Is University of Memphis Worth It?
Memphis, TN · Large city · 12,701 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
University of Memphis is a R1 Research University located in large city in Memphis, TN. It enrolls approximately 12,701 students. The acceptance rate is 72%, making it broadly accessible. 51% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — mediocre — worth asking why. Median earnings of $48,458 vs. $23,300 in median debt means median debt equals about 6 months of gross pay (estimate). Only 38% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school — a warning sign about post-graduation outcomes.
Liberal-leaning student body
3.74 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 168 of 261, grade F.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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