Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($12,756 vs. $13,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 30.3% lower than at University of Memphis ($7,911 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 7.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $768 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $9,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2% higher at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at University of Memphis (about $306 more per year; $15,690.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at University of Memphis (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students ($11,793 vs. $11,552).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 60 points higher than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990).
• Incoming Memphis students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (3.46).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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).

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's (34%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $8,230 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($17,020 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($175 vs. $261).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.