Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences college located in Memphis, Tenn., and is one of the few liberal arts colleges in the nation located in an urban setting. Its students have myriad ways to immerse themselves in a major metropolitan area through service and internship opportunities, in addition to exploring the world through study abroad. The rigorous classroom experience integrates faculty-mentored student research and fellowships.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Jessica G. Jones
Campus Visit Service Coordinator
Campus Visit Service Coordinator
Address
Office of Admissions
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112-1690
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112-1690
Phone
1-800-844-5969
Email
visit@rhodes.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Paul Barret, Jr. Library
The Middle Ground (Coffee Shop)
Burrow Refectory (Cafeteria)
Bryan Campus Life Center (Athletic Facility)
Lynx Lair (Bar and Cafe)
Robertson Hall - the newest academic building McNeill Concert Hall - performance auditorium
The Middle Ground (Coffee Shop)
Burrow Refectory (Cafeteria)
Bryan Campus Life Center (Athletic Facility)
Lynx Lair (Bar and Cafe)
Robertson Hall - the newest academic building McNeill Concert Hall - performance auditorium
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Beale Street
National Civil Rights Museum
Graceland
Rendezvous BBQ
Orpheum Theater
Rhodes campus is 5 minutes from downtown Memphis. The Cooper Young area. Crosstown Concourse. Stax Museum.
National Civil Rights Museum
Graceland
Rendezvous BBQ
Orpheum Theater
Rhodes campus is 5 minutes from downtown Memphis. The Cooper Young area. Crosstown Concourse. Stax Museum.
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and select Saturdays
8:30am-5pm M-F
1-800-844-5969
8:30am-5pm M-F
1-800-844-5969
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Times vary, contact admissions office
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
visit@rhodes.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
1 night stay; (Sun-Thurs) seniors and transfers only
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Memphis International Airport is seven miles from campus. Rhodes students provide transportation from the airport to campus between 9am and 9pm every day; call the admissions office at least one week in advance to arrange for this service. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses serve Memphis. Taxis are available from the stations to campus.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From the north, take I-55 S. to West Memphis, AR. Exit to I-40 E. (toward Memphis). Exit at Danny Thomas Blvd. North (Exit 1B) and take the first right onto North Pkwy. Continue on North Pkwy., then turn left on University St. and continue to the Phillips Lane entrance to the campus.
From the south, take I-55 North to Memphis and merge with I-240 North, exit Union Avenue East. Continue on Union Ave. to East Pkwy. Turn left onto East Pkwy. and continue to North Pkwy. Turn left at North Pkwy. and continue to University Street. Turn right at University to Phillips Lane Entrance.
From the east, take I-40 W. to Memphis. Continue on Sam Cooper Blvd., which becomes Broad St. Proceed on Broad, then turn right onto East Pkwy. At the first intersection, turn left onto North Pkwy. and proceed to University St. Turn right at University to the Phillips Lane entrance.
From the west, take I-40 E. to Memphis, then follow the directions given from the north.
Local Accommodations
Downtown:
Hu Hotel
The Peabody
Hampton Inn & Suites
Westin Hotel - Beale Street
Courtyard by Marriot
Spring Hill Suites
River Inn of Harbor Town
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
First-Year Students:
Students graduating from high school and those who have not yet enrolled in college courses may apply to Rhodes as first-year students. Admission is competitive, but test-optional and Rhodes uses the Common Application exclusively. Students wanting to learn more about applying can find more information at www.rhodes.edu.
Transfer Students:
Students who have previously enrolled in college courses on a full-time basis may apply to Rhodes as transfer students. Admission is competitive, but test-optional and Rhodes uses the Common Application. If a student has previously applied to Rhodes, an alternative application is available. Students wanting to learn more about applying as transfer students can find more information at www.rhodes.edu.
Overview
Applicants: 5,904
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Average HS GPA: 3.70
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
660 - 740
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
650 - 730
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
27 - 31
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Decision II — January 15
Early Action — November 15
Regular — July 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Rhodes students sometimes design their own majors to suit their specific goals, and the college provides pre-professional advising for students who plan to work in the health professions, law, engineering, ministry, and education. Through partnerships with other universities, Rhodes also offers dual-degree programs in engineering, education, and nursing.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Rhodes offers students a world-class liberal arts education that will prepare them intellectually, equip them to be impactful community leaders, and empower them to excel in their postgraduate plans. Average class size: 14. Faculty-to-student ratio: 10:1.
