University of Memphis vs University of Alabama at Birmingham

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The University of Memphis (UofM) is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, with a student population of around 21,000. Its admission rate is ~93%, so admissions are fairly open. Business, Nursing, Criminology, Psychology, and Engineering are some of the strong majors. The six-year graduation rate is ~46–50%. Alumni earn a median income of INR 40–45 lakhs per year (?$48,000–55,000 ten years post-graduation).

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a prominent public research university based in Birmingham, Alabama, with ~21,500 students enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of roughly 76%. UAB has national-level programs in Medicine, Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, and Engineering. The six-year graduation rate is ~60–62%. Graduates have median salaries ranging from INR 50–55 lakhs per year (?$60,000–67,000).

Overview Comparison
University of MemphisUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 105.8 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 1001 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1201 QS World University 2026
# 801 Times Higher Education 2025
# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength# 149 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 893 for Medicine by US News 2022
# 125 for Law by US News 2024
# 97 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 156 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -48
PG Programs -48
UG Programs -38
PG Programs -52
Doctorate Programs -3
Acceptance Rate93.0 %88.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-95
IELTS-6
PTE-50
SAT-1010
TOEFL-80
Duolingo-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
SAT-990
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   17400
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25650
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 28090 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   50460
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38380
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 25128 Per Year
placement (average package)

The University of Memphis has been successful in helping its students bag some of the best placements. The type of placements differs from department to department. However there are sufficient opportunities available for all courses. 


The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers, and many graduates go on to work for top companies or pursue advanced degrees. Here are some examples of companies that have hired UAB graduates, as well as the average salaries for some of the most popular majors:

  • Companies that have hired UAB graduates include Amazon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Regions Bank, among others.
  • According to data from PayScale, the average salaries for some of the most popular majors at UAB are as follows:
    • Nursing: $63,000
    • Computer Science: $75,000
    • Accounting: $55,000
    • Business Administration: $60,000
    • Mechanical Engineering: $70,000
    • Psychology: $47,000
    • Biology: $47,000

It is important to note that these are only averages, and individual salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and years of experience. Additionally, UAB offers a range of career development services to help students and alumni succeed in their job searches, including resume and cover letter reviews, career fairs, and networking events.


application requirements

Submit official transcripts 

Submit English language requirements

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit LORs

Submit English language proficiency 

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews7.2/10 Read 4 reviews8.4/10 Read 8 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
application--
exam scoresDuolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -20731Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesNov 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of MemphisUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1912
1969
Student:Faculty Ratio14:1
10:1
Male:Female42% Male, 58% Female50% Male, 50% Female
Location Facts

The University of Memphis campus is located approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) east of downtown in the University District neighborhood of east Memphis. It has an area of 1,160 acres (4.7 km2), although this figure does not include the law school in the former United States federal customshouse in downtown Memphis, which opened in January 2010. The historic core of campus encompasses approximately 30 acres (120,000 m2).

Campus planners have significantly increased the amount of green space and the number of walkways over the past several years while maintaining the original historic architecture of the campus.


  • The campus can be divided into three sections. The medical center occupies most of the campus east of Campus Green.
  • The academic heart of campus stretches from the Campus Green west and from University Boulevard south. Campus Green, developed between 2000 and 2007 as part of the move to convert the school from its previously commuter school feel into a more traditional residential campus, not only anchors the academic campus but serves as the centerpiece for the university as a whole.
  • Most academics and arts buildings (excluding those associated with the medical center), residence halls, and student life facilities sit on or within two blocks of the Green.

Library

The collection of the library contains 2,273,906 volumes. The library circulates 39,030 items per year. The library serves a population of 18,236 FTE Enrollment.


The UAB Libraries’ collections include over 1.4 million volumes and more than 40,000 journals and serials, in addition to extensive electronic resources, rare books, microforms, and audio-visual materials. The UAB Libraries host nearly 1 million patrons each year and support students and faculty in advancing their learning, research, and teaching.


Campus Life

Our students are always focused on their academics, but we have fun along the way. Lots of it. Outside of the classroom, this intimate campus is a vibrant, fun place to be—made up of diverse groups. You will live, play and connect in a classic college environment, with picnics on the quad, movies, cool concerts and other special events tailored to appeal to UofM Lambuth students. 


  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a dynamic student life with a wide range of activities and resources available to students.
  • Campus life at UAB is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages personal and academic growth.
  • UAB has over 200 student organizations and clubs that cater to a variety of interests, including academic, cultural, political, and social groups.
  • These organizations provide students with the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar interests, develop leadership skills, and explore new hobbies and activities.
  • UAB is also known for its sports facilities, which include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a fitness center, and numerous sports fields and courts.
  • UAB is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes in various sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
  • Apart from sports and clubs, UAB also provides numerous resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These resources include academic advising, tutoring, counseling services, and career services.
  • Overall, UAB's campus life provides students with a vibrant and engaging experience. Whether it's through student organizations, sports facilities, or support services, UAB encourages students to explore their interests, develop their skills, and build meaningful connections with others.

