Memphis vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Memphis vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis or Tennessee? 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 ($12,756 vs. $21,648).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 15.1% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($11,342 vs. $13,356).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is 28.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $3,084 more per year; $13,812.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.2% higher at Tennessee than at University of Memphis (about $17,872 more per year; $33,256.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than at University of Memphis (94% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 3.1% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($11,793 vs. $11,434).

Memphis vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 240 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 915/1180; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required to be considered for admission; Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Memphis vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis and Tennessee? 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).

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($206 vs. $261).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.