At $25,060/yr net price, Rhodes College graduates earn $66,651/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,651/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,060 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,651/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,651/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,761 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,814/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,319/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,317/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,056/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,764/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $25,982 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $21,920 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $19,500 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $43,128 | $26,500 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $21,545 |
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $23,104 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
81.6% of students at Rhodes College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Rhodes College delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $66,651 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. The net price of $25,060 creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Computer Science offers the strongest ROI at Rhodes, with graduates earning over $61,000 despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. Accounting and business management also provide strong earning potential in Memphis's corporate market. Economics graduates see respectable returns with lower debt burdens. Political Science shows weaker financial outcomes, with earnings below $44,000 against debt loads exceeding $26,000.
Rhodes faces specific risks tied to its Memphis location and liberal arts focus. The regional job market limits opportunities for certain majors, particularly in specialized fields. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based financial assistance, making affordability challenging for middle-income families who don't qualify for aid but struggle with the full cost.
You should consider Rhodes if you plan to work in business, technology, or professional services in the Southeast, where the school's regional reputation carries weight. The strong retention and graduation rates indicate good academic support systems that help students complete their degrees on time.
Avoid Rhodes if you need substantial financial aid or plan to pursue lower-paying careers in social work, education, or nonprofit sectors where the debt burden won't justify the cost. Students interested in specialized technical fields may find better value at universities with stronger industry connections and co-op programs that lead to higher starting salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhodes College worth the cost?
Rhodes College graduates earn $66,651 annually ten years after graduation, which is decent but not outstanding given the $25,060 yearly net price. The school's 82% graduation rate is solid, and median debt of $21,761 is manageable compared to many private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Rhodes College?
Computer Science leads Rhodes College earnings at $61,516, followed by Accounting at $58,221. Business and Economics majors earn in the mid-40k to high-40k range, while Political Science graduates average $43,128.
How much debt do Rhodes College students typically graduate with?
Rhodes College graduates have a median debt of $21,761, which is below the national average for private colleges. This relatively low debt burden helps improve the overall return on investment compared to similar schools.
Does Rhodes College provide good financial aid?
Rhodes College's net price averages $25,060 annually, suggesting decent financial aid for a private liberal arts college. However, this still represents a significant investment that may not pay off for all majors, particularly those earning under $45,000 post-graduation.