Skip to content

University of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

University of Memphis is a public university in Memphis, TN, and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a public university in Chattanooga, TN. University of Memphis is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 81% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. University of Memphis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,397 a year against $14,265 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. About 52% of students graduate at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, compared with 50% at University of Memphis. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga alumni earn a median of about $51,151, against $48,458 for University of Memphis.

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Memphis, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,701
10,074
Acceptance rate
72%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
915–1180
1013–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
20–26
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,397
$14,265
Full cost / yr
$25,169
$25,489
In-state tuition
$10,728
$10,448
Out-of-state tuition
$15,384
$18,512
Application fee
$25
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,607
$9,876
$30k - $48k
$10,968
$10,919
$48k - $75k
$13,923
$13,594
$75k - $110k
$17,384
$17,374
Over $110k
$18,691
$19,137
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
52%
Freshman retention
77%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,921
$42,209
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,458
$51,151
Median debt at graduation
$23,300
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
33%
First-generation students
37%
29%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 1
Not reported

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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga harder to get into?
University of Memphis is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 81% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,397 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,265 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
Before aid, University of Memphis costs about $25,169 a year and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga about $25,489. 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,876 there, against about $10,607 at University of Memphis. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis is the larger of the two, with about 12,701 undergraduates against 10,074 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Does University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga have a better graduation rate?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 50% at University of Memphis.
Do graduates of University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,151 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,458 for University of Memphis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Memphis requires SAT or ACT scores. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 915–1180 at University of Memphis and 1013–1210 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school