Shorter vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA 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 Shorter based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Shorter vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter ($12,756 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 12.5% lower than at University of Memphis ($9,920 vs. $11,342).
• Shorter University is 129.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $13,902 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.1% higher at Shorter than at University of Memphis (about $9,246 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at University of Memphis (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 59.9% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($18,862 vs. $11,793).

Shorter vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 70 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Shorter 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: Shorter University 1040/1200; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Shorter vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $3,168 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($25,250 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($261 vs. $293).
• More Shorter graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.