The Best Business Schools Near Memphis for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Memphis
- Rhodes College ranks #1 near Memphis on a 90.2 Program Score, with an 85% graduation rate.
- Public schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Arkansas State University, ranks #7.
- Programs analyzed in Memphis
- 39
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 2
- Farthest school
- 130 mi
Only two business schools in Memphis have a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Rhodes College and University of Memphis), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps those two and adds the eight closest schools that do have one, in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Rhodes College leads with a 90.2 Program Score and an 85% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is University of Mississippi (University, MS), about 55 miles from central Memphis; the farthest, Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS), is about 130 miles away.
The Top Business Schools Near Memphis at a Glance
Rhodes College leads at 90.2, and Williams Baptist closes the chart at 59.7. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Business Schools Near Memphis Are Scored
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Memphis, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Memphis, ranked by outcomes.
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Rhodes College's 32-credit Master of Science in Accounting reports a 100 percent job placement rate, with 75 percent of graduates joining Big Four or other national firms.
- 85% graduation rate
- Program Score 90.2
- 50% admit rate
- 32-credit program with CPA exam review
Rhodes College offers a Master of Science in Accounting, founded in 1993 and rooted in the college's liberal arts tradition. The program requires 32 credits and covers data analytics, accounting research, CPA exam review and systems auditing. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with prerequisites in financial, managerial and intermediate accounting, and preferably taxation or auditing. The program reports a 100 percent job placement rate, with 75 percent of graduates joining Big Four or other national firms and the rest joining regional and local firms or corporations. Every applicant is automatically considered for a scholarship, and two competitive graduate assistantships are available. An annual Meet the Firms event brings accounting employers to campus. The school describes the program as small and flexible, with rolling admission decisions from October 1 to May 1.
Rhodes graduates 85% of its students and admits 50% of applicants. The program earns a Program Score of 90.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students with an undergraduate accounting background who want a one-year path toward CPA licensure and public accounting recruiting in a small-cohort setting.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $10,052
- Out-of-state
- $27,487
Mississippi State University graduates 67% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on an 83.3 Program Score.
- Program Score 83.3, #2 of 10
- 67% graduation rate
- $10,052 in-state vs $27,487 out-of-state
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Mississippi State University is a public institution in Mississippi State, MS. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with an 83.3 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 6.9 points behind top-ranked Rhodes College. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Mississippi State admits 78% of applicants, more selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 23,150 students.
On cost, Mississippi State charges $10,052 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $27,487 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MS residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Harding University
Searcy, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $25,290
- Out-of-state
- $25,290
Harding University graduates 69% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on an 83.2 Program Score.
- Program Score 83.2, #3 of 10
- 69% graduation rate
- $25,290 tuition
- Admits just 71% of applicants
Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 83.2 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 7 points behind top-ranked Rhodes College. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Harding admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. The university enrolls 4,696 students overall.
On cost, Harding charges $25,290 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Mississippi
University, MS · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 72%
- Admit rate
- 97%
- In-state
- $9,612
- Out-of-state
- $28,440
At $9,612 a year in-state, University of Mississippi is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 75.9 Program Score on a 72% graduation rate.
- Program Score 75.9, #4 of 10
- 72% graduation rate
- $9,612 in-state vs $28,440 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in University, MS, University of Mississippi is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 75.9 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.1 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 72% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Mississippi admits 97% of applicants, less selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 26,449 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Mississippi charges $9,612 a year in-state, roughly 3.0x the $28,440 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MS residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $8,856
- Out-of-state
- $13,512
A B.B.A. in Human Resource Management delivered online through UofM Global, with 41 hours of general education and internship opportunities.
- Program Score 75.2
- $8,856 in-state tuition
- Online B.B.A. through UofM Global
- Internship opportunities
The University of Memphis offers its B.B.A. in Human Resource Management online through UofM Global, for learners balancing school with work. The degree covers recruitment and staffing, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations and organizational behavior, along with business ethics, legal compliance and workforce planning. The plan of study combines 41 credit hours of general education, a lower-division business core in accounting, economics, information systems, supply chain management and statistics, an advanced business core, and specialized HR courses. Students apply what they learn through projects and internship opportunities. The school lists roles such as human resource manager, corporate recruiter, HR business partner, and training and development manager.
Memphis reports a 51% graduation rate and admits 72% of applicants. In-state tuition is $8,856 and out-of-state tuition is $13,512. The program holds a Program Score of 75.2 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults and career changers who want a flexible, public-university route into HR, and who are ready for the minimum-grade and GPA requirements the business core sets for progression.
