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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. At roughly $13,000 a year net, you carry a manageable debt load of $23,300 at graduation, and median earnings of $48,458 ten years out clear that debt comfortably. The problem is the 49% graduation rate. Half of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns against you fast.
Your major decides everything here. Electrical engineering graduates pull the highest pay, and engineering technology and mechanical engineering both land above $60,000 while carrying similar debt to the school-wide median. Nursing pays close to $59,000, which matters in Memphis, where the hospital system and Medical District create steady regional demand for those degrees. Computer engineering trails the other engineering paths but still beats the median. These five programs are where the money is.
The risk is that these strong-earning programs are all technical. If you enroll in a major outside engineering, nursing, or computing, the top-program numbers don't apply to you, and the school-wide median of $48,458 is what you should plan around. Combine that with the 71% retention rate and the coin-flip graduation odds, and finishing on time is the single biggest variable in whether this pays off.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,000 a year. over $110,000, it climbs past $19,000. That's a wide gap, and it makes Memphis a strong value if you qualify for need-based aid and a middling one if you don't.
Enroll here if you're committed to engineering, nursing, or computing and will actually graduate. If you're undecided or drawn to lower-earning fields, price out other options before you commit.
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.