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Lee University vs University of Memphis

Lee University is a private university in Cleveland, TN. University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN. Lee University admits about 71% of applicants and University of Memphis about 72%, making Lee University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,397 a year at University of Memphis after aid, and about $18,878 at Lee University. About 62% of students graduate at Lee University, compared with 50% at University of Memphis. Ten years after enrolling, University of Memphis alumni earn a median of about $48,458, against $43,222 for Lee University.

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cleveland, TN
Memphis, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,617
12,701
Acceptance rate
71%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1230
915–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,878
$12,397
Full cost / yr
$35,688
$25,169
In-state tuition
$23,790
$10,728
Out-of-state tuition
$23,790
$15,384
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,834
$10,607
$30k - $48k
$13,845
$10,968
$48k - $75k
$17,029
$13,923
$75k - $110k
$19,699
$17,384
Over $110k
$24,641
$18,691
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
50%
Freshman retention
82%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,082
$40,921
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,222
$48,458
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$23,300
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
41%
First-generation students
31%
37%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Jul 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lee University or University of Memphis harder to get into?
Lee University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 72% at University of Memphis. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lee University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,878 at Lee University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lee University and University of Memphis?
Before aid, University of Memphis costs about $25,169 a year and Lee University about $35,688. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lee University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,607 there, against about $12,834 at Lee University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lee University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis is the larger of the two, with about 12,701 undergraduates against 2,617 at Lee University.
Does Lee University or University of Memphis have a better graduation rate?
Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 50% at University of Memphis.
Do graduates of Lee University or University of Memphis earn more?
University of Memphis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,222 for Lee University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lee University and University of Memphis require SAT or ACT scores?
Lee University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Memphis requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Lee University and University of Memphis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1230 at Lee University and 915–1180 at University of Memphis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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