The University of Tennessee Health Science Center logo

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Memphis, TN Public ยท Urban www.uthsc.edu
Grad Rate
84.4%
Enrollment
376
Median Salary
$66,318
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center feels like a professional launchpad rather than a traditional undergraduate campus. The atmosphere is intensely focused, with students deeply immersed in health sciences curricula and clinical preparation. It's a mature, goal-oriented environment where collaboration is key and everyone is preparing for a career in healthcare.

Academics & Majors

UT Health Science Center is a premier institution for health professions, offering rigorous programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health. The curriculum is deeply integrated with clinical experiences at major affiliated hospitals in the Memphis Medical District. Students benefit from hands-on research opportunities and close mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
100%

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

By The Numbers

84.4%
Graduation Rate
376
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

12.5%
Receive Pell Grants
50.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Memphis

Students in Memphis enjoy a vibrant cultural scene with world-class live music on Beale Street, a renowned food culture centered around barbecue and soul food, and major league sports. The city offers affordable entertainment, from exploring the National Civil Rights Museum to enjoying the Mississippi Riverfront parks. Student life is more integrated with the city's professional and cultural offerings than a traditional campus bubble.

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).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($66,318):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus, located in the Memphis Medical District, is part of a concentrated hub of hospitals and educational institutions with its own police force and security protocols. While the surrounding urban area requires standard city awareness, the campus itself is generally considered safe, especially during the day and in well-trafficked areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Direct affiliation with major Memphis hospitals for unparalleled clinical training.
  • โœ“ Focused, professional environment dedicated to health sciences.
  • โœ“ Specialized programs with strong reputations in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
  • โœ“ Located in a city with a low cost of living compared to other major medical hubs.

Cons

  • โœ— Limited traditional undergraduate campus life and extracurriculars.
  • โœ— The urban setting of Memphis presents safety considerations that require vigilance.
  • โœ— Programs are highly demanding, leaving little time for outside work or activities.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr.
Co-founder of HCA Healthcare, the largest hospital network in the United States.
Dr. William L. Foege
Epidemiologist who was instrumental in the global eradication of smallpox and former director of the CDC.
Dr. James D. Hardy
Pioneering surgeon who performed the world's first human lung transplant in 1963.

Frequently Asked Questions

UT Health Science Center is known for its prestigious colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions. It is a major research institution and a primary producer of healthcare professionals for the state of Tennessee and the broader Mid-South region. Its clinical partnerships, particularly with Regional One Health and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, are central to its reputation.

Yes, admission to UTHSC is competitive, as it is a specialized health science university. The specific admission standards vary significantly by program; for example, the College of Medicine and College of Dental Medicine have highly selective processes with low acceptance rates. Successful applicants typically have high GPAs (often 3.5+), strong science prerequisite grades, and competitive scores on entrance exams like the MCAT or DAT.

Campus life is professional and academically focused, without the traditional undergraduate social scene. Students often form strong bonds through shared intensive coursework and collaborative study groups. Social activities are more low-key and centered around professional organizations, wellness events, and exploring the cultural amenities of the city of Memphis.

For students pursuing careers in healthcare, the return on investment is generally very strong. Graduates enter high-demand fields with significant earning potential that often outweighs the cost of tuition over time. As a public institution, it also offers a more affordable pathway to these professional degrees compared to many private alternatives.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Regional One Health Le Bonheur Children's Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Smart Start Score
77

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 358
  • Zip Code 38163

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 7.4% โ™€ 92.5%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings of $66,318 and a Pell Grant rate of 12.5%, this institution serves a diverse student body and provides a solid return on investment for healthcare careers. Given that most graduates enter high-demand, well-compensated fields like medicine and dentistry, the long-term financial outlook is strong. While tuition is a significant investment, the specialized training and high job placement rates in healthcare make it a financially sound choice for many.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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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.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.