University of Memphis: 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 suits students who want a large public institution with broad program choice and access to a major city's arts, music, food, and entertainment scene. It is not the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss"), a separate school in Oxford, Mississippi—a distinction worth confirming if you are comparing Tennessee and Mississippi options.

What the university offers

UofM describes itself as "a Tennessee flagship institution" and organizes its academics into three searchable paths:

• Undergraduate majors — the base of the 230+ areas of study
• Graduate programs — advanced degrees across disciplines
• Online degrees — programs designed for remote study

The university's own figures put the catalog at more than 230 areas of study, so the practical first step for any applicant is to search that list by field rather than assume a specific major exists.

Key facts at a glance

The 16:1 ratio and the 88-country student body are the numbers most useful for judging scale: this is a large institution, not a small college, and the international mix is substantial for a regional public university.

The Memphis factor

UofM frames the city as part of the education, not just the address: "College isn't just about what happens on campus — it's about the experiences you gain by being part of a vibrant, dynamic city." The university points to arts, music, food, and entertainment as the surrounding environment.

That matters for fit. Students who want an urban campus with a music and cultural scene will find the location a draw; students who prefer a self-contained residential campus should weigh that difference before applying.

Research and recognition

The university presents itself as research-active and publicizes external recognition. Two examples from its own news:

• University Schools received $7.5 million over five years to build a countywide network improving children's access to mental health services across Shelby County.
• The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music was named to Billboard's Top Music Business Schools list for 2026.

These are institutional announcements rather than independent rankings, but they indicate where the university invests and what it promotes—applied community research and music-industry programs among them.

Who it may suit

• Students who want choice. With 230+ areas of study, the school fits applicants who are still narrowing a field or want to switch within one institution.
• Tennessee residents and regional students looking for a large public research university in-state or nearby.
• Students drawn to an urban setting with a strong music and arts culture.
• Online learners who want a degree path without relocating.
• Scholarship seekers — the university lists 700+ scholarships, though eligibility and amounts are not specified on the page and must be checked directly.

It may be a weaker fit for students seeking a small, tightly residential campus or a narrowly specialized school.

Practical next steps

1. Search the degree list by field (undergraduate, graduate, or online) to confirm your intended program exists.
2. Check scholarship eligibility for the 700+ awards, since the page gives a count but not criteria.
3. Compare names carefully if you are also considering Ole Miss or other Memphis-area institutions.
4. Visit or explore the city if urban life is a deciding factor for you.

Current tuition, deadlines, and admission requirements are not covered in the source material, so confirm those on the university's admissions pages before applying.