Lyon College
Batesville, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $29,900
- Out-of-state
- $29,900
Lyon College ranks #6 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 74.2 Program Score and a 47% graduation rate.
- Program Score 74.2, #6 of 10
- 47% graduation rate
- $29,900 tuition
- Admits just 63% of applicants
Based in Batesville, AR, Lyon College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #6 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 74.2 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Lyon College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 659 students.
On cost, Lyon College charges $29,900 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $7,488
- Out-of-state
- $13,920
At $7,488 a year in-state, Arkansas State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 73.1 Program Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Program Score 73.1, #7 of 10
- 55% graduation rate
- $7,488 in-state vs $13,920 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #7 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 73.1 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Arkansas State admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. The university enrolls 15,726 students overall.
On cost, Arkansas State charges $7,488 a year in-state, versus $13,920 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AR residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $10,200
- Out-of-state
- $20,400
University of North Alabama ranks #8 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 71.4 Program Score and a 55% graduation rate.
- Program Score 71.4, #8 of 10
- 55% graduation rate
- $10,200 in-state vs $20,400 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of North Alabama is a public institution in Florence, AL. Its Business program ranks #8 of the 10 analyzed here with a 71.4 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. North Alabama admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. The university enrolls 10,204 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, North Alabama charges $10,200 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $20,400 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS · Public
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $8,435
- Out-of-state
- $8,435
At $8,435 a year in-state, Delta State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 64.6 Program Score on a 48% graduation rate.
- Program Score 64.6, #9 of 10
- 48% graduation rate
- $8,435 tuition
- Admits just 100% of applicants
Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #9 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 64.6 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 48% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Delta State admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,654 students.
On cost, Delta State charges $8,435 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Williams Baptist University
Walnut Ridge, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 26%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $19,600
- Out-of-state
- $19,600
Williams Baptist University ranks #10 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 59.7 Program Score and a 26% graduation rate.
- Program Score 59.7, #10 of 10
- 26% graduation rate
- $19,600 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Walnut Ridge, AR, Williams Baptist University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #10 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 59.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.1 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 26% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Williams Baptist admits 83% of applicants, less selective than the 78% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at Rhodes College, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 517 students.
On cost, Williams Baptist charges $19,600 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,488 at Arkansas State to $29,900 at Lyon College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. It earns its place in the top 10 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Memphis
The median school on this list graduates 55% of its students. The highest rates belong to Rhodes College (85%) and University of Mississippi (72%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Rhodes College85% graduation rate
- #4 University of Mississippi72% graduation rate
- #3 Harding University69% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Memphis?
Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 80%.
- #1 Rhodes College50% admitted
- #6 Lyon College63% admitted
- #3 Harding University71% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Memphis
This list holds 6 public and 4 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 74.2 public and 78.7 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Memphis
Enrollment on this list runs from 517 at Williams Baptist University to 26,449 at University of Mississippi. Of the 10, 3 enroll 20,000 students or more and 5 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Memphis Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | Harding UniversityHarding | $80,311 | $19,786 |
| #7 | Arkansas State UniversityArkansas State | $67,944 | $15,441 |
| #8 | University of North AlabamaNorth Alabama | $51,912 | $17,850 |
| #10 | Williams Baptist UniversityWilliams Baptist | $46,062 | $17,814 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $46,062 at Williams Baptist to $80,311 at Harding.
Harding leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Arkansas State, $15,441 a year, and most at Harding, $19,786.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Memphis Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Memphis, measured from the average location of Memphis's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. University of Mississippi in University, MS is about 55 miles away; Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR is about 67 miles away; Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, AR is about 91 miles away; Harding University in Searcy, AR is about 102 miles away; Delta State University in Cleveland, MS is about 103 miles away; Lyon College in Batesville, AR is about 106 miles away; University of North Alabama in Florence, AL is about 129 miles away; Mississippi State University in Mississippi State, MS is about 130 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Memphis students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Memphis Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $7,488 a year at Arkansas State University to $29,900 at Lyon College, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $29,952 against $119,600 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Memphis
Three of the ranked schools (University of Mississippi, University of Memphis, and University of North Alabama) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Memphis it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #4 University of MississippiUniversity, MS
- #5 University of MemphisMemphis, TN
- #8 University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools Near Memphis: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business school near Memphis?
By Program Score, Rhodes College (Memphis, TN) ranks first, with a 90.2 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Memphis?
39 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Memphis report to IPEDS. Two schools have the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Memphis?
Outside Memphis, University of Mississippi (University, MS) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 55 straight-line miles from central Memphis. Inside Memphis, Rhodes College and University of Memphis are ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Memphis?
Yes. Three of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including University of Mississippi, University of Memphis, and University of North Alabama. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.