Memphis vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Memphis in Memphis, TN with Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Memphis is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Memphis vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis or Tennessee State University? 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 Tennessee State University ($12,756 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 1.7% lower than at University of Memphis ($11,150 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 24.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,112 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.7% higher at Tennessee State University than at University of Memphis (about $7,032 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Tennessee State University (92% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,793 vs. $9,661).

Memphis vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Memphis or Tennessee State University? 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 Tennessee State University and Memphis.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 80 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Memphis students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 915/1180; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required to be considered for admission; Tennessee State University - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Memphis vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis and Tennessee State University? 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 Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($25,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($261 vs. $289).
• More Memphis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 29%)

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.