Best Universities in Memphis: Fees, Courses & Ranking for 2025

For an Indian student, studying in the US is already a big step. You might think you know where the best places are, but here’s a dark horse: Memphis, Tennessee. It beats other cities in most metrics: schools, affordability, and a culture and rhythm like nowhere else. Not least its own University of Memphis. Founded in 1912, the U of M is a jewel that many outside the city don’t know about. It's a public research university with more than 20,000 students, so it could be an excellent fit for you. This guide tells an Indian student everything they need to know about schools in Memphis, from admissions to living expenses.

Why Choose Memphis?

There’s some real practicality behind Memphis being a good idea and not just sweet talk. First, there’s the cost of living. Your money goes further than in big US cities. And since Memphis is a logistics and healthcare hub, there are also a lot of internships—and, best of all, decent jobs waiting afterwards. The opportunities in Memphis range wide and deep. Plus, the schools are very welcoming. They want international students. They're also racially and culturally diverse. And on top of that, Southern hospitality goes a long way.

Top Universities in Memphis

In the table here you get a rough overview of your options. You can see at a glance which are harder to get into by looking at acceptance rates, and tuition rates give a ballpark for costs. But as always, check the school's website for the latest information.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the courses & currency exchange rate.

Admission Requirements at Memphis Universities

University of Memphis (UofM)

The University of Memphis (UofM) is a public research university has more than 40 nationally ranked programs. It’s a good all-round option, if you want variety and flexibility, and reasonable but not spectacular outcomes. U of M also houses the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. It's an R1-level university, so strong on research too.

A high acceptance rate means the university is reachable if you merely meet the basic academic and language requirements, and optional standardised test policies are good if you're not a whiz at exams.

Rhodes College
 

Rhodes is a selective private liberal arts college. Think small classes, lots of mentoring, and a close-knit community.

At Rhodes, you get a high-touch academic experience, but it's competitive. You'll need a strong academic record, thoughtfully written essays, and solid recommendations.
 

Christian Brothers University (CBU)
 

CBU is practical and friendly, affordable and career-focused. Founded in 1871, it's Memphis’s oldest degree-granting institution.

CBU is ideal for late applicants, with its rolling admissions and low entry barriers. (But if you want a shot at scholarships, apply early.)
 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)
 

If you're looking to get into medicine or research, UTHSC is a premier destination. Tough to get in, but worth it.

UTHSC is very selective, but fair. You'll need a strong academic background and possibly a few prerequisites—which you may have to take in the US—before clinical programs.
 

LeMoyne-Owen College
 

A historically Black college where you'll find a warm, supportive atmosphere, and nearly open admissions.

LeMoyne-Owen is very accessible, but you still need proper financial documentation and transcript verification.
 

Public vs Private Universities: Key Differences
 

Student Life at Memphis Universities

Services and Support
 

Universities like the U of M are a beehive of academic and personal initiatives. Schools offer everything from career counseling and writing centers to campus health and wellness programs. You’ll find quiet study zones, 3D printing labs, high-tech libraries, and clinics and labs for health-related programs. And the U of M's proximity to the heart of the Health Science Center is a big win for you if you're in medical, pharmacy, or public health programs.
 

Campus Culture
 

Diversity is a major priority in Memphis schools. Memphis is also home to Christian Brothers University, which make earnest efforts to welcome students from different backgrounds, and international students are definitely not rare. Expect cultural associations and mentorship programs, and events celebrating everything from Indian festivals to global student networking. You'll also find a lot of variety in your everyday life. You'll have classmates from all over the U.S. and beyond, and you'll find a decent number of Indian students in the tech, healthcare, and business programs. Memphis isn't the biggest international party town you'll ever see, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in focus—what you get is warm and inclusive, with the right infrastructure to help you thrive.
 

Campus Safety: Keeping Students Safe
 

Campus safety is another priority. University of Memphis has its own police force, safety escorts, emergency call boxes, and patrols on campus. Other universities follow similar protocols. While some parts of Memphis do have an unsavory reputation, all the campuses are generally secure and well-monitored. And use the university's shuttles and safety services.
 

Estimated Living Costs in Memphis

Memphis living is surprisingly cheap. Students usually share apartments and cook at home a lot. Indian grocery stores are not hard to find, and you should settle into your everyday life without spending too much on extras.
 

Scholarships for Indian Students at Memphis Universities

Application Process: Step by Step Overview

Student Life and Job Opportunities in Memphis
 

While Memphis may not be the most glamorous with students, it also has a chilled-out rhythm that'll be good for you. You'll find the city full of Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, and community hangouts. You'll fall into your student routine quicker than you think, be it catching a Grizzlies basketball game, or exploring the live music scene, or joining in university-organized cultural festivals.
 

Speaking of which, the most spectacular of all is Memphis in May, a month-long global festival of music, food, and culture. On the jobs and internships side, companies here are a prize: FedEx, St. Jude, and local healthcare organizations are powerful names on your early resumés, and Memphis is home to a lot of internships (and job opportunities post-graduation) in logistics, tech, and life sciences. On-campus jobs and OPT/CPT pathways are common and also a good way to pick up some valuable American work experience.

Conclusion

The universities in Memphis represent a quietly strong combination of affordability, diversity, and opportunity for Indian students. If you're looking for a big public research university like U of M or a smaller private college like Rhodes or CBU, chances are you'll find what you're looking for here. Do your research, prepare your documents carefully, and apply early if you want the best shot at scholarships and admission. For students looking for an average mix of academics, cost, and post-study options, Memphis delivers.