University of Memphis

  • 4/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Memphis, TN
  • 5.0 1 review
#7 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

Overview

Total enrollment

20,276
University of Memphis overview
University of Memphis overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of Memphis is a public research institution situated in an urban setting within Memphis, Tennessee, approximately 8 miles east of downtown. Established in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School, the university has evolved into a major academic center occupying a 1,607-acre main campus characterized by modern academic buildings and Georgian-style architecture. The university maintains strong academic programs in business, engineering, and nursing, while the Fogelman College of Business and Economics and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law are particularly noted within their fields. Students can choose from on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living, with first-year students required to live on campus if they reside outside the local commuting area. The Memphis Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the American Athletic Conference, with men's basketball historically being the university's most prominent sport.

Ratings

Memphis is rated within the lower 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    4 out of 10
  • Academics
    4 out of 10
  • Resources
    4 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    4 out of 10
  • Value
    4 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Very Easy
University of Memphis admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 915/1180
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 18/24
  • GPA 3.48

Acceptance Rate

72%
University of Memphis applications overview
  • Applications Due Jul 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 18.1%
  • Application Fee $25

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tennessee Resident Tuition

$10,728

Out of State Resident Tuition

$15,384

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of Memphis
  • Tuition $10,728
  • Books and Supplies $920
  • Other Fees $1,872
  • Room and Board $11,342
  • Budget for Other Expenses $6,654
  • Total One Year Cost $31,516

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$42,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

38% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Memphis are Business, General Studies, and Education. 21% of students major in Business, 11% in General Studies, and 8% in Education.

  • Business 21%
  • General Studies 11%
  • Education 8%
  • Health Professions 6%
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of Memphis are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=220862.

GPA calculator: University of Memphis GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026