University of Memphis vs University of South Florida Tampa

University of Memphis is a public university based in Memphis, Tennessee in the Memphis metropolitan area. It is a large public university with 19,922 undergraduate students. Admissions are moderately competitive because the University of Memphis acceptance rate is approximately 93%. Majors offered are Business, Education, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Health Professions. Six-year graduation rate is 57%, and the median starting salary of University of Memphis alumni is about INR 42,90,000 (after ten years of graduation, based on $52,000 median earnings).

University of South Florida (Tampa) is a highly regarded public university in Tampa, Florida in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. It is an extremely large university with 33,077 undergraduate students. Admissions are a bit competitive since the University of South Florida acceptance rate is approximately 41%. Typical majors include Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. The six-year graduation rate stands at 74%, and University of South Florida alumni continue to post a median starting salary of roughly INR 47,61,000 (equivalent to $57,700 median earnings ten years after graduation).

Overview Comparison
University of MemphisUniversity of South Florida
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 105.1 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 1001 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1201 QS World University 2026
# 801 Times Higher Education 2025
# 621 QS World University 2025
# 89 US News 2024
# 251 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength# 149 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 893 for Medicine by US News 2022
# 125 for Law by US News 2024
# 85 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 50 for Medicine by US News 2024
# 51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021
ProgramsUG Programs -48
PG Programs -48
UG Programs -179
PG Programs -84
Doctorate Programs -45
Acceptance Rate93.0 %41.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-95
IELTS-6
PTE-50
SAT-1010
TOEFL-80
GMAT-500
IELTS-6.5
PTE-53
SAT-1250
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   17400
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25650
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 28090 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   17324
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  15864
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 14440 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. 


Average Salaries are lisited below :

  • Masters in Science : $85,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $83,000 
  • Master (Other) : $79,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $60,000 

application requirements

Submit official transcripts 

Submit English language requirements

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language scores

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews7.2/10 Read 4 reviews8.1/10 Read 9 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 160 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
# 401 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024
# 551 for Computer Science by QS World University 2024
# 106 for Computer Science by US News 2023
exam scoresDuolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 87/120Duolingo - 110/120IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -28425Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -15786
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesDec 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Sep 1, 2025 (Priority Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Oct 15, 2025 (Final Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Jan 15, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Jan 15, 2026 (Freshman Scholarship Application Deadline for 2026 Intake)
Jun 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of MemphisUniversity of South Florida
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1912
1956
Student:Faculty Ratio14:1
20:1
Male:Female42% Male, 58% Female46% Male, 54% 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.


USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together our campuses comprise more than 1,600 acres and nearly 12 million square feet of building space, with areas boasting coastal, bayfront and riverfront views.


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 USF Libraries offer access to over 1.3 million books and an extensive selection of print and electronic resources, including 52,000 e-journal subscriptions, 443,000 e-books, and over 800 databases containing articles, media and other materials.


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. 


With more than 600 clubs and student organizations, plus 19 varsity sports, an active student government and a thriving arts scene, USF truly has something for everyone.

You can plan the Homecoming parade, learn to dance the Tango, cheer on the Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, write for The Oracle, volunteer in the community and so much more!

And be sure to visit the 28,000 square foot Recreation & Wellness Center – or its satellite locations – to work out, swim, take a group fitness class or play one of the 50 intramural sports offered on campus.


Hostel#Housing & Food - $10836
#Housing & Food - $12148
#Housing & Food (with Parent/Family) - $5106
#Food - $5600
#Housing - $8840
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).


Alumni of the University have access to Global Career Services, Financial and Investment Services, an invitation to networking events and reunions, etc.

Some of the University of South Florida's notable alumni are:

  • John Chiang (politician)
  • Anthony Henry (footballer)
  • Mellissa Howard (comedian)

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.


Residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy both a laid-back beach lifestyle and the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including professional sports teams, museums, and an array of entertainment and dining options.

Living in the Tampa Bay area is like being on vacation all year. Located north of the bay, Tampa has a hip social scene and a thriving Hispanic community and is notable for Ybor City, once known as "the Cigar Capital of the World."

 On the opposite side of the bay, the beaches of St. Petersburg offer water sports and activities like parasailing and dolphin-watching cruises, while the city itself has become a major arts destination, home of the renowned Dali Museum. 


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Memphis vs University of South Florida Tampa

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

University of Memphis ranks #1201-1400 in QS and 801-1000th in Times Higher Education whereas University of South Florida (Tampa) ranks #654 QS. The University of Memphis and the University of South Florida Tampa have different levels of global prominence. By discipline, the University of Memphis is renowned for its strengths in Business, Engineering, Music, and Health Sciences, while the University of South Florida Tampa excels in Public Health, Nursing, Business, Engineering, and Education, with some subjects among the top 200–300 globally.

General Information

The University of Memphis, established in 1912, is a large public research university based in Memphis, Tennessee, with approximately 21,000 students. It is renowned for its urban involvement, health and business programs, and research facilities like the FedEx Institute of Technology. The University of South Florida Tampa, founded in 1956, belongs to the University of South Florida System and is situated in Tampa, Florida, with over 50,000 students on all campuses, the Tampa campus being the primary campus. It is known for its research activity, student diversification, and emphasis on health sciences and innovation.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The University of Memphis has an acceptance rate of around 93 percent, with greater selectivity for Engineering, Health Sciences, and Business programs. The University of South Florida Tampa is more selective, accepting around 41 percent of applicants, with specific competitiveness in Nursing, Public Health, and Engineering.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Memphis is an R2: Doctoral University with high research activity, with concentrated research in business, logistics, health sciences, and music. It has the FedEx Institute of Technology and dedicated urban research institutes. The University of South Florida Tampa has an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity status, with strong impacts in medicine, engineering, marine science, education, and public health. Its amenities comprise the Morsani College of Medicine, state-of-the-art research facilities, and solid collaboration with industry and health agencies in Florida.

Cost & Financial Aid

As state universities, tuition fees depend on residency.
At the University of Memphis, international students and students from other states pay around $25,000–$30,000 per annum, with domestic as well as international candidates eligible for merit-based scholarships.
At the University of South Florida Tampa, international and out-of-state fees are approximately $30,000–$33,000 annually with rich scholarship opportunities like the Green and Gold Scholars Award and merit assistance that aids high-achieving students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

University of Memphis graduates excel in business, health sciences, engineering, urban planning, and music, aided by access to Memphis and global industries.Graduates of the University of South Florida Tampa excel in health professions, engineering, business, and education, with excellent placement opportunities as a result of Tampa's vibrant economy and Florida's growing job market. Alumni networks are extensive and engaged, advancing research, health care, and public service in general.Across the board, the University of Memphis provides a strong regional presence with specific strengths in business, health sciences, and music, whereas the University of South Florida Tampa offers more international recognition and research intensity, particularly in health, public policy, and STEM areas.