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 gives you solid financial footing with modest risk. The median debt of $21,761 sits below the $66,651 you can expect to earn ten years out, which is a healthy ratio. An 81.6% graduation rate and 91.21% retention mean you are likely to finish and start earning that money, not drop out with debt and no degree. For a private four-year college, that combination is what keeps this a defensible bet.
Computer science is the clear winner among tracked bachelor's programs, paying around $61,516 early on, though it also carries the heaviest debt at $25,982. Business and economics land in the high $40,000s with lighter debt loads, making economics one of the better cost-to-earnings deals here. Political science pays about $43,128 but pairs that with $26,500 in debt, so the return is thinner. Anthropology at $37,208 is the weakest earner listed, and if you major in it you should have a specific career plan before signing loans.
The main risk is program choice. A humanities or social science degree here can leave you earning in the high $30,000s while carrying similar debt to the STEM and business grads who out-earn you by $20,000 or more. Memphis has a real job market for business and tech, which favors those higher-paying majors.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $13,000 a year. Above $110,000, that jumps to $33,764. If you are in the top bracket and drawn to a lower-paying major, run the math carefully. Rhodes fits you well if you target computer science, business, or economics, or if you qualify for the lower-income pricing.
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.