Rhodes College

With 21 departments and 13 interdisciplinary programs, Rhodes offers over 70 majors and minors—from neuroscience to computer science—with a distinctive emphasis on community engagement (ranked 11th nationally for student service by The Princeton Review). Popular majors include Business Administration (12%), Biology (9%), Computer Science (8%), and Neuroscience (7%). The college’s interdisciplinary approach encourages hands-on learning, with students praising the accessibility of professors and robust internship opportunities in Memphis.

Life at Rhodes revolves around a tight-knit campus where over 50% of students join Greek organizations—a dominant social force. The college balances this with a strong emphasis on community service and intellectual engagement. Students describe a packed calendar of free campus events, from club-sponsored activities to cultural programs. The library, a standout facility built in 2004, serves as both an academic hub and a social space. Memphis provides off-campus opportunities, but the college’s Gothic architecture and leafy quad foster a self-contained, residential feel.

Rhodes graduates outperform peers nationally, with an 85% six-year graduation rate—7% higher than comparable liberal arts colleges. Alumni report median earnings of $36,427 one year post-graduation. The Class of 2021-22 hit the college’s 85% graduation goal, and male students graduate at rates well above national averages. Notably, Rhodes’ career services leverage Memphis’s corporate and nonprofit networks, helping students secure internships and jobs in healthcare, tech, and finance.

Tuition at Rhodes is steep—$58,000 annually—but the college mitigates costs with generous aid. 50% of students receive financial aid, with average packages totaling $42,669. Need-based awards range from $22,000 to $69,010, and merit scholarships are substantial. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many families pay significantly less than the sticker price, with post-aid costs averaging $30,590 for recipients.

Rhodes merges the rigor of a top-tier liberal arts college with the energy of Memphis—a city that fuels its community engagement and internship programs. Its Gothic campus feels like an academic oasis, yet students engage deeply with the city’s cultural and professional opportunities. The college’s balance of Southern hospitality (think: professors who host dinners) and intellectual intensity (evidenced by its 85% graduation rate) creates a unique environment where Greek life coexists with a commitment to service. For students seeking a small-college experience with urban advantages, Rhodes delivers—especially for those drawn to its strengths in neuroscience, business, and community leadership.