The Billion Dollar Impact of the University of Memphis
Released in September 2025, the latest economic impact report for the University of
Memphis reaffirms the institution it’s a billion-dollar economic engine for its city,
region and state. Produced by Applied Analysis, this report shows that UofM fuels
the Mid-South through — including but not limited to — its day-to-day operations,
nationally recognized athletics and groundbreaking research.
The study also highlights the University’s role in building Memphis’ workforce. More
than two-thirds of UofM graduates remain in the Memphis metro a decade after graduation.
Statewide, 74.4% of UofM’s class of 2024 graduates chose to stay in Tennessee.
Other highlights include:
University Operations ($1 Billion)
-
In 2024, UofM operations generated nearly $1B ($998M) in economic impact, including $547M in direct operating costs and $451M in wages.
-
Over the last five years, UofM operations alone have contributed $4.3B to the state economy.
Athletics ($165 Million)
-
$165M in economic impact was generated by Tiger athletics in 2024
-
$530M over the past three years
-
This includes $294M from out-of-town visitors and $236M from vendor and employee spending.
-
UofM sports support 1,200 jobs annually and draw nearly 500,000 out-of-town visitors each year.
Research ($205 Million)
-
In 2023, UofM secured a record $100M in research funding, doubling its awards since earning Carnegie R1 status in 2021.
-
That investment produced a $205M total economic impact.
Read the full report: