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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 · The University of Tennessee
$30–48k$12,162$10,968$1,194 · University of Memphis
$48–75k$18,206$13,923$4,283 · University of Memphis
$75–110k$23,627$17,384$6,243 · University of Memphis
Over $110k$25,688$18,691$6,997 · University of Memphis

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.

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.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. 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