University of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga at a glance
University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 81.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $12,192 at University of Memphis and $15,026 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Six-year graduation rates are 52.9% and 55.8%, 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 81.1%, so University of Memphis is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $12,192 a year at University of Memphis and $15,026 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; University of Memphis costs $2,834 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,110 at University of Memphis and $10,407 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
- 52.9% of students graduate within six years at University of Memphis, against 55.8% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $52,227 for University of Memphis and $56,442 for The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is $4,215 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $22,750 at University of Memphis and $18,500 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
- University of Memphis enrolls 12,701 students (large city) and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 10,074 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 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 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 72% | 81.1% |
| Applicants | 14,916 | 7,607 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 915–1180 | 1013–1210 |
| ACT middle 50% | 18–24 | 20–26 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $12,192 | $15,026 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,256 | $10,762 |
| Tuition, out of state | $15,960 | $19,068 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,805 | $26,951 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,110 | $10,407 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,665 | $11,168 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,912 | $12,969 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,419 | $17,871 |
| Over $110,000 | $18,958 | $21,059 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 52.9% | 55.8% |
| First-year retention | 77.4% | 72.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $52,227 | $56,442 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $22,750 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $259 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 12,701 | 10,074 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Memphis, TN | Chattanooga, 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 The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 44; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
Questions about University of Memphis vs The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Memphis admits 72% of applicants and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga admits 81.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Memphis 915–1180; The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga 1013–1210.
Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis has the lower average net price after grants: $12,192 a year at University of Memphis against $15,026 at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,110 and $10,407. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn more at the median: $52,227 ten years after entry for University of Memphis and $56,442 for The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Median federal debt at graduation is $22,750 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Memphis or The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga does: 52.9% of University of Memphis students graduate within six years, against 55.8% at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
How big are University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
University of Memphis has 12,701 students in Memphis, TN and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has 10,074 students in Chattanooga, TN.