About Rhodes College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While the sticker price hits $68,927, most students pay far less, with the average net price landing at $25,060 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $66,651 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,761 quite manageable with monthly payments around $231. The college's generous institutional aid averages $35,712 for nearly 30% of students, helping explain why families across income levels find Rhodes affordable.
The student body skews female at 58% and draws heavily from outside Tennessee, with three-quarters coming from other states. With 511 athletes competing in 19 Division III sports and a 91% retention rate, Rhodes creates the kind of tight-knit community where students stick around and stay engaged.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 82.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.6%
- Retention Rate
- 91.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,651
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,221 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $43,128 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 |
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Students often grab coffee with faculty at nearby Overton Square or Cooper-Young, both walkable from campus. Weekend activities center around Memphis culture - students frequent Beale Street, attend Grizzlies games, and explore the city's legendary music scene. The 91.21% retention rate reflects how quickly students bond through traditions like the Honor Code ceremony and late-night discussions in residential colleges. With 75% of students coming from out-of-state, Rhodes creates a tight-knit community where Southern charm meets academic rigor.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,613 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1848
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–50°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.8%
- Women
- 58.2%
- White
- 62.0%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 8.8%
- In-State Students
- 24.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.1%
Location
- Address
- Memphis, Tennessee 38112-1690
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,651
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,608
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $231/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,761
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rhodes College?
Rhodes College accepts 53.91% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310-1470 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for attracting strong academic performers to its Gothic Revival campus in Memphis.
How much does Rhodes College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Rhodes College is $25,060, lower than the published tuition of $54,892. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $12,814, as the Presbyterian-affiliated college provides substantial need-based aid with an average institutional grant of $35,712.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Rhodes College?
Rhodes College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,931 total students. This small liberal arts environment fosters the close mentoring relationships the college is known for, contributing to its strong 91.21% retention rate.
How well do Rhodes College graduates perform in the job market?
Rhodes College graduates earn a median salary of $66,651 ten years after graduation with a 94.5% employment rate. The college's emphasis on liberal arts education and strong alumni network, including notable figures like former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, helps students achieve these solid career outcomes.
Where do most Rhodes College students come from?
Only 24.89% of Rhodes College students are from Tennessee, indicating the college draws heavily from out-of-state. The student body is 62.04% white with growing diversity, and 58.21% of students are women, creating a nationally representative community in the heart of Memphis.
Does Rhodes College offer athletic scholarships?
Rhodes College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. However, 511 students participate in 19 varsity sports as the Lynx, competing in the Southern Athletic Association where the focus remains on academics first and athletic participation for personal development.
