Overview.
The University of Memphis, a leading educational institute in the United States, is a public research university located in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1912, it enrolls over 22,000 students and offers a diverse range of programs, including graduate programs, online college courses, and online MBA programs.
The university is home to various colleges and schools, including the Herff College of Engineering, the Loewenberg College of Nursing, and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. It also provides online school programs such as an online finance degree, online teaching degree, and an online engineering degree. Recognized as an R1 research institution, the university is known for its high research activity.
Over the years, the University of Memphis has undergone several name changes, reflecting its growth as an educational institution. Originally named West Tennessee State Normal School in 1912, it later became Memphis State College in 1941 and Memphis State University in 1957 before adopting its current name in 1994.
The university’s campus spans 1,160 acres in Memphis, USA, offering students access to quality education, whether through traditional classrooms or online classes. Programs such as the bachelor’s degree in computer science online, online master’s programs, and executive MBA programs provide students with flexible learning options. The university also offers affordable online colleges, making education accessible to a broader audience.
The institution has a strong legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Its history includes the admission of its first Black students in 1959, marking a significant milestone in diversity and inclusion. Today, the university offers various online degree programs, including an accounting degree online, an associate degree in nursing, and a medical assistant school program.
With a commitment to advancing education, the University of Memphis continues to expand its curriculum, offering top online MBA programs, an online cyber security degree, and a psychology degree online. Its online tutoring services and homeschool-friendly programs further enhance accessibility for students worldwide.
As a hub for higher education, the university provides comprehensive online college programs, including an early childhood education degree online and an elementary education degree online. With its strong academic affiliations and research focus, it remains a top choice for students pursuing an online master’s in psychology, masters in counseling, and masters in nursing programs.
The University of Memphis remains dedicated to providing quality education, offering some of the best online MBA programs and fostering innovation in online universities. Its legacy and commitment to academic excellence make it a premier choice for students in the USA and beyond.
Admissions.
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The University of Memphis is a well-regarded educational institute in the United States, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Located in Memphis, this college provides diverse academic opportunities, including some of the best MBA programs and executive MBA programs in the USA.
Admission Details
The acceptance rate at the University of Memphis is 93%, making it a non-selective institution. The application deadline for regular admissions is July 1. Standardized test scores are recommended but not required.
Test Score Ranges
- SAT: 930–1175
- ACT: 17–24
GPA Distribution Among Admitted Students
- 75+ – 39%
- 50–3.74 – 15%
- 25–3.49 – 13%
- 00–3.24 – 12%
- 50–2.99 – 16%
- 00–2.49 – 5%
Academic Offerings
The university provides a variety of bachelor’s degree and online master’s programs, covering fields like education, business, and healthcare. Some popular options include:
MBA programs
- Accounting degree online
- Nursing school online
- Associate degree in nursing
- Psychology degree online
- Computer science online degree
- Cyber security schools online
- Elementary education degree online
- Masters in nursing programs
- -Masters in counseling
- Masters in social work online
- Early childhood education degree online
- Medical assistant school
Students looking for affordable online colleges will find various flexible learning options, including online classes at the college and some of the cheapest online college programs.
Application Process
The application fee is $25, and applications can be submitted online through the university’s website. Required materials include:
High school GPA
- SAT/ACT scores (recommended but not mandatory)
- College prep courses (recommended)
Academics and Student Life
- Graduation rate: 48%
- Retention rate: 71%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
- Majors available: 74
The curriculum includes degrees in business, engineering, healthcare, education, and liberal arts. Students can also enroll in homeschool-friendly programs, associate degree options, and study abroad opportunities.
AP Credit Policy
The university grants credits for AP courses with minimum required scores ranging from 3 to 5. Some subjects include:
- Computer Science A – Minimum score: 3 (3 credits)
- Psychology – Minimum score: 3 (3 credits)
- Calculus AB – Minimum score: 3 (3–4 credits)
Study Options
Students at the University of Memphis can explore various educational paths, including:
Online classes college programs
- Distance learning
- Accelerated study options
- Honors programs
- Internships
- Undergraduate research
The university provides an excellent educational experience, ensuring students have access to comprehensive resources to support their academic and professional goals.
Campus
The University of Memphis is an educational institute situated about five miles east of downtown Memphis in the University District. Spanning 1,160 acres, the campus does not include the law school, which is located in a historic former United States federal customshouse downtown.
The original university core covers 30 acres and maintains its historic architectural style while incorporating more green spaces and walkways.
Campus Layout
The university follows a structured, geometric design inspired by the Jeffersonian style. Despite its westward and southward expansions, the campus remains compact, with a park-like setting.
The longest walk on campus takes about 25 minutes. Future development plans indicate expansion west of Patterson Street, making Highland Avenue the main entrance to the university.
Main Campus
At the heart of the University of Memphis, the original buildings—Scates Hall, Manning Hall, Mynders Hall, and the Administration Building—date back to the early 20th century.
These structures surround Alumni Mall and Student Plaza, housing arts, humanities, physics, and astronomy departments. East of this area, the Life Sciences and Engineering departments, including the Herff College of Engineering Complex and the College of Education, reside near the Art Museum and the state-of-the-art Ned R. McWherter Library.
