Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Memphis in Memphis, TN with Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Memphis is larger than Tennessee Tech based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 10,511 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Tennessee Technological University is in Cookeville, TN (Remote Town setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; Tennessee Technological University 16:1.

Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis or Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Tech ($12,756 vs. $15,336).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 14.7% lower than at Tennessee Technological University ($11,342 vs. $13,302).
• Tennessee Technological University is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $648 more per year; $11,376.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Tennessee Tech than at University of Memphis (about $192 more per year; $15,576.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Technological University than at University of Memphis (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Tennessee Technological University students ($11,793 vs. $10,458).

Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Memphis or Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Tech and Memphis.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Technological University (1180) is 130 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Tennessee Tech 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: University of Memphis 915/1180; Tennessee Technological University 1048/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; Tennessee Technological University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required; Tennessee Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027; Tennessee Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee Tech students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Tennessee Tech has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 22.8% at Tennessee Tech.

Memphis vs. Tennessee Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis and Tennessee Tech? 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).

• Tennessee Technological University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Tennessee Technological University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Technological University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($16,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Tech graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($165 vs. $261).
• More Tennessee Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.