Arkansas vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR with University of Memphis in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arkansas is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Arkansas vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or Memphis? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Memphis than Arkansas ($12,756 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 20.4% lower than at University of Arkansas ($11,342 vs. $14,244).
• University of Memphis is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $624 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.8% higher at Arkansas than at University of Memphis (about $14,582 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at University of Arkansas (92% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 34% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($11,793 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas or Memphis? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Memphis and Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 80 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Arkansas vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and Memphis? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arkansas graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 37%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.