At $13,253/yr net price, University of Memphis graduates earn $48,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,458/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,253 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,012 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,458/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,985/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,003/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,357/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,600/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,252/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,482 | $43,576 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,446 | $29,480 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $66,821 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,749 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $63,600 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 | $34,362 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,516 | $25,025 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $24,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $26,199 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $59,788 | $31,244 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at University of Memphis graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Memphis delivers solid financial value with a low net price of $13,253 annually, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major and finishing your degree.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating median earnings of $90,482 despite higher debt loads. Business administration also pays off well at $73,446 median earnings. Education majors can expect decent returns around $63,600 to $66,821, which works well given Memphis's large school district employment opportunities.
The biggest financial risk here is the 49% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium that drives higher earnings. The 71% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year, so honest self-assessment about your academic preparation matters.
Memphis works best financially if you're a Tennessee resident who can keep living costs low and plans to work in the region after graduation. The local job market supports the school's strongest programs, particularly healthcare and education. Out-of-state students should think twice unless they're targeting nursing or business.
Financial aid reaches about 40% of students, which is lower than many public universities. Merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to make this attractive for high-achieving out-of-state students who could get better deals elsewhere.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support to graduate, want a high-prestige degree, or plan to work in expensive coastal markets where the median earnings won't stretch as far. Memphis makes financial sense for focused, self-directed students who pick the right major and graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Memphis worth the cost?
University of Memphis offers decent value for Tennessee residents with a low net price of $13,253 annually, but the 49% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing and business programs provide solid returns, while general education degrees may not justify even the modest cost.
What is the return on investment for University of Memphis graduates?
Memphis graduates earn a median of $48,458 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $23,300. Nursing graduates can expect much higher earnings around $90,000, while education majors face lower returns that may not cover loan payments effectively.
Which University of Memphis programs have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing leads with median earnings of $90,482, followed by business administration at $73,446. Engineering and specialized nursing programs also show strong returns, while general education degrees lag significantly behind.
What are the risks of attending University of Memphis?
The biggest risk is the 49% graduation rate, meaning half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. Students in lower-paying majors like general education face particular challenges with loan repayment given the modest earning potential.