University of West Alabama vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, 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 West Alabama based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• University of West 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 West Alabama 19:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West 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 West Alabama ($12,756 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 27.4% lower than at University of Memphis ($8,230 vs. $11,342).
• University of West Alabama is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $262 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at University of West Alabama than at University of Memphis (about $4,706 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at University of Memphis (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 30.5% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($11,793 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 60 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Memphis students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

University of West Alabama vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West 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 Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $1,239 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($25,250 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($261 vs. $273).
• More Memphis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (37% vs. 36%)

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.