


The Memphis Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics and are members of the American Athletic Conference. Varsity sports include football, basketball, baseball, soccer and other men's and women's teams.
Varsity participation generally involves team selection and substantial training commitments. Students who want to play without joining a varsity roster can look separately at club sports, intramural leagues and campus recreation; those activities differ in competitiveness, schedules and availability. A broad list of sports associated with the institution should not be read as a list of current varsity teams. Prospective athletes should use the relevant team's recruiting process rather than assume admission to the university includes a roster place or scholarship.
University of Memphis students can join organizations centered on academic interests, culture, service, recreation and campus events. Representative groups include the International Student Association, Honors Student Organization, Student Activity Council and Blue Crew; fraternities and sororities are another option.
Organizations give students different ways to participate: an academic club may connect peers in a major, while an event-planning group helps produce campus programming. Recognition and activity can change from year to year, so students should check the current organization directory or an involvement fair before counting on a particular group's meeting schedule. Student organizations are distinct from university services such as advising or counseling.
The University of Memphis enrolls about 20,276 students in the reported institutional figures and draws most of them from Tennessee. Approximately 84% of students are state residents, while about 13% come from other U.S. states and 3% from other countries.
The reported incoming groups include 1,962 first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates and 962 transfer-in students. The student population also spans traditional college ages and older age groups, a useful consideration for adults seeking classmates with varied educational paths. Reported racial and ethnic counts include substantial Black or African American, White and Hispanic or Latino student populations. Counts from different reporting systems or categories should not be treated as interchangeable shares of total enrollment.
With a reported student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the institution is large enough to offer many programs while still varying considerably in class size by course. A ratio is an institution-wide calculation, not a promise that every class has 15 students.
Everyday life at the University of Memphis combines a substantial commuter population with on-campus activities and residential life. About 80% of students are reported to commute, so class schedules, parking, travel time and opportunities to stay on campus between classes may shape a student's experience as much as residence-hall programming.
Students can participate in arts and media activities, including theater, choral groups, a student-run newspaper, student radio and a marching band. The university also reports a student health clinic and personal or psychological counseling. For a new student, orientation and welcome programming provide an initial way to find services and meet peers; sustained involvement may depend on choosing activities that fit work and commuting commitments. Veterans can seek assistance through the university's veterans affairs resources.
Ned R. McWherter Library is the University of Memphis's main library. The university reports four campus libraries, giving students access to study space, collections and research support beyond a single building.
Library services include reservable study rooms, a practical option for group projects or focused work. Students should also explore the library catalog, scholarly databases, journals, research assistance and borrowing options relevant to their subject. Digital access is particularly important for commuters and online learners, although access to some licensed resources may require a university login. The reported library information does not indicate a regularly available 24-hour study area, so students working late should check current building hours rather than assume overnight access.
Total enrollment
20276Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
2003Member of Athletic Associations
NCAATotal staff
865 full time, 435 part timeVeterans affair office
YesVarsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).
Sport
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Cheerleading
Cross-country running
Equestrian sports
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Racquetball
Riflery
Rugby
Soccer
Softball
Table tennis
Tennis
Track and field
Triathlon
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Wrestling
Data last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.