The Billion Dollar Impact of the University of Memphis

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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:

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.

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Read the full report: