University of Memphis (UofM): What It Offers and Who It's For

The University of Memphis (UofM) is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, founded in 1912, with more than 21,000 students and over 230 areas of study across undergraduate majors, graduate programs, and online degrees. It fits prospective students who want a broad public research university with strong online options and a city-based campus experience; it is a weaker fit for those seeking a small, private, or rural residential college.

What UofM Is

UofM is a Tennessee flagship public institution. Its research status means students can expect faculty who conduct research and, at the graduate level, programs tied to research activity. The university's own materials emphasize scale and access: 230+ areas of study, 88 countries represented in the student body, a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 700+ scholarships.

That combination describes a large public university that still markets a relatively approachable student-faculty ratio. The 16:1 figure is a university-wide average, so actual class sizes will vary by program and course level.

Academic Options

The main entry point is the degree search, which separates offerings into three paths:

With more than 230 areas of study, the practical step is to search by intended field rather than assume a program exists. If your field is not listed, that is a signal to contact admissions before applying.

Key Facts to Weigh

• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1. Reasonable for a public research university of this size, but check department-level class sizes for your major.
• 700+ scholarships. A large pool, but availability and eligibility vary; treat this as a reason to apply for aid early, not a guarantee of funding.
• 88 countries represented. Indicates an international student presence, useful if you want a globally mixed campus.
• Enrollment above 21,000. Expect a large-campus environment with the corresponding breadth of activities and the corresponding need to seek out advising and community.

Campus and City

UofM presents Memphis itself as part of the college experience — arts, music, food, and entertainment. For students who want a campus embedded in a mid-sized city with a distinct cultural identity, this is a genuine draw. For students who prefer a self-contained campus town, the urban setting may feel different from what they want.

Who It Fits

UofM is a sensible fit if you:

• Want a broad public research university with many program choices
• Need an online degree or are balancing study with work or family
• Are drawn to a city campus with a strong local cultural scene
• Are an international student looking for a campus with a multinational student body

It may be a weaker fit if you want very small classes, a private-college atmosphere, or a rural setting.

Next Steps

1. Use the degree search to confirm your intended program exists at the level you need (undergraduate, graduate, or online).
2. Review scholarship options early, since 700+ awards still require separate applications and deadlines.
3. Compare the 16:1 ratio against department-specific class sizes for your major.
4. Visit or research Memphis as a city, not just the campus, before committing.