University of Louisville vs University of Memphis: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Louisville and University of Memphis, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Louisville vs University of Memphis at a glance
University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and University of Memphis 72% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,960 at University of Louisville and $12,192 at University of Memphis. Six-year graduation rates are 60.1% and 52.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and University of Memphis 72%, so University of Memphis is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,960 a year at University of Louisville and $12,192 at University of Memphis; University of Memphis costs $2,768 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,104 at University of Louisville and $10,110 at University of Memphis.
- 60.1% of students graduate within six years at University of Louisville, against 52.9% at University of Memphis.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,032 for University of Louisville and $52,227 for University of Memphis; University of Louisville is $7,805 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Louisville and $22,750 at University of Memphis.
- University of Louisville enrolls 14,727 students (large city) and University of Memphis 12,701 (large city).
Side by side
University of Louisville and University of Memphis in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Louisville | University of Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% | 72% |
| Applicants | 15,455 | 14,916 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1040–1270 | 915–1180 |
| ACT middle 50% | 19–27 | 18–24 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,960 | $12,192 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,390 | $11,256 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,736 | $15,960 |
| Cost of attendance | $30,975 | $25,805 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,104 | $10,110 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,100 | $10,665 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,680 | $11,912 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,542 | $16,419 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,040 | $18,958 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 60.1% | 52.9% |
| First-year retention | 81.5% | 77.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,032 | $52,227 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $22,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $259 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 14,727 | 12,701 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Louisville, KY | Memphis, TN |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Louisville reports 53 bachelor's programs and University of Memphis 52; 36 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Louisville vs University of Memphis
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Louisville or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and University of Memphis admits 72%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Louisville 1040–1270; University of Memphis 915–1180.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis has the lower average net price after grants: $14,960 a year at University of Louisville against $12,192 at University of Memphis. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,104 and $10,110. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Louisville or University of Memphis graduates earn more?
University of Louisville graduates earn more at the median: $60,032 ten years after entry for University of Louisville and $52,227 for University of Memphis. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $22,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Louisville or University of Memphis?
University of Louisville does: 60.1% of University of Louisville students graduate within six years, against 52.9% at University of Memphis.
How big are University of Louisville and University of Memphis?
University of Louisville has 14,727 students in Louisville, KY and University of Memphis has 12,701 students in Memphis, TN.