Kent State vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Kent State University at Kent in Kent, OH with University of Memphis in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kent State University at Kent is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (26,374 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kent State University at Kent is located in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kent State University at Kent 20:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Kent State vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kent State 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 University of Memphis than Kent State ($12,756 vs. $21,278).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 17.8% lower than at Kent State University at Kent ($11,342 vs. $13,794).
• Kent State University at Kent is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $2,504 more per year; $13,232.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50% higher at Kent State than at University of Memphis (about $7,698 more per year; $23,082.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kent State University at Kent than at University of Memphis (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 17% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($11,793 vs. $10,076).

Kent State vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kent State 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 Kent State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kent State University at Kent (1130) is 80 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Kent State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Memphis (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kent State University at Kent 18/25; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kent State - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kent State Aug 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Kent State vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Kent State vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kent State 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).

• Kent State University at Kent's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Kent State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $575 lower median loan debt than Kent State graduates ($25,250 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State graduates ($261 vs. $267).
• More Kent State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (46% 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.