University of South Alabama vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL 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 University of South Alabama based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 14,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama ($12,756 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 0.2% lower than at University of South Alabama ($11,342 vs. $11,366).
• University of Memphis is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $612 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at University of South Alabama than at University of Memphis (about $3,708 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at University of Memphis (96% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 26.4% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($11,793 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 30 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 970/1190; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

University of South Alabama vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($253 vs. $261).
• More University of South Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.