University of Memphis Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~73%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040
- Average GPA: 3.62
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Memphis at a Glance
- The December 1 Cliff: While admissions are rolling, the merit scholarship “priority” deadline of December 1 is a hard line. Applying even a few days late can mean the difference between a full-tuition ride and getting zero institutional aid, regardless of how high your student’s GPA is.
- Test-Optional Merit Gap: Memphis is test-optional for admission, but most of the guaranteed automatic merit tiers still require an ACT or SAT score to unlock the actual money. If you apply without a score, you are essentially opting out of the most reliable “sure thing” discounts the school offers.
- Service Hour Strings: Many of the scholarships here aren’t just “free money”—they come with a requirement of 25–75 service hours per year. If your student doesn’t complete them, the award won’t renew. Joining the Honors College can sometimes waive these, making it a strategic move for busy students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of Memphis is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1040.
Average net price? About $13,656/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
University scholarship page: https://www.memphis.edu/scholarships/
University scholarship page: https://www.memphis.edu/sli/elp/
Honors College site: https://www.memphis.edu/honors/opportunities/scholarships.php
School of Music site: https://www.memphis.edu/music/scholarships.php
Donor portal: https://memphis.academicworks.com/
University scholarship page: https://www.memphis.edu/firstscholars/
Honors College site: https://www.memphis.edu/honors/members/scholarships.php
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Memphis 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,256 | $15,960 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $11,761 | $11,761 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,017 | $27,721 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,656 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Reciprocity & Waivers: The University of Memphis participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for select majors and offers border-county in-state rates to eligible Arkansas and Mississippi students. Military-affiliated students and dependents of full-time Tennessee employees may also qualify for in-state tuition.
Figures verified via the University of Memphis Cost of Attendance page (October 2025). All amounts rounded to nearest $10 for clarity.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at the University of Memphis
Why is the out-of-state tuition lower than at most universities?
The University of Memphis offers reduced out-of-state rates and border-county in-state tuition for nearby Arkansas and Mississippi students, which significantly lowers the cost compared to other public universities.
What do “direct” and “indirect” costs mean?
Direct costs are billed by the university—tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Indirect costs, such as books, transportation, and personal expenses, aren’t billed by Memphis but are included when calculating financial aid eligibility.
Can out-of-state students qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes. Eligible Arkansas and Mississippi residents in designated border counties receive in-state rates automatically. Other out-of-state students may qualify through the Academic Common Market (ACM), military affiliation, or certain university employment benefits.
Is the “average net price” what every student will pay?
No. The $13,656 figure is an average based on federal data. Your actual net price will depend on your family income, academic merit, and eligibility for need-based aid or scholarships.
How accurate are these totals for housing and meals?
They’re based on the standard double-room and mid-tier meal plan. Actual costs can differ depending on the residence hall and dining plan selected. Off-campus students may spend less overall but pay living costs separately.
Does the University of Memphis use the same rates for all majors?
Yes. Undergraduate tuition rates are consistent across majors, though certain programs (like Engineering or Nursing) may include small additional course or lab fees.
