MUW vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS 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 MUW based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 2,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mississippi University for Women is located in Columbus, MS (Remote Town setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Mississippi University for Women is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mississippi University for Women 10:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

MUW vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MUW 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 Mississippi University for Women than Memphis ($12,487 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mississippi University for Women are 24.4% lower than at University of Memphis ($8,572 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 26.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MUW (about $2,236 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $8,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.2% higher at Memphis than at Mississippi University for Women (about $6,892 more per year; $15,384.00 vs. $8,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi University for Women than at University of Memphis (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Mississippi University for Women students ($11,793 vs. $9,635).

MUW vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MUW 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 MUW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 30 points higher than at MUW (1020).
• Incoming MUW 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: Mississippi University for Women 850/1180; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi University for Women 18/24; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MUW - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MUW students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• MUW has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at MUW vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

MUW vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MUW 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).

• Mississippi University for Women's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than MUW graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi University for Women graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, MUW graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($155 vs. $261).
• More MUW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.