Memphis vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Memphis in Memphis, TN with Washington State University in Pullman, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington State University is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Memphis 16:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Memphis vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Memphis or Washington State? 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 Washington State ($12,756 vs. $18,171).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 16.7% lower than at Washington State University ($11,342 vs. $13,622).
• Washington State University is 24.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $2,663 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.7% higher at Washington State than at University of Memphis (about $14,566 more per year; $29,950.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Washington State University (92% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($11,793 vs. $10,886).

Memphis vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington State University (1120) is 70 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Washington State 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; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Memphis 18/24; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Memphis - Required; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Memphis vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Memphis vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Memphis and Washington State? 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).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $4,821 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($20,429 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($211 vs. $261).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.