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid/coa.php
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid/eligibility.php
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-memphis-scholarships/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Apply by the December 1 priority date; updated GPAs/scores accepted through March 1 while funds last. Annual amounts below generally renew up to 8 full-time semesters with good standing and any required service hours.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist / Semi-Finalist | Up to $15,000* (up to $10k tuition/fees + up to $5k housing) | U.S. citizen; National Merit standing (Finalist or Semifinalist) | No — via admission | Yes — up to 4 years | Semifinalists/Finalists who enroll full-time | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential (Non-Resident) | $7,000/year | GPA 3.50 + ACT 31 / SAT 1390; non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes (good standing + FT) | Top OOS students with ~31+ ACT and 3.5+ GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential (Resident) | $6,000/year | GPA 3.50 + ACT 31 / SAT 1390; Tennessee resident | No | Yes | Top in-state applicants (~31+ ACT, 3.5+ GPA) | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Provost (Resident) | $5,000/year | GPA 3.25 + ACT 29 / SAT 1330; Tennessee resident | No | Yes | High-achieving TN students around 29 ACT / 3.25+ GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Provost (Non-Resident) | $6,000/year | GPA 3.25 + ACT 29 / SAT 1330; non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes | Strong OOS students around 29 ACT / 3.25+ GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Deans | $4,000/year | GPA 3.25 + ACT 25 / SAT 1200; resident or non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes | Solid academics around 25 ACT / 3.25+ GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Academic Excellence Award | $3,000/year | GPA 3.50 + ACT 23 / SAT 1130; resident or non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes | Students with ~23 ACT but higher GPAs (≈3.5) | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Academic Achievement Award | $2,000/year | GPA 3.25 + ACT 23 / SAT 1130; resident or non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes | Students around 23 ACT / 3.25+ GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Trustee Award 1 (Test-Optional) | $1,000/year | GPA 3.80 (no test required) | No | Yes | Test-optional students with 3.80 GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Trustee Award 2 (Test-Optional) | $1,500/year | GPA 3.90 (no test required) | No | Yes | Test-optional students with 3.90 GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Trustee Award 3 (Test-Optional) | $2,000/year | GPA 4.00 (no test required) | No | Yes | Test-optional students with 4.00 GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Trustee Award 4 (Test-Optional) | $3,000/year | GPA 4.10 (no test required) | No | Yes | Test-optional students with 4.10 GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Memphis Promise (last-dollar) | Varies (covers remaining tuition & mandatory fees after Pell + HOPE) | TN resident; HOPE-eligible and Federal Pell-eligible | No — via admissions/aid packaging | Yes (subject to aid eligibility) | TN students with demonstrated need who qualify for HOPE + Pell | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Valedictorian Scholarship*** | $1,000 (stackable per rules) | Ranked 1st in graduating class; resident or non-resident; U.S. citizen | No | Yes | Any admitted valedictorian (see stacking rules) | Dec 1 (priority) |
* National Merit: up to $10,000 may be applied to tuition/fees and up to $5,000 to on-campus housing.
** Memphis Promise requires HOPE + Federal Pell eligibility.
*** Stacking rules (from page): TN residents may accept one first-time freshman scholarship in addition to TSAC programs, except Valedictorian and Memphis Promise which can stack. Non-residents may accept only one first-time freshman scholarship; Valedictorian may stack.
GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate when not explicitly stated on the college site. They’re based on a mix of official award descriptions, past recipient data, and published student statistics. Actual cutoffs can shift each year depending on funding and applicant strength.
FAQ — Automatic Scholarships
Do I need a separate application? No. These are automatic with admission by the priority date.
Does Memphis superscore? Yes — submit all ACT / SAT results to maximize your superscore.
Can I update my scores? Yes. Updates are considered until March 1 while funds last.
Where can I learn more about National Merit scholarships? See our complete guide at National Merit Scholarship guide for how Finalists and Semifinalists stack institutional awards and state grants.
https://www.memphis.edu/scholarships/
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-memphis-scholarships/
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid/eligibility.php
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid/coa.php
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
These require a separate application, essay, or interview. Complete admission by December 1 and follow each program’s specific deadline below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) | $5,500/year (in-state & border); non-resident amount varies to offset OOS diff | New freshmen; leadership record; ~3.0+ GPA; program participation requirements | Yes — ELP application | Yes — up to 4 years with GPA & participation | Students with sustained leadership/service & strong campus engagement fit | Dec 1 |
| First Scholars® (First-Gen Cohort) | $5,000/year (up to $20,000 over 4 years) | First-generation; new freshmen; separate selection; cannot combine with some academic/program awards | Yes — First Scholars application | Yes — up to 4 years with program standing | First-gen students with engagement and need/fit for cohort model | Feb 1 |
FAQ — Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
How selective are these? Very selective; strong leadership and sustained involvement help.
Stacking rules? First Scholars and Emerging Leaders have restrictions; some university merit awards cannot be combined — always confirm in your offer letter.
Where to apply? See the Official Links section for the ELP and First Scholars applications.
