Lee University vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Lee University in Cleveland, TN 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 Lee University based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lee University is located in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Lee University vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University 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 Lee University ($12,756 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 10.9% lower than at University of Memphis ($10,110 vs. $11,342).
• Lee University is 121.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $13,062 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.6% higher at Lee University than at University of Memphis (about $8,406 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at University of Memphis (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 31.2% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($15,467 vs. $11,793).

Lee University vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lee University 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 Lee University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 90 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Lee University vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee University 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.