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University of Memphis vs Tennessee Wesleyan University

University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN. Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private university in Athens, TN. Tennessee Wesleyan University admits about 69% of applicants and University of Memphis about 72%, making Tennessee Wesleyan 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 $14,836 at Tennessee Wesleyan University. About 50% of students graduate at University of Memphis, compared with 46% at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Memphis alumni earn a median of about $48,458, against $45,989 for Tennessee Wesleyan University.

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Memphis, TN
Athens, TN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
12,701
846
Acceptance rate
72%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
915–1180
960–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–23
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,397
$14,836
Full cost / yr
$25,169
$39,440
In-state tuition
$10,728
$30,814
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
$30,814
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,607
$11,609
$30k - $48k
$10,968
$11,088
$48k - $75k
$13,923
$12,647
$75k - $110k
$17,384
$16,043
Over $110k
$18,691
$18,980
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
46%
Freshman retention
77%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,921
$45,987
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
$45,989
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
39%
First-generation students
37%
41%
International students
2%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 1
Rolling

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 University of Memphis or Tennessee Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Tennessee Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 69% 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 Wesleyan University?
University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,836 at Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University?
Before aid, University of Memphis costs about $25,169 a year and Tennessee Wesleyan University about $39,440. 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 Wesleyan University?
University of Memphis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,607 there, against about $11,609 at Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University?
University of Memphis is the larger of the two, with about 12,701 undergraduates against 846 at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Does University of Memphis or Tennessee Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
University of Memphis has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 46% at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Do graduates of University of Memphis or Tennessee Wesleyan University earn more?
University of Memphis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,989 for Tennessee Wesleyan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Memphis and Tennessee Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Memphis requires SAT or ACT scores. Tennessee Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Memphis and Tennessee Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 915–1180 at University of Memphis and 960–1100 at Tennessee Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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