MEMPHIS,Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The University of Memphis is growingby size and in diversity and the University believes that’s a win for the collegeand the city.
Not only is the new class of freshman thebiggest in Memphis history, it’s also seeing more students coming from out-of-state.From the previous school year to now, the university grew its out-of-statestudents by nearly 25% for both transfer and freshmen groups.
Theuniversity saw an increase of 70 students from 311 freshmen to 381 who camefrom other states, and 72 more from out-of-state transfers.
The2018-19 school year saw a decrease in students overall, including out-of-statestudents. University Provost Thomas Nenon said the dip was from changes inadmission that raised qualifications. Nenon said recent state changesand lower tuition allows them to become more competitive out-of-state.
As of recent years, the state of Tennessee hassent out more students than it has received.
Nenonsaid bringing in more students from out of Tennessee to Memphis is a benefit tothe city’s workforce.
“Havingstudents come to Tennessee and graduate from a Tennessee university, and manyin the Memphis area, encourages students to come here and have a highly-skilledand educated workforce. So, we think it’s great for the university community.We think it’s great for the Memphis community,” he said.
Nenonsaid, by their statistics, 3/4 of their graduated undergrad students are likelyto stay and work in Memphis afterward.
Inthe classroom, Nenon said more out-of-students has its benefits for classmates,by having a more diverse environment.
“We’revery, very diverse in almost every way expect historically geographically, sonow in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, financial background of your family,this is probably one of the most diverse universities in the United States,” hesaid.
Nenonalso said having more students from elsewhere keeps tuition lower for in-statestudents.