University of Memphis

About University of Memphis

Memphis shapes this university in ways that no other city could. The music industry maintains a real presence here, not as a historical curiosity but as a living ecosystem where students intern at recording studios, perform at legendary venues, and study with faculty who have actual industry experience. Graceland sits twenty minutes from campus, Sun Studio still operates, and Stax Records has become a museum and music academy that partners with the university. The logistics and supply chain management program exists because FedEx, the company that revolutionized package delivery, is headquartered in Memphis. Students studying business, engineering, or technology find internship opportunities that would require relocation at most other schools. AutoZone, International Paper, and ServiceMaster also call Memphis home, creating a concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters unusual for a mid-sized city. Research into earthquakes happens here because Memphis sits atop the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of the most active fault systems east of the Rockies. The Center for Earthquake Research and Information attracts scientists from around the world and involves students in monitoring seismic activity across the region. The city's civil rights history informs academic programs and campus culture. The university was a site of struggle during integration, and that history receives honest examination rather than burial. Students engage with the African American Studies program, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, and community organizations continuing the work that made Memphis a battleground for justice.

Getting into the University of Memphis requires solid high school preparation rather than perfection. The acceptance rate hovers around 68%, and the university evaluates applicants using a straightforward formula that considers GPA and standardized test scores. Most admitted students earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in high school and scored at least 21 on the ACT or 1060 on the SAT. Tennessee residents benefit from the state's lottery scholarship program, which can cover a significant portion of tuition for students who maintain their grades. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition but can qualify for merit scholarships that reduce or eliminate the difference. The Provost's Scholarship and the Tiger Scholarship offer awards based on academic achievement, with some packages reaching full tuition. The application process itself is simple. Students apply online, submit transcripts and test scores, and typically receive decisions within a few weeks. There is no application fee for Tennessee residents who apply by priority deadlines. Transfer students find a welcoming environment, with articulation agreements covering most Tennessee community colleges and clear pathways for credits to transfer. Admitted students should act quickly on housing applications, as spaces in the most popular residence halls fill fast. Orientation sessions run throughout the summer and help new students register for classes, meet future roommates, and learn their way around campus before fall semester begins.

The University of Memphis offers more than 250 areas of study across eleven colleges, making it one of Tennessee's most academically varied public research institutions. The Fogelman College of Business and Economics holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Students pursuing engineering can access the Herff College of Engineering, which maintains strong ties with Memphis-based companies like FedEx and International Paper for internship and research opportunities. The music program deserves special mention. Memphis is the birthplace of rock and roll, and the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music draws on that heritage with programs in commercial music, jazz, and traditional classical training. The Loewenberg College of Nursing consistently produces graduates who pass licensing exams at rates exceeding state and national averages. For those interested in law, the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law emphasizes practical training through clinics that handle real cases for Memphis residents who cannot afford legal representation. Research activity has grown substantially, with the university now classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation. Faculty and students work on projects ranging from earthquake engineering to biomedical informatics. The FedEx Institute of Technology serves as a hub for innovation, bringing together researchers from multiple disciplines to solve real-world problems. Class sizes remain manageable, with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for meaningful interaction between professors and undergraduates.

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Students at the University of Memphis come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, bringing perspectives that stretch well beyond Tennessee's borders. About 16,000 undergraduates create a campus atmosphere that feels large enough for anonymity when you want it and small enough to find your people. First-generation college students make up a significant portion of the population, and support services exist specifically to help them navigate university life. The campus sits in midtown Memphis, surrounded by neighborhoods with restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues within walking distance. Highland Strip, just north of campus, has been a student hangout for decades. Overton Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, borders the university and contains the Memphis Zoo, the Brooks Museum of Art, and acres of old-growth forest. Work-study and part-time jobs help many students pay their way through school. The campus employment office connects students with on-campus positions, while the city offers restaurant and retail work for those who prefer off-campus jobs. Many students balance classes with work, family responsibilities, or both. Mental health services operate through the Counseling Center, where students can access individual therapy, group sessions, and crisis intervention at no additional cost. The Student Health Center handles medical needs from flu shots to sports physicals. Campus recreation facilities include a fitness center, pool, and outdoor adventure program that organizes trips ranging from weekend camping to spring break expeditions.

Location & Surroundings

Life at the University of Memphis centers on a 1,160-acre campus that sits in the heart of the city, giving students easy access to Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and some of the best barbecue in America. The campus itself features a mix of historic buildings from the university's 1912 founding and modern facilities like the University Center, which houses dining options, study spaces, and student organization offices. Greek life draws about 10% of undergraduates, with 23 fraternities and sororities hosting events throughout the year. But Greek organizations are just one option among hundreds of student groups. The Tiger Activities Board programs concerts, comedians, and special events. Intramural sports attract thousands of participants each semester, from flag football to ultimate frisbee to esports competitions. The Tigers compete in the American Athletic Conference across 18 varsity sports. Football games at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium draw crowds of 60,000, and basketball at FedExForum puts students courtside in an NBA arena. The men's basketball team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, creating lasting memories for students who camp out for tickets. Housing options include traditional residence halls for freshmen and apartment-style living for upperclassmen. The Centennial Place complex opened recently with modern amenities and suite-style rooms. Memphis weather stays warm enough for outdoor activities most of the year, and the Wolf River Greenway provides miles of trails for running, biking, and escaping campus when needed.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Annual tuition at the University of Memphis runs approximately $10,000 for Tennessee residents and $22,000 for out-of-state students. These figures represent tuition and fees only; room, board, books, and personal expenses push the total cost of attendance to around $25,000 for in-state students living on campus. Tennessee's HOPE Scholarship provides substantial support for state residents. Students who graduate high school with at least a 3.0 GPA and 21 ACT receive up to $6,000 annually at four-year universities. The HOPE Access Grant and Aspire Award provide additional funds for students meeting certain criteria. These state programs form the foundation of financial aid packages for most Tennessee students. Merit scholarships from the university layer on top of state aid. The Provost's Scholarship awards up to full tuition and fees based on academic achievement. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship recognizes students with strong leadership records. Athletic scholarships cover costs for student-athletes in varsity sports. Need-based aid comes through the federal Pell Grant program and institutional grants that consider family income. Most students complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility, and the financial aid office helps families navigate the process. Work-study positions allow students to earn money while staying on campus. Graduate students and professional students face different cost structures. Many doctoral programs offer tuition waivers and stipends for students serving as teaching or research assistants. The law school and some other professional programs require loans that students repay after graduation.