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Head to head · Tennessee

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs University of Memphis

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At under $30k and below, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the cheaper of the two; from $30–48k up, University of Memphis is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeThe University of TennesseeUniversity of MemphisDifference
Under $30k$10,029$10,607$578
$30–48k$12,162$10,968$1,194
$48–75k$18,206$13,923$4,283
$75–110k$23,627$17,384$6,243
Over $110k$25,688$18,691$6,997

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Four years, at $75–110k

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville$99,588
University of Memphis$73,274
Difference over four years$26,314

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate42% · 72%
Average SAT1311 · 1088

Listed The University of Tennessee first, then University of Memphis. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$60,249 · $48,458
Graduate in four years57% · 33%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,500 · $23,300

Again The University of Tennessee first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — every income band · University of Memphis — every income band · All Tennessee public colleges