
Memphis, TNprivate forprofitconcorde.edu
Concorde Career College-Memphis is a no-frills, career-focused institution where students train for fast-track healthcare jobs—think dental hygienists, medical assistants, and nurses—in a pragmatic, high-acceptance environment. With a 95% acceptance rate and a student body of just 420, it's a place where adult learners and career-changers find a direct path to certification, though graduation rates hover around 51%. The vibe is scrappy and supportive, with a campus culture that prioritizes hands-on training over traditional college life.
Concorde Career College-Memphis is decidedly not selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 73% to 95% depending on the source (most recent data suggests 95.06%). Unlike traditional colleges, it caters to career-changers and adult learners, with no application fee and a focus on vocational readiness over academic pedigree. The admissions process appears to prioritize accessibility, with no mention of standardized test requirements in available sources—just a high school diploma or GED. Notably, male applicants had a 91% acceptance rate in one dataset.
This is a single-purpose institution: all programs are healthcare-focused, with dental hygiene, nursing, and medical assisting dominating enrollment. The curriculum is strictly vocational—the highest degree offered is an associate—and classes are small, with a student-faculty ratio between 26:1 and 34:1 (sources disagree). There’s no liberal arts fluff here; even the Instagram account promotes 'summer learning' with a focus on career rewards. The 18 majors are all tied to immediate job placement, reflecting Concorde’s 'get in, get out, get hired' ethos.
With 420 students, the Memphis campus feels more like a tight-knit training center than a traditional college. Descriptions emphasize a 'warm and friendly' environment where staff and students interact closely—unsurprising given the vocational focus. Diversity metrics (a 0.60 score, though declining) suggest a mixed student body, but don’t expect Greek life or dorms. Off-campus life blends studying with Memphis’s neighborhood hangouts, and campus events seem geared toward professional development (e.g., 'summer learning rewards') rather than keg parties.
The numbers tell a pragmatic story: 51% graduation rate, with graduates earning a median $36,427 one year post-graduation (based on data from Concorde’s Southaven campus). Most degrees (88% at a sister campus) go to women, reflecting healthcare field trends. Debt is relatively low ($9,500 average), likely due to short program lengths. Notably, only 25% of freshmen return—unsurprising for a school where many students are already working adults seeking quick certification.
Tuition runs $21,470 annually, but 92% of freshmen receive financial aid, with an average package of $5,277. Scholarships like the 'Working Student Scholarship' ($1,000–$2,000) target those balancing jobs and school. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator warns estimates aren’t binding—a red flag for transparency—but the low average debt suggests most students avoid crushing loans. Military tuition support is available, aligning with Concorde’s career-training mission.
Concorde-Memphis is unapologetically niche: a trade school for healthcare careers, not a traditional college. Its high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and low graduation numbers reflect its mission—serving non-traditional students who need quick, affordable certification. The standout feature? No illusions. From the Instagram posts about 'summer learning rewards' to the stark 51% graduation rate, it’s clear this is a place for people who want to clock in, train, and clock out with a job offer—not a 'college experience.'