University of Memphis vs Tennessee State University
University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN, and Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, TN. Tennessee State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 72% at University of Memphis. University of Memphis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,397 a year against $15,796 at Tennessee State University. About 50% of students graduate at University of Memphis, compared with 33% at Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Memphis alumni earn a median of about $48,458, against $42,730 for Tennessee State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,701
4,848
Acceptance rate
72%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
915–1180
880–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–21
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,397
$15,796
Full cost / yr
$25,169
$25,637
In-state tuition
$10,728
$8,616
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
$22,416
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,607
$15,005
$30k - $48k
$10,968
$15,840
$48k - $75k
$13,923
$15,579
$75k - $110k
$17,384
$20,624
Over $110k
$18,691
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
33%
Freshman retention
77%
34%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,921
$34,160
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
$42,730
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
51%
First-generation students
37%
37%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 1
Aug 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.
- Is University of Memphis or Tennessee State University harder to get into?
- Tennessee State University is harder to get into. It admits about 70% 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, University of Memphis or Tennessee State University?
- University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,796 at Tennessee State 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 University of Memphis and Tennessee State University?
- Before aid, University of Memphis costs about $25,169 a year and Tennessee State University about $25,637. 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, University of Memphis or Tennessee State University?
- University of Memphis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,607 there, against about $15,005 at Tennessee State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Memphis or Tennessee State University?
- University of Memphis is the larger of the two, with about 12,701 undergraduates against 4,848 at Tennessee State University.
- Does University of Memphis or Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
- University of Memphis has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 33% at Tennessee State University.
- Do graduates of University of Memphis or Tennessee State University earn more?
- University of Memphis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,730 for Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Memphis and Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Memphis requires SAT or ACT scores. Tennessee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do University of Memphis and Tennessee State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 915–1180 at University of Memphis and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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