~5h 31m drive
New Orleans, LA357 mi · ~10h 19m drive
Richmond, VA715 mi · ~20h 39m drive
Chicago, IL483 mi · ~13h 57m drive
Detroit, MI621 mi · ~17h 56m drive
Minneapolis, MN703 mi · ~20h 19m drive
St. Louis, MO243 mi · ~7h 1m drive
Kansas City, MO375 mi · ~10h 50m drive
Indianapolis, IN382 mi · ~11h 2m drive
Columbus, OH506 mi · ~14h 37m drive
Cleveland, OH627 mi · ~18h 7m drive
Milwaukee, WI558 mi · ~16h 7m drive
Dallas, TX425 mi · ~12h 17m drive
Houston, TX487 mi · ~14h 4m drive
Austin, TX564 mi · ~16h 18m drive
San Antonio, TX636 mi · ~18h 22m drive
Los Angeles, CA1606 mi · ~46h 24m drive
San Francisco, CA1806 mi · ~52h 10m drive
San Diego, CA1565 mi · ~45h 13m drive
Seattle, WA1870 mi · ~54h 1m drive
Portland, OR1852 mi · ~53h 30m drive
Denver, CO884 mi · ~25h 32m drive
Phoenix, AZ1266 mi · ~36h 34m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1254 mi · ~36h 14m drive
Honolulu, HI4166 mi · ~120h 21m drive
Southern (mild winters, hot summers)

Deadline Calendar

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