Memphis vs. UTC

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than UTC based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 11,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is in Chattanooga, TN (Midsize City setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 18:1.

Memphis vs. UTC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis or UTC? 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 UTC ($12,756 vs. $15,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 10% lower than at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga ($11,342 vs. $12,604).
• University of Memphis is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UTC (about $280 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $10,448.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at UTC than at University of Memphis (about $3,128 more per year; $18,512.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis as at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (92% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 17.5% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Chattanooga students ($11,793 vs. $10,038).

Memphis vs. UTC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (1110) is 60 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming UTC 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; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 1013/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required; UTC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027; UTC May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UTC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• UTC has a higher acceptance rate (81.1%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 29.2% at UTC.

Memphis vs. UTC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis and UTC? 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).

• The University of Tennessee Chattanooga's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than UTC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Chattanooga graduates have a $4,458 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($20,792 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, UTC graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($214 vs. $261).
• More UTC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.