ATU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR with University of Memphis in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Memphis is larger than ATU based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 8,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Arkansas Tech University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas Tech University 17:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

ATU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU or Memphis? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas Tech University than Memphis ($12,626 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas Tech University are 8.9% lower than at University of Memphis ($10,338 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 23.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $2,054 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Memphis than at Arkansas Tech University (about $716 more per year; $15,384.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas Tech University than at University of Memphis (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($11,793 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ATU or Memphis? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Memphis and ATU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 60 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming Memphis students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at ATU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at ATU (3.37).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

ATU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU and Memphis? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Arkansas Tech University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($17,750 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($183 vs. $261).
• More ATU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 37%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.