A current list of majors, minors, and degree programs is located here: https://www.rhodes.edu/academics/majors-minors
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
11:1
Total Faculty
204
with Terminal Degree
188
108
Men
96
Women
35
Minority
5
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
82%
Graduate in 5 years
85%
Graduate in 6 years
85%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Russian Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Neuroscience.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Education, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Bioethics/Medical Ethics.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
International Economics.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Economy.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology and Anthropology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Rhodes College is a small, appealing southern institution that produces "graduates that have lots of knowledge and experience." To say that the program is "academically very strong" or "unparalleled, especially in the sciences" might actually be somewhat of an understatement, considering feedback from some students who began working before even matriculating. "I was granted a position in a research lab prior to even starting my first semester as a freshman." Early opportunities like these are a common refrain from undergrads, who also talk up the school's "infinite resources," which include academic coaches, peer and professor tutors, advisors for classes and health, and many more. Rhodes also allows students to access their strong alumni network, which provides an "immense array of career opportunities," and there's also a "well-developed study abroad program."
But perhaps the highest praise is reserved for Rhodes' faculty and staff, whom many say are the school's "greatest strength." Students love that their professors "each retain their unique styles, with accessibility being the only common factor." Many "go above and beyond to help students succeed," which is apparent from the way office hours are utilized, not just for help "but for lively discussions on papers..., for finding research opportunities, or just to chat, because they're great humans." And a classmate simply sums up by saying, "Professors have challenged me, and through it all, I have learned more than I ever thought possible."
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Certificate
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
John Churchill
Secretary of Phi Beta Kappa Society
John Bryan
former CEO, Sara Lee
Cary Fowler '71
Agriculturalist, former Executive Director of Global Crop Diversity Trust
Abe Fortas
Former U.S. Supreme Court justice
Charlaine Harris ?73
#1 New York Times bestselling author
Claudia Kennedy
U.S. Army's first female three-star general
Allen Reynolds ?60
award-winning Country Music songwriter and multi-million selling record producer
Academic Rating
91/99
Careers
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
82%
Graduate in 5 years
85%
Graduate in 6 years
85%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$61,700
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$128,200
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$67,500
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$134,100
Percent High Job Meaning
46%
Percent STEM
32%
Students Say
Students describe Rhodes College as “the epitome of opportunity: from service to sports to academics to internships and jobs to career services and professors. Rhodes has it all.” Experiential learning is not just a cornerstone here but a draw for prospective students. Rhodes undergraduates have access to a multitude of fellowships, scholarships, and intensive research internships that integrate classroom learning with practical applications. One notable program is St. Jude Summer Plus, in which aspiring physicians participate in developing disease treatments from behind the microscope to beside the patient. A Biochemistry major notes, “I get to do cutting-edge biomedical cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is an invaluable internship I got through Rhodes.” Career Services keeps students on track with a Four Year Plan that institutes a timeline to discover and explore their career options. Students are encouraged to take advantage of interest assessments on the PathwayU platform, attend career expos, and pursue recruitment and networking opportunities via QuadJobs, Handshake, and the Rhodes Alumni Career Network Group. The typical Rhodes College graduate has a starting salary of around $60,100, and 52 percent report that their job has a great deal of meaning.
Excerpt from Colleges That Create Futures
At the end of every school year, Rhodes College showcases its stellar reputation for connecting students with internship and fellowship experiences when over 200 students wake up early on a Friday to present their year's research to the campus. The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium, or URCAS, as the event is known, displays some of the best research opportunities, fellowships, and global study that Rhodes generates. In the morning, guests may hear from students conducting research at the Memphis Center describe "the human experience of the Memphis and Mid-South region, from the Civil War to civil rights," and in the afternoon watch fellows at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital present the new cancer treatments and stem cell therapies they've been helping develop at the renowned hospital. But the URCAS presentations do more than showcase student research accomplishments. They demonstrate a key component of the Rhodes educational mission: to produce skilled critical thinkers, competent in both written and oral communication. Dr. Mary E. Miller, professor of biology and director of the interdisciplinary program in biochemistry and molecular biology, echoed the sentiments of many of her colleagues when she told us that after four years of study, "the difference [in their communication skills] is remarkable, and we know that our students stand ready to articulate well their intentions and passions to the world after graduation." Rhodes alumna Alison Lundergan Grimes, who is the Kentucky Secretary of State, credits Rhodes with setting her up for success when she went on to graduate study. She explained, "I learned to communicate there—both in writing and extemporaneously—which prepared me extremely well for law school at American University. Studying at Rhodes helped me know how to connect with others."
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
2023-2024 Aid Year
Tuition & Fees: $54,892
Room & Board: $12,910
Total: $67,802
COA: $71,546
Financial Aid
Rhodes College offers several financial aid and scholarship programs that enable qualified students to afford a Rhodes education, regardless of income. We carefully consider every student's circumstance and do our best to help make it possible for every accepted student to attend. Our goal is to remove cost as a deterrent for applying to Rhodes.
