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Rhodes College

Memphis, TN Private ยท Urban www.rhodes.edu
Accept Rate
49.68%
Grad Rate
83.3%
Enrollment
1,931
Avg SAT
1385
Tuition
$54,892
Median Salary
$66,651
Overall Grade
C+
A-
Academics
C
Value
B-
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Rhodes College feels like stepping into a gothic fairy tale, with its stunning limestone architecture and sprawling oak trees creating an intimate, intellectually charged atmosphere. The campus is a tight-knit community where students are passionate about social justice and collaborative learning. Itโ€™s a place where Southern charm meets rigorous liberal arts inquiry.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

49.68%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 138575th Pctl
12901490
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3075th Pctl
2833
1122436

Admissions Tips

Emphasize your commitment to community service and social impact in your essays, as Rhodes values engaged citizens. Highlight interest in specific programs like the Institute for Health Sciences or the Business Department to show targeted interest. Since the average SAT is 1385, aim to be near or above that range, and consider applying Early Decision if Rhodes is your top choice.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1385
40080012001600
School range: 1290โ€“1490

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Rhodes is renowned for its strong liberal arts foundation, particularly in the sciences and social sciences, with exceptional programs in biology, psychology, and business. The college emphasizes close faculty mentorship, offering small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities even for underclassmen. Its signature Rhodes Mindset curriculum integrates interdisciplinary learning with real-world problem-solving.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
20.8%
Social Sciences
19.5%
Business & Marketing
12.8%
Physical Sciences
7.3%
Computer Science
6.1%
Psychology
6.1%
English & Literature
4%
History
3.8%
Natural Resources
3.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.9%
Foreign Languages
2.9%
Health Professions
2.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

83.3%
Graduation Rate
91.2%
Retention Rate
1,931
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$54,892
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,060
After financial aid
Total Cost
$68,055
Cost of attendance/year
15.1%
Receive Pell Grants
27.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Memphis

Memphis offers a vibrant cultural scene, from the iconic Beale Street music clubs and world-class barbecue to the National Civil Rights Museum. Students often explore the city's art galleries, bike along the Mississippi River greenway, or attend Grizzlies games. The city's creative energy provides a dynamic backdrop to campus life.

Local Rent Check

$1,146 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Memphis
Explore Memphis

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$219,568
$0Est. 4 Years: $219,568

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($66,651):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is a secure, enclosed environment with robust security measures and 24/7 patrols. While the surrounding Memphis area requires standard urban awareness, the college provides safe transportation and resources to navigate the city safely.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High retention (91.2%) and graduation rates (83.3%) indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Access to renowned faculty and undergraduate research opportunities across disciplines.
  • โœ“ Unique urban setting in Memphis provides rich internships and cultural experiences.
  • โœ“ Strong alumni network and career outcomes in healthcare, business, and law.

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost, even with aid, can lead to significant debt.
  • โœ— Campus is somewhat isolated from the broader Memphis city center, requiring transportation.
  • โœ— Smaller student body may not appeal to those seeking a large, bustling university atmosphere.

Notable Alumni

John Grisham
Bestselling author of legal thrillers like 'The Firm'.
James Dickey
Poet and novelist, author of 'Deliverance'.
Nikki Haley
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Governor of South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhodes College is known for its rigorous liberal arts education, strong emphasis on undergraduate research, and its beautiful gothic-style campus. It has particularly notable programs in biology, psychology, and social sciences, along with a commitment to community engagement and social justice.

Rhodes College has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 49.68%. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1320-1450, with an average score of 1385. Strong grades in challenging courses, compelling essays, and demonstrated interest are key components of a competitive application.

Campus life is characterized by a close-knit, collaborative community with a strong focus on academics and social responsibility. Students enjoy a vibrant arts scene, numerous clubs, and traditions like the Rhodes Christmas Celebration. The urban location in Memphis allows for easy access to off-campus entertainment and internships.

For many students, the investment pays off with strong outcomes. The 10-year median earnings of $66,651 and high graduation rate suggest a solid ROI, especially for those who leverage the strong alumni network and career services. However, the high net price means families should carefully evaluate financial aid packages and debt loads.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

FedEx AutoZone Regional One Health First Horizon Bank International Paper
Smart Start Score
76

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,111
  • In-State Tuition $54,892
  • Zip Code 38112

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.8% โ™€ 58.2%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price but an average net price of $25,060 after aid, the financial burden varies significantly by family income. The strong 83.3% graduation rate and $66,651 median earnings 10 years post-graduation suggest a solid return on investment for those who graduate. However, the initial cost is substantial, so maximizing aid and scholarships is crucial.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $54,892
Housing (12 mo) $13,752
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $75,844
With avg financial aid:
$25,060/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.