University of Memphis vs Tennessee Technological University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Memphis vs Tennessee Technological University at a glance
University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants and Tennessee Technological University 76.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $12,192 at University of Memphis and $16,830 at Tennessee Technological University. Six-year graduation rates are 52.9% and 56%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants and Tennessee Technological University 76.1%, so University of Memphis is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $12,192 a year at University of Memphis and $16,830 at Tennessee Technological University; University of Memphis costs $4,638 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,110 at University of Memphis and $13,100 at Tennessee Technological University.
- 52.9% of students graduate within six years at University of Memphis, against 56% at Tennessee Technological University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $52,227 for University of Memphis and $52,901 for Tennessee Technological University; Tennessee Technological University is $674 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $22,750 at University of Memphis and $17,150 at Tennessee Technological University.
- University of Memphis enrolls 12,701 students (large city) and Tennessee Technological University 8,698 (remote town).
Side by side
University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University 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 Memphis | Tennessee Technological University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 72% | 76.1% |
| Applicants | 14,916 | 6,412 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 915–1180 | 1048–1310 |
| ACT middle 50% | 18–24 | 20–27 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $12,192 | $16,830 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,256 | $11,926 |
| Tuition, out of state | $15,960 | $16,126 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,805 | $29,486 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,110 | $13,100 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,665 | $13,392 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,912 | $14,530 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,419 | $19,673 |
| Over $110,000 | $18,958 | $22,592 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 52.9% | 56% |
| First-year retention | 77.4% | 78.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $52,227 | $52,901 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $22,750 | $17,150 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $259 | $195 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 12,701 | 8,698 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Town: Remote |
| Location | Memphis, TN | Cookeville, 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 Memphis reports 52 bachelor's programs and Tennessee Technological University 46; 33 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Questions about University of Memphis vs Tennessee Technological University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Memphis or Tennessee Technological University?
University of Memphis is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants and Tennessee Technological University admits 76.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Memphis 915–1180; Tennessee Technological University 1048–1310.
Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or Tennessee Technological University?
University of Memphis has the lower average net price after grants: $12,192 a year at University of Memphis against $16,830 at Tennessee Technological University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,110 and $13,100. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Memphis or Tennessee Technological University graduates earn more?
Tennessee Technological University graduates earn more at the median: $52,227 ten years after entry for University of Memphis and $52,901 for Tennessee Technological University. Median federal debt at graduation is $22,750 and $17,150.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Memphis or Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University does: 52.9% of University of Memphis students graduate within six years, against 56% at Tennessee Technological University.
How big are University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University?
University of Memphis has 12,701 students in Memphis, TN and Tennessee Technological University has 8,698 students in Cookeville, TN.