Strayer University-Tennessee

About Strayer University-Tennessee

Strayer University-Tennessee operates as part of the larger Strayer University system, serving working adults in the Memphis area who seek to advance their careers through flexible degree programs. With about 1,200 students, this campus represents one node in a national network of Strayer locations focused on adult professional education. Strayer University itself was founded in 1892 in Washington D.C. and has grown into a for-profit institution with campuses across the eastern United States and a substantial online presence. The Tennessee campus brings this model to Memphis, serving a population of adult learners who need education that works around their existing work and family commitments. The university positions itself as an alternative to traditional higher education for students whose circumstances don't fit the typical college path. Many students are already working and seeking credentials that will enable promotion or career change. The programs emphasize practical skills and direct applicability to workplace demands. Students choosing Strayer typically have clear vocational goals and need flexibility in how they pursue education. The university offers evening, weekend, and online options designed for people who cannot attend traditional daytime classes. This accessibility is the core of Strayer's appeal.

Admission to Strayer University-Tennessee is open to adults who meet basic requirements and can benefit from the programs offered. The 55% acceptance rate reflects the university's focus on serving students who are committed to completing programs rather than selecting based on academic credentials. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs have prerequisites that must be met before enrollment. The application process is straightforward, without essays about personal growth or lists of achievements. The university wants to know that you have clear goals and realistic plans for completing your degree. Transfer credits from other accredited institutions can reduce time to graduation. The university evaluates prior coursework and awards credit where appropriate. Students with work experience may qualify for credit assessments that recognize professional learning. Financial aid counseling is an important part of the admissions process. Advisors explain costs, payment options, and federal aid availability. Students should understand their financial obligations before enrolling and have plans for meeting them. Enrollment can happen at multiple points throughout the year. The quarter system allows new cohorts to begin regularly rather than waiting for traditional fall enrollment. This flexibility helps students start when they are ready rather than delaying until arbitrary calendar dates.

Academic programs at Strayer University-Tennessee focus on professional fields with workplace application. Business administration programs cover management, marketing, accounting, and information technology. Criminal justice programs serve those pursuing or advancing careers in law enforcement and related fields. Information technology programs address the technical needs of employers in the region. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theoretical exploration. Courses aim to develop capabilities that employers value and that graduates can apply immediately in their work. Faculty members typically bring professional experience from their fields, teaching based on what they know works in practice. Class formats accommodate working students. Evening sessions, weekend intensives, and online components allow students to complete coursework around job schedules. The quarter system rather than semesters allows more frequent starts and faster progress through programs. General education requirements exist but are streamlined compared to traditional liberal arts curricula. The emphasis falls on getting students through programs efficiently while meeting accreditation standards. Regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides credential recognition. Academic support services help students who may be returning to education after years away from formal schooling. Tutoring, writing assistance, and advising address challenges that adult learners commonly face.

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.