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Our Memphis Tigers are 6–0 and climbing in the rankings, and you can feel the momentum building across our city. That same drive to rise, that same belief that hard work pays off, is alive all across the University of Memphis campus right now — including the admissions office.
When more students choose Memphis, it’s more than a campus milestone. It’s economic empowerment for our entire city. Every new student who enrolls here doesn’t just add to the university’s success. They add to the heartbeat of our local economy, to the future of our neighborhoods, and to the spirit of our community.
This fall, the University of Memphis welcomed 2,044 first-time freshmen, a 4.3 percent increase over last year. And this class brings more than energy; it brings excellence. With an average GPA of 3.63, the highest ever recorded, and a 21 percent yield rate, more students are saying yes to Memphis after being accepted. Tennessee residents and dual-enrollment students each increased by 5 percent, and law school enrollment jumped 31 percent, proving that the next generation of civic and business leaders is being shaped right here at home.
“When more students choose Memphis, it’s more than a campus milestone. It’s economic empowerment for our entire city. "
When universities thrive, cities rise. Across the country, higher education is one of the strongest engines of local growth. Colleges and universities generate more than $590 billion every year and support over 3.4 million jobs (NAICU, 2021). Regions that expand access to higher education see lasting economic lift, with a 10 percent increase in universities per capita correlating with a 0.4 percent rise in GDP (Valero & Van Reenen, 2018).
And when students earn four-year degrees, the impact lasts a lifetime — for them and for the cities they call home. According to the Social Security Administration, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, hundreds of thousands of dollars more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma (SSA.gov).
Here in Memphis, that impact is direct. The University of Memphis contributes about $1 billion every year to Tennessee’s economy, supports nearly 10,000 jobs, and pays roughly $500 million in wages. Each graduating class adds more than $100 million in new income to our region (University of Memphis Economic Impact Report, 2024).
That’s what progress looks like — when education drives prosperity, when investment sparks innovation, and when the success of one institution lifts an entire city and inspires a new generation to believe in Memphis.
"If we want to keep our best and brightest, we have to keep building a city worthy of their dreams."
Building Our Future Memphis. This story is still being written. Applications for the 2026–27 freshman class are already up 28 percent, with growing interest from out-of-state students. The University’s Fall Preview Day on October 4 has drawn nearly 1,400 RSVPs, the largest in years.
That means more young people are looking at Memphis as a place to study and take the next step. But our work is not done. We have to keep showing them that Memphis is a place where they can stay, where they can thrive, and where they can lead.
We can achieve this by continuing to invest in quality of life, affordable housing, safety, and opportunity. By building a city that reflects the excellence we see in them. By turning their talent into the next generation of teachers, innovators, business owners, and civic leaders.
If we want to keep our best and brightest, we have to keep building a city worthy of their dreams.
Our young people are not waiting for permission to lead. They are already doing it. Every student who chooses Memphis strengthens the foundation we are building together — one rooted in purpose, partnership, and pride.
When we invest in education, we nurture potential. When we clear barriers, we open doors. When we believe in our young people, we build futures.
That is how Memphis moves forward, together.
Go, Memphis, Go.
In the know. We’ve launched a webpage to keep you updated on the federal and state action to support Memphis’ public safety efforts. The Memphis Safe Task Force began operations the week of 9/29, with Tennessee National Guard patrols beginning on 10/10. Visit memphistn.gov/safeandclean to learn more.
Good News!
   Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! Send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov
Track Our Progress
The linked reports below provide evidence to support our public safety strategy and our work to ensure municipal fiscal responsibility. These dashboard provides a quick overview, with the ability to dive in deeper to neighborhoods and divisions. Both dashboards updates daily.
 SAFER COMMUNITIES: For more info on how to use the safer communities dashboard, go here. Or for the whole dashboard, go here.
 FINANCE TRACKER: For more info on how to use the finance tracker dashboard, go here, then follow the prompts to the tracker.
Our Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38115, 38116, 38125, 38113, 38134.
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
Memphis Medical District Annual Survey: We need your input in this quick survey that is shared annually so we can create a more vibrant and safe Medical District. Please take the survey here.
Want to know what's happening in Memphis? Explore these event calendars to stay in the loop on all the city has to offer!
Memphis Public Libraries
Memphis Parks
Memphis Travel
Arts Memphis
Choose901
I love Memphis
City of Memphis Meetings & Notices
Celebrating Regional Excellence in Economic Development: EDGE hosted its 2025 Regional Economic Development Awards and Community Breakfast, honoring leaders and projects that are shaping the future of our region.16 awards were presented across 11 categories, with notable recipients such as AAON, Inc, William B. Dunavant III, Richard Smith, and Frederick Smith. Congratulations to all honorees!
One Memphis Town Hall:
Mayor Young’s One Memphis Tour brings City Hall into neighborhoods across our city — giving residents the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and get real-time responses from city leaders.
Last week, the Town Hall stopped at The Healing Center in Oakhaven, where neighbors shared their voices and helped shape the future of our city.
🗣️ Your voice matters. Join the conversation.
Learn more at memphistn.gov
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