University Of Memphis combines open access admissions with exceptional value-added performance, ranking at the 93.0th percentile for earnings beyond expectations. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university serves 40.0% Pell-eligible students while generating meaningful economic mobility outcomes with manageable debt levels.
With above average results, driven by strong value-added earnings despite moderate absolute earnings levels
With above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With well above average performance, reflecting strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average outcomes, indicating effective conversion of access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity Of Memphis delivers exceptional value through earnings beyond expectations rather than absolute earnings levels. Graduates earn $17,424 above predicted outcomes based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 93.0th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This represents top-tier performance in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement. Median earnings of $48,458 ten years after enrollment, while modestly below the peer median of $60,543, must be understood alongside the institution's accessibility profile and diverse student population.
Students seeking accessible higher education with strong value-added performance, particularly those from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds. Well-suited for students prioritizing affordability and mobility outcomes over selective admissions, with programs spanning business, health professions, and exercise science.
University Of Memphis maintains open access admission with a 93.4% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive admission offers. This places University Of Memphis well above the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, demonstrating significantly more accessible admission standards than typical four-year institutions.
The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to provide broad educational access to students across academic preparation levels. Open access admission means most students who meet basic eligibility requirements can expect admission, making University Of Memphis an accessible option for students seeking four-year degree programs.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University Of Memphis publishes a cost of attendance of $25,164 per year, including $14,784 in out-of-state tuition, $10,344 for room and board, and $920 for books and supplies. In-state tuition is significantly lower at $10,344, making University Of Memphis particularly affordable for Tennessee residents.
However, the average student pays just $13,253 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,911 through aid programs. This average net price falls $2,337 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating slightly higher actual costs than similar institutions.
The financial aid system demonstrates strong support for lower-income students, with net prices ranging from $10,985 for families earning under $30,000 to $19,252 for those earning over $110,000. University Of Memphis balances published sticker prices with meaningful financial aid, though students should expect net costs somewhat above peer institutions.
The cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with substantial aid availability, particularly for Tennessee residents and students from lower-income backgrounds. Families should use net price calculators to estimate actual costs rather than focusing on published tuition rates.
Computer Engineering, General.
20 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
44 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
22 graduates
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
35 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
29 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iowa State University Similar quality tier (#192 ranked) | IA | 89% | $63,386 | #192 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Memphis hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-memphis/analysis.
Top 25% nationally for earnings beyond expectations
University Of Memphis ranks #194 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with access performance at the 83.8th percentile nationally. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this large public research university maintains open access admission standards with a 93.4% acceptance rate while delivering strong earnings beyond expectations.
University Of Memphis enrolls 40.0% Pell-eligible students and 36.8% first-generation students, placing it well above typical institutions on access measures. Graduates earn $17,424 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 93.0th percentile nationally—demonstrating top-tier value-added performance.
Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years after enrollment, accompanied by manageable debt levels at $23,300, below the peer median of $20,000. This combination of open admissions, strong access, and exceptional earnings uplift positions University Of Memphis as an Opportunity Builder institution, where broad educational access combines with meaningful economic advancement.
For students building college lists, University Of Memphis represents a strong safety school option while still delivering meaningful post-graduation outcomes. The university's 93.4% admission rate should be understood alongside its strong value-added performance, where graduates earn significantly more than predicted based on incoming student characteristics.
Applicants should focus on meeting basic admission requirements rather than competitive positioning, as the institution prioritizes access over selectivity in its enrollment approach.
University Of Memphis graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $40,921 six years after enrollment to $44,264 at eight years and $48,458 at ten years, representing 18.4% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect a large cohort of 6,026 graduates in the ten-year earnings data, providing high confidence in reported figures.
The institution's standout performance lies in earnings beyond expectations, where graduates earn $17,424 more than predicted based on student characteristics, placing University Of Memphis at the 93.0th percentile nationally. Low-income graduates earn $40,000, reflecting the institution's role in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Earnings span from $29,737 at the 25th percentile to $70,926 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation across programs and career paths. Approximately 28.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
University Of Memphis offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program, graduating 393 students with median earnings of $42,763 and ranking #76 nationally.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #171 nationally, producing 269 graduates with strong median earnings of $64,251. Business Administration and Management, General ranks #164 nationally, graduating 144 students with median earnings of $52,880 and a notable value score of 51.9.
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping also ranks #164 nationally while achieving #2 in Tennessee, graduating 135 students with median earnings of $56,139. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ranks #51 nationally and #2 in Tennessee, graduating 245 students annually.
The breadth of programs with available earnings data demonstrates University Of Memphis's comprehensive academic portfolio spanning business, health professions, and interdisciplinary fields.
Virginia Commonwealth University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#189 ranked) | VA | 93% | $58,128 | #189 | Compare |
Portland State University Similar quality tier (#187 ranked) | OR | 91% | $57,906 | #187 | Compare |
University Of Maryland-Baltimore County Similar quality tier in Southeast (#193 ranked) | MD | 74% | $69,960 | #193 | Compare |
Oakland University Similar quality tier (#195 ranked) | MI | 70% | $58,612 | #195 | Compare |
