University of Memphis: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Memphis, Tennessee · Public · Moderately selective · CDS 2024-2025
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University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, Tennessee that admits about 72% of applicants, making it a moderately selective school. The average family pays about $12,397 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 51% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 6.1 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of Memphis is a public institution located in Memphis, Tennessee with a moderately selective admissions profile. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Memphis admits about half to three-quarters of applicants, with an overall admission rate of 72%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT around 1025. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,397 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for University of Memphis?
62% of enrolled students at University of Memphis had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.62, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does University of Memphis weight in admissions?
University of Memphis reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Academic GPA
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Standardized test scores
SAT and ACT scores University of Memphis typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 435–580, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 18–24. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 930 |
| 50th percentile | 1025 |
| 75th percentile | 1150 |
| % submitting SAT | 4% |
| 25th percentile | 18 |
| 50th percentile | 21 |
| 75th percentile | 24 |
| % submitting ACT | 90% |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
Where admitted students ranked in their high school class
Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort — often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.
| Top 10% of class | 18% |
| Top 25% of class | 43% |
| Top 50% of class | 75% |
| % submitting class rank | 63% |
How much does University of Memphis actually cost?
Published tuition is $10,728 for in-state students and $15,384 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $11,342 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $12,397 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 41% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | — |
| Room and board | — |
| Average net price (after aid) | $12,397 |
| Application fee | $25 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Memphis
| Regular deadline | July 1 |
| Notification date | Rolling |
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from University of Memphis?
These predict outcomes at University of Memphis better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at University of Memphis
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Memphis, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Across all programs, University of Memphis confers roughly 1,597 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness program report a median income of about $50,267 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 433 | $50,267 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 296 | $75,543 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 235 | $45,387 |
| Psychology, General | 195 | $43,526 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 138 | $58,570 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 102 | $63,377 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 100 | $49,589 |
| Biology, General | 98 | $50,833 |
Is University of Memphis safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Memphis disclosed 77 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 6.1 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 7 violent offenses and 3 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at University of Memphis?
About 20% of undergraduates at University of Memphis live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Tennessee parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for University of Memphis
Common questions parents ask about University of Memphis
What GPA do I need for University of Memphis?
62% of enrolled students at University of Memphis had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.62, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does University of Memphis typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 435–580, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 18–24.
How much does University of Memphis actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Memphis after grants and scholarships is $12,397 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $10,728 and $15,384 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of Memphis realistic for my child?
University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants, so 435–580 SAT Math is target range and below 435 is a reach. Then check the $12,397 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Memphis?
University of Memphis accepts about 72% of applicants out of roughly 15,084 who apply each year. That makes it a moderately selective school.
Is University of Memphis test-optional?
Yes. University of Memphis is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What is the graduation rate at University of Memphis?
About 51% of students at University of Memphis graduate within six years. 77% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does University of Memphis look for in applicants?
University of Memphis rates GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is University of Memphis a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of Memphis is a public institution located in Memphis, Tennessee.
What are the most popular majors at University of Memphis?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of Memphis by annual graduates are Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. The school awards about 1,597 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of Memphis safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of Memphis reported 77 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 6.1 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at University of Memphis?
At University of Memphis, 20% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of Memphis, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers