Most
Popular Colleges in Memphis in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Memphis, TN, offers practical preparation in management, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership. Typical courses include accounting, economics, business law, statistics, human resources, operations, and strategic management. Students develop communication, analytical, and decision-making skills through projects and internships. Popular local options include the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, and LeMoyne-Owen College. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales managers, or operations supervisors across diverse industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Memphis, Tennessee, explores how people think, feel, and behave. Typical courses include research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. The University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, and LeMoyne-Owen College offer psychology study options. Graduates with bachelor's degrees may pursue entry-level roles in human services, case management, behavioral health support, or community outreach, while others continue to graduate school. Strong communication, research, and critical thinking skills are central.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Memphis, Tennessee, builds skills in programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students complete projects and internships while learning to solve problems. Popular local options include the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Christian Brothers University, each offering computer science study. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, web developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or database administrators, working across healthcare, logistics, education, and technology sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Memphis, TN, typically combines psychology, human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical work. The University of Memphis offers graduate counseling tracks, including school and clinical mental health counseling; Memphis Theological Seminary provides faith-based pastoral counseling study. Coursework prepares students for roles such as licensed professional counselor, school counselor, substance-use counselor, case manager, or therapist, subject to degree level and state licensure requirements. Local internships build experience.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Memphis, TN, offers pathways from associate and bachelor's programs to advanced degrees. Students typically take anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and supervised clinical courses. Popular options include the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, and Baptist Health Sciences University. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, community health agencies, and long-term care settings.

Best Colleges in Memphis, TN Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $13,512 overall, compared with $45,572 at schools in the top 10%. Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall and 74% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 74%. Schools receive an average of 3,387.71 applicants, while top-10% schools average 9,852.6 applicants. The median numbers of male and female applicants are 109 and 330, respectively.
• Average test scores are 1,122.25 on the SAT and 21.6 on the ACT. Average enrollment is 3,639 students; averages for enrolled men and women are 165 and 270.33, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 48.71% overall and 70% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 46% for men and 50% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, five offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees. Six schools are coeducational; zero are men-only and zero are women-only.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, and graduation rates. Consider how the available degree levels and coeducational options fit your goals, and review the SAT and ACT averages as points of comparison when assessing schools.

How much does studying at a college in Memphis, TN cost?

The average cost of a degree in Memphis, TN, is reported as $23,389.14. For a student comparing local options, this is a useful starting figure, but your actual bill depends on the college, program, and whether you live at home or on campus. Memphis offers choices such as the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Southwest Tennessee Community College, with different tuition structures, student experiences, and budgets.

For budgeting, the provided cost figures include:

• Average total cost: $23,389.14.
• Average tuition and fees: $24,573.00.
• Average room and board: $8,964.14.
• Average books and supplies: $1,115.80.

Tuition and fees are listed at $24,573.00, with room and board averaging $8,964.14 and books and supplies $1,115.80. Treat these as planning figures, since schools calculate bills differently. Ask your preferred Memphis campus about current charges and financial aid. Scholarships, grants, commuting, or used textbooks may make local study more affordable for your own degree plan.

How long does it take to finish college in Memphis, TN?

In Memphis, TN, a typical full-time bachelor's degree takes about four years, while an associate degree at Southwest Tennessee Community College usually takes two. At the University of Memphis or Rhodes College, your timeline may stretch if you study part-time, change majors, or need prerequisite courses; many students balance school with work and family. Local graduation figures suggest completion can take persistence: the average graduation rate is 48.71%, compared with 70% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 47% for men and 48.43% for women, so planning support and steady progress matter.

You may finish sooner than the traditional schedule by:

• Taking summer or winter courses when offered
• Transferring eligible credits from prior college coursework or exams
• Asking about accelerated terms, online classes, and degree maps at your Memphis school

Confirm transfer credits and course schedules with an advisor; planning can keep your Memphis degree goal within reach.

Salary

After graduating from college in Memphis, TN, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $45,697. Graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary reach a median of about $56,905 - a promising benchmark as you plan your next steps.

• Typical median: About $45,697
• Top 10% of schools: About $56,905

Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your degree, career, and experience. Memphis offers options including the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Southwest Tennessee Community College, so you can explore programs that fit your goals and build a path toward a rewarding career.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Memphis?

The University of Memphis is generally the city's largest college by student enrollment. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, so students can find many academic and campus-life options in one place. For a prospective student, its size can mean a lively campus and a wide community to connect with.

What is the richest university in Memphis?

If "richest" means the size of its endowment, Rhodes College is a strong answer among Memphis institutions; its endowment has been reported at more than $400 million in recent years. Rhodes is a college rather than a university, and endowment size is only one measure of resources - not a direct measure of affordability or student experience.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Memphis, TN Ranking in 2026-2027

Rhodes College offers a small liberal arts experience in Memphis, TN, with 1,757 enrolled students. Its 85% graduation rate is the highest among these five options, while its 50% acceptance rate suggests selective admission. The listed total study cost is $56,300, and median alumni salary is $41,338. Students can compare its close-knit setting with Memphis's larger public campuses and cultural, healthcare, and career opportunities. For applicants seeking residential liberal arts study, Rhodes provides a distinctive, focused choice within the city.

The University of Memphis is a large public university in Memphis, TN, enrolling 19,652 students. Its 51% graduation rate and 72% acceptance rate provide useful points of comparison for applicants weighing access and completion. The total study cost is $13,512, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $45,279. Students can pursue a broad university experience in their home city, with access to Memphis's urban amenities and local employers. It may suit students seeking scale and lower costs.

Christian Brothers University is a private Catholic institution in Memphis, TN, with a Lasallian educational tradition. It enrolls 1,772 students and reports a 55% graduation rate and an 87% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $38,420; median alumni salary is $46,114. Its smaller enrollment may appeal to students who prefer a more compact campus community, while its Memphis location keeps city resources close. Compare the cost and outcomes with public and other private options before deciding carefully.

Le Moyne-Owen College is a historically Black college in Memphis, TN, offering an intimate campus experience. Its 1,267 students are the fewest among these five institutions. The college lists a 27% graduation rate, a 99% acceptance rate, total study cost of $10,776, and median alumni salary of $46,282. For students prioritizing affordability and a local education, its listed cost is notably low. Applicants should also consider completion outcomes and explore academic programs, support services, and fit before making a decision.

Baptist Health Sciences University specializes in health sciences education in Memphis, TN, making it a focused option for students drawn to healthcare careers. It enrolls 891 students, the smallest total in this group, and reports a 40% graduation rate and 82% acceptance rate. The listed total study cost is $12,216, while median alumni salary is $67,527, highest among the five. Compare program offerings, clinical learning opportunities, and career preparation to ensure this specialized path fits your goals as a student.