Hostel#Housing & Food - $10836
#Housing & Food - $12148
#Housing & Food (with Parent/Family) - $5106
#Housing - $10112
#Housing - $9700
Famous Alumni

The University of Memphis has produced some excellent scholars in many distinct faculties. Some of the successful University of Memphis notable alumni of this university include - Thomas H. McInish (Finance, Insurance & Real Estate), Dursen Peksen (Political Science), Joy Goldsmith (Communication and Film), and Xiangen Hu (Psychology).


The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a long list of notable alumni, including accomplished professionals in various fields. Here are some of the prominent alumni from UAB :

  1. Condoleezza Rice – Former United States Secretary of State
  2. Marquette King – NFL Punter for the Las Vegas Raiders
  3. Octavia Spencer – Oscar-winning actress
  4. Carl Hiaasen – Bestselling author and journalist
  5. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha – Pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis
  6. Heather McPherson – Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
  7. Edie Hand – Award-winning actress, author, and television personality
  8. Natalee Holloway – UAB student who went missing in 2005 and received national attention
  9. John Isner – Professional tennis player
  10. Chuck Holmes – Retired NBA player
  11. Robby Shelton – Professional golfer
  12. Rebecca Luker – Broadway actress and singer
  13. Courtney Johnson – Former U.S. Olympic sprinter
  14. Tony Kanaan – Professional race car driver
  15. Martha Myers – Medical missionary who was killed in the 2002 Yemen terrorist attack
  16. Michael G. Sandel – Philosopher and professor at Harvard University
  17. Kenneth Olden – Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program
  18. Randy Owen – Lead singer of the country band Alabama
  19. Dr. Leona Harris – First African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics from UAB
  20. Gregory Pence – Philosopher and bioethicist.

This is just a small sample of the many successful alumni of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which is a testament to the quality of education and opportunities offered by the university.


City Life

Nashville boasts an array of educational, artistic, and entertainment-rich attractions for students of all ages. Home to more than 20 colleges and universities and iconic attractions like the National Museum of African American Music, Music City provides an unforgettable student experience.


  • Birmingham has more green space per capita than any other major city in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hike or a prime picnic spot, we’ve got it all, from urban oases to reclaimed wilderness.
  • They don’t need a reason to party, but these world-class gatherings are hotly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Each offers the chance to rub shoulders with both rising stars and established names.
  • Birmingham was one of the epicenters of Southern jazz. That live music tradition lives on in a range of venues, both historic and avant garde.
  • Food critics have been raving about Birmingham’s restaurant scene for years, and it’s only getting hotter. Down-home barbecue is a specialty, but so are tastes as varied as Southern soul food and southeast Asian cuisine.
  • Birmingham’s Galleria is among the largest malls in the country. It’s just one of dozens of retail options in town, from expansive outlets to upscale boutiques.
  • Birmingham has 99 neighborhoods, and UAB’s students, faculty and staff can be found in almost every one. Service is an important part of what it means to be a Blazer; whatever your passion, you can find a way to take part here.

Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Memphis vs University of Alabama at Birmingham

Subject Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)

UAB is a nationally ranked research university (Top 150 in the U.S., ~Top 450–500 worldwide) with world-class research strengths in medical and health sciences. The University of Memphis is ranked Top 250–300 nationally and ~Top 800–1000 worldwide, with special distinction in Criminology, Audiology, and Applied Sciences.

General Information

UofM is Tennessee's metropolitan research university, with a focus on accessibility and regional influence. UAB, within the University of Alabama System, boasts a comprehensive medical center and hospital system, and is therefore more research-based and health-oriented.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both schools are moderately selective: UofM (~93%) is somewhat less competitive to gain admission to, whereas UAB (~76%) is somewhat more competitive based on its medical and health sciences programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

UAB is an R1 research university with top-rated hospitals, research laboratories, and medical centers that pull in significant federal research grants. UofM is an R2, with influential but more regionally related research in engineering, business, and social sciences.

Cost & Financial Aid

For international students, UofM charges around $14,000–16,000 per year, with the cost of living around $12,000–14,000. UAB is more expensive, with an average tuition of $21,000–24,000 per year, in addition to $12,000–15,000 for the cost of living. Both provide scholarships but UAB has better graduate assistantship opportunities, particularly in health sciences.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UAB graduates, especially those in medicine, nursing, and public health, have stronger national placement and higher average wages. University of Memphis graduates rank regionally high in business, education, criminology, and engineering but with slightly lower median wages.