University of Memphis
University of Memphis — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Memphis at a Glance
The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1912, the university has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students.
1912
114 years old
$413M
$413 million (2025)
20,276
16,703 undergrad · 5,209 grad
930
1,160 acres
Identity
Is University of Memphis Worth It?
University of Memphis offers moderate value at $12,397/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $48,458, which is 10% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Memphis compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #41 of 103 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #5 | St Petersburg College | 100 | $1,471 | $42,557 |
| #6 | South Texas College | 100 | $1,751 | $36,788 |
| #41 | University of Memphis | 49 | $12,397 | $48,458 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Memphis's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in TN.
Best Programs at University of Memphis
The highest-earning program at University of Memphis is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $60,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $18,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from University of Memphis earns $60,200, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $18,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates carry $30,747 in median debt vs. $23,995 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,397/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $60,200 | $60,200 | $30,747 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $59,600 | $59,600 | $26,828 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,900 | $58,900 | $24,250 |
| Engineering Technology, General | $56,500 | $56,500 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics | $46,800 | $46,800 | $27,412 |
| Computer Science | $46,500 | $46,500 | $26,375 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $46,000 | $46,000 | $27,167 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,500 | $41,500 | $26,337 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $41,400 | $41,400 | $21,835 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $37,000 | $37,000 | $24,500 |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $36,600 | $36,600 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,200 | $36,200 | $25,292 |
| Marketing | $35,700 | $35,700 | $22,875 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $34,000 | $34,000 | $33,631 |
| International Business | $32,700 | $32,700 | $27,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $31,500 | $31,500 | $29,500 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $31,300 | $31,300 | $30,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,900 | $29,900 | $27,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $28,700 | $28,700 | $31,000 |
| Journalism | $28,300 | $28,300 | $25,100 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,300 | $28,300 | $25,750 |
| Social Work | $28,100 | $28,100 | $33,750 |
| History | $27,000 | $27,000 | $25,952 |
| Sociology | $26,700 | $26,700 | $31,450 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $26,300 | $26,300 | $29,500 |
| Biology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $22,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,600 | $25,600 | $27,875 |
| Music | $24,800 | $24,800 | $19,022 |
| Psychology, General | $24,600 | $24,600 | $27,573 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $23,800 | $23,800 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $23,700 | $23,700 | $22,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $23,600 | $23,600 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $21,200 | $21,200 | $23,500 |
| Anthropology | $18,500 | $18,500 | $26,125 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $18,000 | $18,000 | $23,995 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Memphis, TN
- Student Body
- 12,701 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,397
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,458
- Median Student Debt
- $23,300