Rhodes has a December 1 priority deadline for consideration for merit-based scholarships.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Jan 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$40,247
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$40,488
Average Need-Based Loan
$3,266
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$43,302
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$56,300
Required Fees
$810
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,125
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$6,180
Transportation for Commuters
$1,293
On-Campus Room and Board
$13,620
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal and Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
92/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Rhodes College's current student body of approximately 2000 undergraduate and students hails from 48 states and 63 countries. We enrolled a first-year class of 488 students for the Fall 2022 semester. Multicultural and international students made up 36.5% of the incoming class of 2026.
Rhodes provides endless opportunities for students to contribute and lead on campus. Whether serving in the Rhodes Student Government, displaying Lynx pride as a Diplomat, joining in out deeply involved Greek culture, participating on one of our 23 Division III varsity teams, or contributing as a member of one of our 100-plus student organizations, students play a critical role in defining and enhancing the vibrant on-campus experience we provide at Rhodes.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,936
Foreign Countries Represented
29
Demographics
8.75%
Asian
9.74%
Black
6.99%
Hispanic
62.04%
Caucasian
4.40%
Unknown
2.80%
International
58% female
42% male
98% are full time
2% are part time
Students Say
The "great community feel" at Rhodes comes down to the unifying desire to learn. "Students WANT to come to class and complete assignments, because they truly care about the work they are doing." Unsurprisingly, peers describe one another as "very motivated," "intelligent," and "extremely hardworking." Admittedly, students also state that "the campus still feels very white," but qualify this by calling out the fact that they've "met people with diverse perspectives, cultures, and interests that have allowed me to learn more about the world beyond the classroom." Regardless of background, students appraise one another as "genuine, kind, and respectful of others," and one adds that "I'm amazed by how inclusive the student body is and the opportunities they create to ensure the acceptance and safety of everyone." All in all, "finding 'your group' of people is very easy, and not difficult at all because everyone just bonds easily."
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Rhodes' 123 wooded acre campus is located on one of the nation's most beautiful and historic campuses and offers a supportive residential community that serves as a launch pad to the heart of Memphis and throughout the world.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Every part of our beautiful collegiate gothic campus was intentionally designed to encourage intimate conversation, the exchange of ideas, and life-changing connections. We offer state of the art library space with the Paul Barret Jr. Library, a cutting-edge 55,000 square foot science facility in Robertson Hall, and our recently opened residence hall, East Village C, a 61,717-sq.-ft. residence hall that will hold 150 students, provide flexible work and study space, spacious common areas, and a lodge designed for the college's VOICES student organization.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Memphis is our home. World headquarters to Fortune 500 companies such as FedEx and International Paper, and a central hub for biomedical research, logistics, and culture, Memphis offers prestigious opportunities for research, service, and discovery. Rhodes students assist in the discovery of life-saving scientific advancements at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, help ignite long-lasting community change alongside the Memphis Zoo and set the groundwork for the future at prestigious law firms such as Butch, Porter, and Johnson.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
Help finding off-campus housing
No
90/99
First-Year Students living on campus
Campus Environment
Large Urban
90/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Other
Theme Housing
Dorms Male
Other
Theme Housing
Students Say
Undergrads at Rhodes tend to be serious about their academics and students certainly "study very hard throughout the week." Nevertheless, there's plenty to enjoy and experience beyond classwork. For starters, undergrads can join groups as disparate as the board game club and bee-keeping club, get involved with mock trials and student government, or try out for the "really great intramural frisbee team." A number of people also like to participate in the "Rhodes Outdoor Organization, which provides totally free trips to go camping, hiking, and climbing out of Memphis, as well as trips to more local sites to rock climb indoors." Additionally, "Greek life is very big" and we're told that "frat parties are common on Saturday and Friday night." Students also make the most of the city of Memphis, whether that's heading to "Beale Street for night life" going on a taste-test of new restaurants because "the food is amazing" or "attending music and arts fests in Cooper-Young neighborhood."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Office of Student Accessibility Services
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Melissa Butler
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
Current, comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation. Visit https://www.rhodes.edu/content/student-accessibility-services for specific documentation guidelines.Documentation Required for ADHD
Current, comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation. Visit https://www.rhodes.edu/content/student-accessibility-services for specific documentation guidelines.Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
2
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
141
Number of Honor Societies
15
Number of Social Sororities
7
Number of Religious Organizations
7
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
52% participate in intramural sports
26% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Lynx)
11 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Lady Lynx)
12 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Memphis
Sustainability
82/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
No
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
10%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
No
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
No
School Developed Bicycle Plan
No
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
We have special pricing through two consortia: TICUA and HESS/E&I
These are multivendor discount agreements with substantial savings through selected resellers.
We also have educational discounts with Apple and Dell.
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
