University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee · Public · 72.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 42/100 · Poor Value
University of Memphis
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,728/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $15,384/yr |
| Average net price | $12,397/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $49,588 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,458 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,300 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $247 |
| Estimated payback period | 14.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,701 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,607 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,968 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,923 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,384 |
| $110,001+ | $18,691 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Memphis with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $50,126 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $75,444 | B |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $49,707 | D |
| Psychology | $45,700 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,045 | C+ |
| Accounting | $71,038 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $53,399 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $65,132 | C |
| Biology | $53,784 | D |
| Marketing | $67,468 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Memphis is $10,728/year ($15,384/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,397/year, or roughly $49,588 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,607/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,691/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,300 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $247 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,458 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 47.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 52.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 43.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 48.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 72.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 435-580 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-600 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 12,701 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,632 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis (this school) | 42 | $12,397 | $48,458 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 39 | $11,040 | $45,795 |
| University of South Alabama | 37 | $17,648 | $49,379 |
| Austin Peay State University | 36 | $9,735 | $44,301 |
| East Tennessee State University | 35 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about University of Memphis. With a net cost of $12,397 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,458 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 14.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include a 50.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $23,300 against $48,458 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.