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Memphis , TN
The University of Memphis, commonly referred to as U of M, is a public research university located in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1912, the university has grown into a prestigious institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a diverse student body of over 21,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, the university provides a vibrant learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
U of M offers an extensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts, and more. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, and its faculty members are internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across disciplines, attend lectures and presentations by leading scholars, and participate in hands-on experiential learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers.
Beyond academics, the University of Memphis provides a vibrant campus life and a range of extracurricular activities. The university's Division I athletic teams, known as the Memphis Tigers, compete in the American Athletic Conference, representing the school in sports like basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball. The campus also boasts a variety of student organizations, clubs, and student government, allowing students to pursue their interests and build lifelong friendships. Additionally, located in the heart of Memphis, students have access to a vibrant city known for its rich musical heritage, cultural diversity, and vibrant arts scene.
Overall, the University of Memphis offers a comprehensive educational experience, combining academic excellence, research, community engagement, and a vibrant student life. Students who choose U of M benefit from a welcoming and diverse community, outstanding faculty, ample research opportunities, and the chance to live in a city filled with cultural and entertainment activities.
Located in Memphis, TN and set in an urban environment, University of Memphis is a public university. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 72%. The freshman retention rate at University of Memphis is 77.4% and the six-year graduation rate is 51%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is July 1. The transfer application deadline is July 1.
To find out more about what University of Memphis has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
15,770
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
51%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you find out as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will significantly improve. Here are the most essential data you should know about admission at University of Memphis.
According to the newest data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 10,865 in 2025. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 4% and ACT scores 90%. 4% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 20% between 1,200 and 1,399, 31% between 1,000 and 1,199, 36% between 800 and 999, and 9% between 600 and 799. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 5, 26 between 24-29, 46 in the range between 18-23, 22 between 12-17, and 1 between 6-11.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 21 while the average GPA was 3.62. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into University of Memphis; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 539 for the accepted students, while the average SAT Math score was 517.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by July 1. If considering applying as a transfer student, the application deadline is July 1.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university newcomers who return for their sophomore year. That information can tell you if the majority of new students liked their first year enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for University of Memphis was 77.4%, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. This rate shows how many students complete their degrees in a certain number of years. The six-year graduation rate at this institution stands at 51%.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at University of Memphis in 2025 was 20,276.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 17% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 15,770, 259 of which were foreign students. 962 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 5,257 male and 7,528 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to expanding the diversity of its student population and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at University of Memphis.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 602, while the number of Afro-American students was 5,173. 1,545 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 549 as multirace. The school also had 13 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 15 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 76 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at University of Memphis? Here is what you need to know.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $8,856. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $16,890. Tuition costs at University of Memphis for international students came to $22,710. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $1,872 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $16,890 | $1,872 | $18,762 |
| In-State | $8,856 | $1,872 | $10,728 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to consider is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The approximate price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $920.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for lodging and meals?
In 2025, the price of room and board at University of Memphis was $11,054 per academic year. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2025 added up to $6,674 for one academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,856 |
| Room and Board | $ 11,054 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 920 |
| Total Expense | $ 20,830 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial aid can be a great deal for a number of students. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at University of Memphis, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 2,043 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $12,363 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
There were 6,275 students who received need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at University of Memphis is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 8,330. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $46,986,059, and state $11,309,515. The students of University of Memphis received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $1,752,726, and external in the amount of $2,037,463.
$4,448
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 4,576 students overall (including freshmen) at University of Memphis in 2025. 1,515 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $15,286,654. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $4,558,931 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at University of Memphis was 17:1: that means 17 students per one teacher. This school has recently reported to have 1,291 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 598 male and 693 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at University of Memphis.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at University of Memphis: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Check out some info about campus life at University of Memphis.
Its campus is 1,160 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
According to the most recent information, there are 242 open-membership organizations at University of Memphis. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. The student organization that is most favored by students is Emerging Leaders, followed by Asian American Association and Rising Health Professionals. Other popular student organizations at this school are Honors Student Organization and Black Scholars Unlimited.
Those who have a talent for music can join the University of Memphis band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. For students who have a passion for media and communication, University of Memphis publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At University of Memphis, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. Dormitory entrances at the school are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of University of Memphis.
All in all, campus life at University of Memphis is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at University of Memphis.
Career Counselling
There are a library and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
The average annual salary for graduates employed six months after graduation from this institution is 59,896 USD.
$59,896
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN.
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University of Memphis offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for University of Memphis is 72%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for University of Memphis is 77.4%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
