Strayer University-Tennessee

Key Highlights

• Dedicated to academic excellence
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Strayer University-Tennessee differs fundamentally from traditional college experiences. Students are working adults who come to campus for classes and leave for their lives elsewhere. The campus serves as an educational facility rather than a community hub. Most students attend part-time while maintaining full-time employment. They bring workplace experience to classroom discussions and immediately apply learning in their jobs. This creates peer relationships based on shared professional interests rather than shared social life. The lack of traditional campus activities suits students who have no interest in dormitories, meal plans, or extracurricular programming. They want credentials and skills, not the college experience. The focused approach eliminates extras that would increase costs and time demands. Study groups sometimes form among classmates who support each other through challenging courses. Online discussion forums and collaboration tools connect students who may rarely meet in person. These relationships are purposeful rather than social. Support services focus on academic success and career advancement. Academic advisors help students navigate program requirements, while career services assist with job searches and professional development. The university understands its students' priorities and aligns services accordingly.

Location & Surroundings

The Memphis campus serves students from across the greater Memphis metropolitan area, which spans parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The city of about 650,000 people anchors a region of over 1.3 million, providing a substantial population of potential adult learners. Memphis has a distinctive identity shaped by its role in music history (particularly blues and soul), its position as a major logistics hub (FedEx headquarters), and its location on the Mississippi River. The economy includes healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and service industries that employ Strayer students and graduates. The campus location provides reasonable accessibility for students commuting from various parts of the metro area. Parking is available, addressing a primary concern for driving students. The facility offers what students need for classes without pretending to be a traditional campus. Tennessee weather brings hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional cold spells. The climate allows year-round activity without extreme seasonal disruptions. Students commute regardless of conditions since their educational commitments must coexist with work schedules. Memphis offers cultural attractions, entertainment, and dining options for students who have time outside work and school. However, most Strayer students are managing demanding schedules that leave limited leisure time.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Strayer University-Tennessee follows the for-profit model, running higher than public community colleges or state universities. Students should expect costs that may total $40,000 to $60,000 for bachelor's degree completion, depending on program length and credits transferred. These figures warrant careful comparison with alternatives. Financial aid through federal loans and grants is available for those who qualify. The university participates in Title IV federal student aid programs, making loans accessible. However, borrowing carries risks, particularly at for-profit institutions where completion rates and salary outcomes require scrutiny. Living costs in Memphis are relatively affordable compared to major coastal cities. This helps working students manage their overall financial situations. Most students continue working while studying, maintaining income to cover living expenses. Career outcomes should be evaluated before enrollment. Research what credentials cost at community colleges or the University of Memphis. Consider whether the specific programs and flexibility offered justify premium pricing. Ask for data on graduate employment rates and salaries. Some students find that the flexibility and targeted programming meet their specific needs in ways alternatives cannot match. Others might achieve similar outcomes at lower cost through public institutions. Individual circumstances determine which path makes sense.

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