The Fogelman College of Business and Economics and the Fogelman Executive Center play a key role in graduate programs like executive MBA programs and other business-focused degrees.
The FedEx Institute of Technology contributes to research in supply chain management, nanotechnology, and robotics. The southwest corner of campus includes Greek Row, residence halls, and facilities for the College of Arts and Sciences. As the university continues expanding, enhancements in student housing, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly access are in development.
A notable investment in education came in 2013 with a $44.6 million pledge for the Community Health Building, home to the Loewenberg College of Nursing and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Additionally, in 2017, the university established a Veterans Care Center within the Psychological Services Center to support veterans’ mental health.
Recent Developments
In 2019, the university completed the Hunter Harrison Memorial Bridge, offering uninterrupted pedestrian access across the Norfolk-Southern railroad.
This connects the Southern Parking Garage with the $30 million Student Recreation & Fitness Center, finished in 2021. Further expansion includes the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, a $44 million facility completed in 2022, marking a northward growth initiative.
Park Avenue Campus
Located south of the main campus, the Park Avenue Campus was originally Kennedy Veterans Hospital before transitioning into an academic facility in 1967. It now houses research centers, classrooms, and the Community Health Building.
This site also serves as the home for nursing school online programs, medical assistant school studies, and various school programs. Plans are underway for an indoor soccer stadium and track facility for NCAA events.
Graduate and family housing is available one mile from the main campus, with 150 units zoned for local Memphis schools.
Downtown Law School Campus
The University of Memphis School of Law relocated in 2010 to a historic U.S. Post Office & Customs House building in downtown Memphis. This move positioned the law school near courts and the city’s administrative and financial hub. The facility has since been recognized among the best in the USA for legal education.
Lambuth Campus
Since 2011, the University of Memphis has offered bachelor’s degree and graduate programs at the Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee, about 80 miles east of Memphis.
The campus includes classrooms, dormitories, a library, and athletic facilities. Enrollment has steadily grown, surpassing 1,000 students for the first time in 2018, with continuous increases in subsequent years.
Environmental Initiatives
The Edward J. Meeman Biological Station conducts research in ecology and environmental biology. In 2007, the university committed to achieving carbon neutrality. The Green Campus Initiative supports sustainability efforts, including electronic recycling events and campus gardening programs.
A student-led Green Power Campaign successfully introduced a fee to fund renewable energy projects. As a result, the university now offsets 10% of its energy use with green power and is the second-largest green power purchaser in the TVA distribution region.
In 2009, the Department of Architecture designed and completed the TERRA sustainable design house, a LEED Platinum-certified project that serves as an educational tool for urban sustainability efforts.
The University of Memphis continues to enhance its educational programs, including online classes college options, psychology degree online studies, computer science online degree programs, and masters in counseling.
Affordable online colleges affiliated with the university offer options like associate degrees, early childhood education degree online courses, and elementary education degree online programs. With ongoing investments in curriculum, infrastructure, and student resources, the university remains a leading educational institute in the USA.
Cost
The University of Memphis is a leading educational institute in the United States, offering diverse academic programs for students seeking quality education.
This university provides a range of college programs, including graduate programs, bachelor’s degrees, and online master’s programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Attending the University of Memphis is affordable, with financial aid options available to students. The average net price per year after aid is $13,873, with 70% of students receiving financial assistance.
The average aid package amounts to $13,839, and the financial aid application deadline is April 15.
Tuition Costs:
- In-State Tuition: $8,856 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,890 per year
- Other Expenses:
- Housing: $11,342 per year
- Books & Supplies: $920 per year
- Personal Expenses: $2,803 per year
- Transportation: $3,851 per year
Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, helping students at various income levels afford their education. Need-based scholarships average $8,131, while non-need-based aid is approximately $3,897. The university also offers tuition guarantee plans for students who make advance payments.
Academic Programs
The University of Memphis provides a variety of school programs, from associate degrees to MBA programs and specialized fields like nursing school online, accounting degree online, and computer science online degree.
Students can also pursue an elementary education degree online, early childhood education degree online, or an associate degree in nursing.
Colleges and Schools:
- Fogelman College of Business and Economics (Best MBA programs, executive MBA programs)
- Loewenberg College of Nursing (Masters in Nursing programs, associate degree in nursing)
- School of Public Health
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
- Graduate School (Masters in Psychology, masters in counseling)
- Herff College of Engineering (Cyber Security Schools Online)
- College of Education (Online classes college, affordable online colleges)
- Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
- Helen Hardin Honors College
Student Life and Campus
The university has a diverse student body, with 13,645 undergraduates and 4,965 graduate students. The campus, located in Memphis, offers vibrant student life opportunities, including extracurricular activities, sports, and housing options.
Housing Options:
- Apartments for single and married students
- Coed housing
- Fraternity/Sorority housing
- Living learning communities
- Special housing for disabled students
Sports Programs:
The University of Memphis participates in NCAA Division I athletics, offering scholarships for various sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and track and field. Students can also engage in club and intramural sports, including badminton, fencing, and water polo.
