Strayer University-Tennessee logo

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TN Private ยท Urban www.strayer.edu
Grad Rate
14.4%
Enrollment
2,670
Tuition
$13,920
Median Salary
$40,092
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Strayer University's Memphis campus offers a practical, career-focused environment where adult learners and working professionals balance education with real-life responsibilities. The atmosphere is non-traditional and flexible, with evening and online courses designed to fit busy schedules. It feels more like a professional hub than a classic college campus.

Academics & Majors

The curriculum is heavily oriented toward practical skills in high-demand fields like Business, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice. Classes are taught by instructors who are often industry professionals, bringing real-world context to the coursework. While research opportunities are limited, the focus is squarely on career-ready competencies.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
82.4%
Computer Science
8.9%
Criminal Justice
8.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

14.4%
Graduation Rate
40%
Retention Rate
2,670
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$13,920
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,466
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,838
Cost of attendance/year
86%
Receive Pell Grants
14.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Memphis

Memphis offers a vibrant cultural scene, with students often exploring Beale Street for live music, visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, or enjoying the city's famous barbecue. Outdoor activities along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park and the city's numerous parks provide a welcome escape from studies. The city's affordable cost of living also makes it easier for students to enjoy local attractions and dining.

Local Rent Check

$1,146 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Memphis
Explore Memphis

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$55,680
$0Est. 4 Years: $55,680

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($40,092):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is a secure, enclosed urban setting with controlled access and security personnel. However, students should remain aware of their surroundings in the surrounding Memphis neighborhood, especially when traveling to and from campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Flexible scheduling (evenings/online) is ideal for working adults
  • โœ“ Career-focused curriculum in high-demand fields like Business and IT
  • โœ“ High percentage of students receiving financial aid (86% Pell Grant)
  • โœ“ No application fee and open admissions policy for many programs

Cons

  • โœ— Very low retention rate (40%) suggests a transient student population
  • โœ— Limited campus life and traditional college social experiences
  • โœ— Graduate earnings ($40,092 median) may be lower than some public university counterparts

Notable Alumni

Robert L. Johnson
Founder of BET and the first African American billionaire; attended Strayer University.
John W. Rogers Jr.
Founder of Ariel Investments and a prominent philanthropist; was a student at Strayer.
Michael D. Brown
Former Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Management; alumnus of Strayer University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Strayer University-Tennessee is known for its career-oriented programs designed for working adults. It specializes in flexible online and evening classes in high-demand fields such as Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice. The university focuses on practical skills and has a long history of serving non-traditional students.

No, Strayer University-Tennessee has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. This approach is designed to serve adult learners who may not have strong traditional academic records. The focus is on a student's potential and commitment to completing a degree rather than standardized test scores or GPAs.

Campus life is not traditional; it's geared toward working adults. There are no dorms or Greek life, and the student body is typically older than at a four-year college. Students often attend classes in the evenings or online and interact primarily with classmates and instructors in a professional, academic setting.

For many students, particularly working adults seeking career advancement, the value can be worthwhile. The net price of $18,466 is relatively affordable for a private institution, and the degree provides a direct path to promotion or new careers in fields like business and IT. The ROI is positive for those who leverage the degree to increase their earning potential from a lower starting salary.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

FedEx AutoZone International Paper ServiceMaster Regional One Health
Smart Start Score
43

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,962
  • In-State Tuition $13,920
  • Zip Code 38118

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 19.5% โ™€ 80.5%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $18,466, Strayer offers a more accessible path to a degree compared to many private universities. The 10-year median earnings of $40,092 for graduates in fields like Business and IT represent a solid return on investment, particularly for adult learners advancing their careers. The high Pell Grant rate (86%) indicates a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $13,920
Housing (12 mo) $13,752
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,872
With avg financial aid:
$18,466/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.