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-memphis-scholarships/
https://www.memphis.edu/scholarships/
https://www.memphis.edu/sli/elp/
https://www.memphis.edu/firstscholars/
🎓 Helen Hardin Honors College
Small seminars, priority registration, and competitive scholarships for high-achieving students. Honors awards are limited and competitive and may vary by year.
| Program / Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Hardin Honors College — Admission | Program entry (no direct award) | Selective admission; ongoing GPA/participation required for good standing | Yes — Honors application | Yes — maintain Honors standing | High-achieving students seeking seminar-style learning | Dec 1 (preferred) |
| Helen Hardin Honors College Scholarship | Varies (one-time, non-renewable) | Must be a current Honors student (≥1 year), ≥3.0 GPA; FAFSA preferred | Yes — Honors scholarship application | No — one-time | Continuing Honors students in good standing | Feb 1 |
| Honors Ambassadors | $500 per semester | Sophomore+; 3.25+ GPA; active Honors standing; full academic year commitment | Yes — Ambassador application | Yes — per semester while selected | Continuing Honors students who represent the college | Varies (annual cycle) |
| Non-Resident Honors Student Award (NRHSA) | Pays out-of-state tuition fees only (competitive) | Non-resident new freshmen; full-time; active pursuit of Honors graduation | Yes — separate Honors/NRHSA process | Yes — up to 8 semesters with Honors standing | Out-of-state Honors admits meeting program expectations | Varies (competitive) |
What a typical Memphis Honors student looks like: Often a 3.7–4.0 GPA with AP/dual-enrollment, leadership or service roles, and consistent follow-through. Many are local or border-county students leveraging in-state options, and they choose Honors for seminar-style classes and faculty mentorship.
Important: Honors awards are limited and not guaranteed for all Honors admits. Amounts and availability can change year-to-year. Always confirm details in your award letter and on the university site.
FAQ — Helen Hardin Honors College
Is there a standard incoming Honors “scholarship”? No. Honors admission itself does not carry a fixed dollar award. Competitive funds for continuing students are limited and vary.
What is the Ambassadors award? A $500/semester scholarship for selected sophomore-level (or higher) Honors Ambassadors.
What is NRHSA? A competitive award that pays out-of-state tuition fees only for non-resident Honors students.
Where do I apply? See Official Links for Honors scholarships and Ambassadors.
https://www.memphis.edu/honors/opportunities/scholarships.php
https://memphis.academicworks.com/
https://www.memphis.edu/honors/members/scholarships.php
⭐ What the University of Memphis Is Known For
The University of Memphis is a public urban research university classified as R2: High Research Activity. It combines Division I athletics with top-ranked graduate programs in audiology, speech-language pathology, business, and counseling. Students benefit from Memphis’s metropolitan setting, internships with FedEx and St. Jude, and a strong focus on service-based learning and applied research.
| Program / Area | Recent National Ranking | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology (School of Communication Sciences & Disorders) | #17 in the U.S. | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
| Speech-Language Pathology (Master’s) | #24 in the U.S. | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | #21 in the U.S. | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
| Fogelman College of Business — Part-Time MBA | #93 nationally • #1 in Tennessee | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
| Fogelman College of Business (Overall Recognition) | Listed as “Best On-Campus MBA” | The Princeton Review, 2023 |
Did you know? Memphis’s Fogelman College of Business & Economics partners with major employers including FedEx, International Paper, and St. Jude. The program emphasizes applied internships, corporate mentorship, and leadership readiness.
FAQ — Specialty & Academic Strengths
Is Memphis considered a research university? Yes. It’s classified as an R2: High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.
Are these rankings current? Yes — all listed programs use the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings available as of 2025. Earlier references have been removed.
What majors attract the most scholarships? Business, Engineering, Education, and Health Sciences consistently attract both automatic and competitive awards.
Does location make a difference? Yes. Memphis’s metropolitan setting gives students access to major employers and internships that strengthen both scholarship renewals and post-grad placement rates.
For students balancing academics, affordability, and opportunity, Memphis remains one of Tennessee’s strongest values — especially for border-county and military families eligible for in-state tuition.
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