
3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN 38152, USA


The University of Memphis has a strong commitment to athletics, offering a variety of competitive sports programs for students. As a member of NCAA Division I, the university competes primarily in the American Athletic Conference, showcasing high-level competition across numerous sports. Prospective student-athletes can participate in programs including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, volleyball, golf, and tennis, among others.
Athletic facilities on campus are equipped to support training and competition, contributing to both student development and school spirit. The university's sports teams are known for their passionate fan base and active involvement in promoting campus engagement through athletics. Students interested in joining may find a balanced environment that values academic achievement alongside athletic pursuit.
The University of Memphis offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests and professional goals. Prospective students can join organizations such as Black Scholars Unlimited, which supports academic achievement and cultural awareness. The Honors Student Organization provides a community for academically distinguished students to engage in scholarly and social activities. Those interested in healthcare careers may find the Rising Health Professionals group beneficial for networking and professional development.
Students interested in cultural engagement can participate in the Asian American Association, fostering cultural exchange and awareness. Additionally, the Emerging Leaders organization focuses on developing leadership skills through various programs and events. These groups contribute to a vibrant campus life, providing opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
The University of Memphis enrolls a diverse and sizable student body that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and ages. Freshmen admissions are notably high, with 2,591 new students entering, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for fresh enrollment numbers. Transfer students also contribute significantly, with 1,053 transfers, ranking the institution in the top 25% for transfer student intake. Overall, the university serves more than 3,600 new students annually, firmly establishing it among the more popular choices in the country.
When examining age distribution, the undergraduate population spans a wide spectrum. The largest groups are traditional college-aged students: 4,284 are aged 18 to 19 and 4,164 are aged 20 to 21. However, the university also hosts substantial numbers of older students, including 1,291 aged 25 to 29 and over 800 students aged 35 and above. Graduate students tend to be older, with most between 22 and 49 years old, predominantly clustered between 22 and 29 years of age. This variety in age indicates flexible opportunities for both recent high school graduates and adults pursuing advanced degrees.
Ethnic diversity at the University of Memphis is notable. African American students represent the largest cohort with 5,173 individuals, a figure that stands in the top 5% nationally, underscoring a very high level of representation. White students number 4,469, which is considered high and ranks in the top 30%. Hispanic students total 1,545, placing them in the top 40%, while Asian students are represented by 602 individuals, near the national median. Other ethnic groups include students identifying with two or more races at 549, and smaller numbers of Native American and Pacific Islander students.
Regarding residency, the university's in-state student population is significant, with 80% of students being residents, positioning it in the top 35% for in-state enrollment nationwide. Out-of-state students comprise a smaller share, around 17%, a figure that places the institution in the bottom 35% nationally for attracting non-resident applicants. Most students are U. S. nationals, about 97%, also ranking in the top 35%, while students from foreign countries make up roughly 3% of the population.
The University of Memphis offers a dynamic student life with a variety of extracurricular activities and support services that cater to diverse interests. Students have access to vibrant campus media including a newspaper, radio station, and drama programs. Those inclined toward music can participate in campus band and chorus groups, enriching the cultural atmosphere on campus.
Health and wellness are supported through an on-campus health clinic and psychological counseling services, addressing both physical and mental health needs of the student body. Veterans can find dedicated assistance at the university's Veterans Affairs office, ensuring they receive appropriate support.
Spanning over 1,160 acres, the campus provides ample space for academic, recreational, and social activities. Although the university does not offer legal services or a women's center, it compensates with a strong emphasis on student engagement and wellbeing. The student-faculty ratio stands at 17 to 1, which reflects a balanced environment conducive to learning and personal attention.
University of Memphis offers students access to four libraries, with the McWherter Library serving as the main facility. The number of libraries is notably high, ranking in the top 20% nationally, which underscores the university's commitment to a well-resourced academic environment.
Students benefit from a substantial collection of nearly 960,000 books, placing the university within the top 30% of institutions for this resource. Additionally, there are over 15,000 subscriptions available, a level considered average but still within the top half of comparable schools.
Digital resources include approximately 58,000 digital subscriptions and over 635,000 ebooks. While these figures are average and fall below the median percentile, the university maintains access to 684 databases, which is similarly positioned in the mid-range nationally. These resources support diverse academic research needs.
The libraries provide 103 hours of service weekly and include physical study facilities such as study rooms, ensuring spaces conducive to student learning. Although there is no option for all-day access, students have access to both physical and digital collections, supported by trained staff operating within established hours. Access to shared collections further enhances the breadth of available materials.
Total enrollment
20276Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1931Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
885 full time, 406 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
McWherter LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
4Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes