Admit rate has ranged 85%–95% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Memphis is a public research university with a laid-back, urban vibe and deep roots in its namesake city's culture. Known for its strong business and engineering programs, it offers accessible admissions (72% acceptance rate) and a lively campus life fueled by Memphis's music and arts scene. While graduation rates lag behind national averages, its affordability and regional industry connections make it a practical choice for Tennessee students.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
12,701
In-state tuition
$10,728
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
Acceptance Rate
72%
On-Campus Housing
20% of students
4-Year Graduation Rate
49-53%
Students Receiving Aid
72%
Median Early-Career Earnings
$42,466
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.9×
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
Graduation rate
51%
First-year retention
77%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
38%
Pell (lower-income) share
72%
First-generation share
37%
Endowment / student
$29,730
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$63,749
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$58,968
Civil Engineering$55,964
Computer Engineering
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
8
Per 1,000 students
0.63
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
87
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
37°F
Annual rain
56.4"
Annual snow
3.6"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
395
Scholarly works
38,438
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.2%
Bottom → top quintile
12%
From bottom quintile
10%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Memphis?
University of Memphis's acceptance rate is approximately 72% (Memphis, TN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Memphis?
Admitted students at University of Memphis typically score 915–1180 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Memphis cost?
At University of Memphis, the average net price (after aid) is about $12,397 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Memphis?
University of Memphis enrolls approximately 12,701 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Memphis located?
University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN.
Admissions
The University of Memphis maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a 72% acceptance rate, according to multiple sources including BigFuture College Board and Niche. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930–1150 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT, though the university emphasizes a Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. process that considers extracurricular activities alongside academic performance. Notably, it does not have an open admission policy, requiring applicants to meet minimum academic standards. Contact options include a dedicated admissions phone line (901.678.2111) and toll-free number (800.669.2678).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$55,964
Management Information Systems and Services$51,273
Computer Science$48,823
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
With over 250 fields of study, the University of Memphis offers a broad academic portfolio, particularly strong in business, engineering, and the arts. The Fogelman College of Business & Economics provides 9 undergraduate majors and 17 minors, including regionally recognized graduate programs. Engineering accounts for 6% of degrees awarded, while visual/performing arts and communication/journalism each represent 5%. The university emphasizes research opportunities across disciplines, from creative writing to civil engineering, with faculty actively engaged in both teaching and scholarship. Unique programs include criminology & criminal justice and construction engineering, reflecting Memphis's urban infrastructure needs.
Life at Memphis thrives on its urban campus culture, blending college traditions with the city's legendary music and arts scene. Only 20% of students live on campus, with most opting for off-campus housing in the surrounding city. The Division of Student Affairs promotes a "culture of care" through wellness services and proactive outreach. Highlights include:
Frequent concerts, theater performances, and cultural festivals tapping into Memphis's creative energy
Modern, pedestrian-friendly campus with updated facilities (per student reviews)
Active intramural and club sports scene, though only 20% of students participate in varsity athletics
Strong emphasis on community engagement through service projects and local partnerships
The university faces challenges with graduation rates (49-53% overall, with significant disparities by race), but provides solid ROI for Tennessee residents through affordable tuition and median early-career earnings of $42,466. Key data points:
4.4 years average time to degree completion
$23,300 median student debt, below national averages
59% of degrees awarded to women, reflecting a gender gap in persistence rates
White students graduate at 57% rates vs. 40% for Black students
Post-graduation, alumni frequently find employment in Memphis's healthcare, logistics, and music industries, with salary data tracked by major through institutional research.
The University of Memphis stands out for affordability, with a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $13,656-$19,873 after aid for typical students. Key financial details:
72% of students receive financial aid, with average packages covering most tuition costs
Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. includes estimates for housing ($12,228), books ($1,200), and transportation ($2,400)
The university provides a net price calculator to help families estimate actual costs
Tennessee's HOPE scholarship significantly reduces costs for in-state students meeting GPA requirements
While not the most generous with Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need., its low base tuition ($10,056 in-state) makes it accessible for middle-income families.
The University of Memphis carves its niche through authentic urban integration—few universities are so thoroughly shaped by their city's cultural DNA. Its strengths are distinctly Memphis:
Music business programs leveraging Beale Street connections
Logistics/engineering ties to FedEx's global hub
Community-engaged research addressing urban poverty and healthcare disparities
While it won't dazzle with Ivy-covered quads, it offers real-world immersion at a public school price, perfect for students who want classroom learning fused with the rhythms of a legendary American city.
University of Memphis logo · sourceUniversity of Memphis · sourceCampus Planning and Design · sourceUniversity of Memphis - Memphis, TN | Appily · source
