The University of Memphis's 2027 scholarship chart pays Tennessee residents $3,500 to $7,000 a year and out-of-state students $7,000 to $14,000 a year, based on a 3.25+ GPA and an ACT or SAT score. Without a test score, a 3.80 GPA earns $2,500 in-state or $5,000 out-of-state. Awards renew for up to four years.
The University of Memphis publishes one ladder for both residents and non-residents, with the out-of-state amounts exactly double the in-state ones. It's a much lower bar than Tennessee's chart, where every tier needs a 3.8 GPA. For the basics, see what an automatic scholarship chart is.
University of Memphis scholarship chart for 2027
| Scholarship | GPA | ACT | SAT | Tennessee residents | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential | 3.25+ | 31+ | 1390+ | $7,000/yr | $14,000/yr |
| Provost | 3.25+ | 28-30 | 1300-1380 | $6,000/yr | $12,000/yr |
| Deans | 3.25+ | 24-27 | 1160-1290 | $5,000/yr | $10,000/yr |
| Academic Achievement Award | 3.25+ | 22-23 | 1100-1150 | $3,500/yr | $7,000/yr |
| Trustee Award (GPA only) | 3.80+ | — | — | $2,500/yr | $5,000/yr |
Students can receive one first-time freshman scholarship. The Valedictorian Scholarship ($1,000 a year) can be added on top, and National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists get a separate $15,000-a-year award.
The part that surprises people: the test score matters more than a high GPA
Above 3.25, GPA doesn't change the award at all. A 3.3 GPA with a 31 ACT gets the top Presidential award, and so does a 4.0 with the same score. Meanwhile, a 4.0 GPA with no test score gets only the $2,500 Trustee Award, less than a 3.25 GPA with a 22 ACT ($3,500). If you can reach a 22 ACT or 1100 SAT, submitting it is worth at least $1,000 a year in-state and $2,000 out-of-state over the GPA-only award.
Superscores, deadlines and renewal
- Superscores count. Memphis considers superscores, and updated GPA and test scores can be sent through March 1.
- Apply by December 1 for priority consideration.
- Not explicitly guaranteed. Memphis says it "selectively awards" scholarships, so treat the chart as the expected award, not a promise.
- Renewal requires at least 12 credit hours a semester, good academic standing and required service hours.
What this means for you
- Get a 3.25 GPA and a 22 ACT and you're on the main ladder. After that, each higher test band is worth more money.
- Out-of-state students get double. Up to $14,000 a year makes Memphis one of the bigger out-of-state offers in the region.
- Tennessee residents can stack. Memphis says in-state students can combine its award with Memphis Promise and state (TSAC) aid if eligible.
- Compare it with Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky, or check all charts at once with the scholarship finder.