Le Moyne-Owen College: 99.6% Acceptance Rate

99.6%Acceptance

$12,076Tuition

571Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,594Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24HBCUMultiple Protestant

About Le Moyne-Owen College

Le Moyne-Owen College serves as one of Tennessee's historically black institutions, building futures for first-generation college students in Memphis. This liberal arts college enrolls 571 students and has carved out a strong reputation in education and social work programs. The college maintains deep roots in the African American community, with 94.57% of students identifying as Black.

Students pay an average net price of $8,992 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private college options in the region. About 71% of students receive financial aid, often covering most of the $12,076 annual tuition. Graduates earn a median of $35,594 ten years after leaving school, though they typically carry $28,070 in student debt. The monthly loan payment averages $298, which represents a significant portion of early-career earnings.

The college struggles with retention and graduation challenges common to many under-resourced institutions. Only 60% of students return for their sophomore year, and the six-year graduation rate sits at 24.70%. However, those who stick with it benefit from small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The college competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 144 student-athletes across ten sports programs.

Academics & Faculty

Le Moyne-Owen College operates as a historically black liberal arts institution with deep roots in education and social work programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, the 21% four-year graduation rate and 25% six-year graduation rate signal significant academic challenges that many students face. The college maintains its commitment to serving first-generation college students, with 71% receiving Pell Grants. As an HBCU, Le Moyne-Owen focuses on nurturing African American scholars in fields like teacher preparation and human services. The small size means limited course offerings but stronger mentorship opportunities for those who stay enrolled.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 21.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.7%
Retention Rate: 60.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,594
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Le Moyne-Owen sits in the heart of Memphis, giving students direct access to the birthplace of blues and barbecue. With only 384 housing spots for 571 students, about two-thirds live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. Memphis summers require sunscreen and patience with humidity, while winters call for light jackets rather than heavy coats.

The campus buzzes with the energy of a close-knit community where 94.57% of students are Black and school traditions run deep. Students often gather downtown on Beale Street or catch Grizzlies games when budgets allow. With 144 athletes competing across 10 Division II sports, game days bring the small campus together. The 60% retention rate reflects real challenges many students face, but those who stay find mentorship and support systems that extend well beyond graduation. Weekend activities often blend campus programming with Memphis culture, from gospel concerts to civil rights history tours.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 384 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–50°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.9"
Annual Snowfall: 2.7"

Student Demographics

Le Moyne-Owen draws primarily from Tennessee, with three-quarters of students calling the state home. The student body is overwhelmingly Black, reflecting the college's identity as a historically Black institution serving Memphis and the Mid-South region. Women outnumber men, a pattern common at colleges emphasizing education and social work programs. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to providing affordable education to first-generation and lower-income families. This small community of 571 students represents the college's mission of educational access and helpment.

Men: 38.9%
Women: 61.1%
White: 0.5%
Black: 94.6%
Hispanic: 0.9%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 75.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 71.3%

Location

Le Moyne-Owen College sits in Memphis, Tennessee, a major city of 650,000 people along the Mississippi River. The campus occupies 15 acres in the Walker Homes neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Memphis and the famous Beale Street music district. Memphis serves as a cultural and economic center for the Mid-South region, known for its blues heritage, barbecue scene, and as the birthplace of rock and roll at Sun Studio. The city's diverse economy centers around logistics, healthcare, and music tourism. With 75.86% of students coming from Tennessee, most are already familiar with the area's rich musical history and Southern culture. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Le Moyne-Owen College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Memphis, Tennessee 38126-6595

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,594
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,193
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 16.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $298/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $28,070

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Le Moyne-Owen College?

Le Moyne-Owen College accepts 99.56% of applicants. This historically black college in Memphis provides accessible higher education to students who might not otherwise have college opportunities. The high acceptance rate reflects the institution's mission to serve underrepresented communities.

How much does Le Moyne-Owen College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,992 after financial aid. About 71.26% of students receive financial assistance, making this liberal arts college affordable for low-income families. The total cost of attendance is $19,426 before aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Le Moyne-Owen College?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1 with total enrollment of 571 students. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs like education and social work. Students benefit from close mentoring relationships with professors.

What are the graduation rates at Le Moyne-Owen College?

The six-year graduation rate is 24.70% and the four-year rate is 21.19%. These rates reflect the challenges facing students at many HBCUs, including financial pressures and academic preparation gaps. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,594 ten years after enrollment.

Where do students live at Le Moyne-Owen College?

Campus housing accommodates 384 students out of the 571 total enrollment. The retention rate is 60%, indicating that many students face challenges staying enrolled year to year. Room and board costs $6,100 for on-campus living.

Is Le Moyne-Owen College a historically black college?

Yes, Le Moyne-Owen College is an HBCU with 94.57% Black student enrollment. The college maintains strong ties to multiple Protestant denominations and serves primarily Tennessee residents, who make up 75.86% of the student body. It competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 10 varsity sports.