Academic Rankings:
- The University of Memphis ranks as follows:
- National: U.S. News & World Report – 269
- Global: U.S. News & World Report – 1104
- Washington Monthly: 251
Research
As a top-tier research educational institute, the University of Memphis is home to multiple advanced research centers, including:
- FedEx Institute of Technology
- Center for Earthquake Research and Information
- Institute for Intelligent Systems
- Mobile Sensor Data-To-Knowledge Center (NIH Center of Excellence)
The University of Memphis offers affordable online colleges and traditional school programs, ensuring accessibility for students across different backgrounds. Whether pursuing an MBA, bachelor’s degree, or a medical assistant school program, students can benefit from the university’s extensive curriculum, financial aid support, and diverse student life experiences.
Athletics
Student Organizations
The University of Memphis has hundreds of student organizations.
Student Newspaper
The Daily Helmsman is the student newspaper of the University of Memphis. It began in 1931 as The Tiger Rag, a protest newspaper. Since then, it has been continuously published by students.
During World War II, when resources were scarce, the newspaper was printed as a newsletter and posted on bulletin boards.
The name changed to The Helmsman in 1972 and later to The Daily Helmsman in 1981 when it began publishing four times a week. In 2021, it switched to a weekly publication.
The newspaper has won awards for reporting, photography, and design. Recognitions include those from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, Columbia University, and the Southeastern Journalism Conference.
Helmsman alumni have worked at The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Southern Living.
In 2012, The Helmsman and its editor-in-chief, Chelsea Boozer, received the College Press Freedom Award for fighting a budget cut and enduring police harassment. The Student Press Law Center and the Associated Collegiate Press presented the award.
Boozer also won a national Investigative Reporters and Editors award for reporting on student fees, including SGA spending on tuition, parking, and stipends.
Religious Organizations
The campus has multiple religious centers, including:
- Wesley Foundation (United Methodist)
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry
- Catholic Student Center
- Ukirk (PCUSA ministry)
- Barth House Episcopal Student Center
- Reformed University Fellowship
- Soma Christian Student Center (Church of Christ)
- Memphis Hillel
- Muslim Students Association
- Other religious clubs meet in various locations.
- Honor Societies
The university has 11 honor societies.
Greek Life
About 6% of undergraduate men and 8% of undergraduate women participate in Greek life.
Over 20 social Greek-letter organizations exist on campus. However, participation has declined since the late 1990s due to social issues.
Traditions
The University of Memphis has a rich history of traditions.
Mighty Sound of the South
The Mighty Sound of the South (MSS) is the university’s marching band. It performs at football and basketball games.
MSS plays a key role in game-day traditions and performs before approximately 350,000 fans each fall.
The band participates in events such as Freshman Convocation, the Homecoming Parade, and the Pep Rally.
MSS has been featured on the “Mike & Mandy” Radio Show and performs at the Bandmaster’s Championship, a high school competition.
Members come from all academic disciplines and must audition to join.
Mascot – TOM
Since 1972, the University of Memphis has had a live Bengal tiger mascot named TOM.
There have been three tigers: TOM I, TOM II, and TOM III.
TOM attended home football games and university events, traveling in a climate-controlled trailer with a police escort. The Highland Hundred Tiger Guard, an alumni group, housed and cared for the tiger.
TOM II grew to over 500 pounds. The University of Memphis was one of only two universities with a live tiger mascot, along with LSU.
TOM II was euthanized in 2008 due to mouth cancer.
TOM III passed away in 2020. Plans for TOM IV were announced, but the tiger will remain at the Memphis Zoo instead of on campus.
The university has 50 tiger statues on campus and another 50 around Memphis, placed by the Alumni Association for the university’s centennial in 2012.
Nickname – Tigers
When the university fielded its first football team in 1912, it had no nickname.
After the 1914 season, students shouted, “We fight like Tigers!” during a parade, inspiring the name.
The nickname gained popularity, especially in student publications. However, local newspapers continued using “the Blue and Gray” due to its symbolism of national unity.
In 1922, under Coach Lester Barnard, the football team embraced the tiger identity, adopting the motto: “Every Man a Tiger.”
The name became official in 1939.
Fight Song
The University of Memphis fight song, “Go! Tigers! Go!,” was written in the 1960s by Tom Ferguson, former Director of Bands.
Special Programs and Institutes
Tennessee Governor’s School for International Studies
This academic summer program is for gifted high school juniors and seniors in Tennessee.
Held at the University of Memphis, students study two political sciences, a foreign language, and an international studies elective.
After the four-week program, students earn six college credits transferable to any Tennessee Board of Regents school.
Chucalissa Indian Village
The university operates the Chucalissa Indian Village, an American Indian heritage site and museum.
Located at T.O. Fuller State Park, it features a museum and important archaeological sites.
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
Founded in 1996, the Hooks Institute preserves civil rights history and promotes equality.
Named after Benjamin L. Hooks, a civil rights leader, it operates under the College of Arts and Sciences.
The institute supports civil rights research, public policy, commemorations, media projects, and community engagement.
See also:
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
University of South Florida: Academics, Cost, Ranking