Rhodes College

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68.1
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
55.7
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
80.5
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
78.5
U.S. News - National Liberal Arts Colleges
72.3
Wallethub
59.4
Washington Monthly Liberal Arts
37.5
Forbes
30.8
Wall Street Journal
Student Reviews
100
U.S. News - Reviews
72.7
Niche
68.9
Unigo
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
54%
Percent Admitted
79%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,008
Enrollment
9.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$35,050
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$52,310
In-State Tuition and Fees
$52,310
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Religious Affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)

Rhodes College, located in Memphis, TN is a private 4-year college that was established in 1848 as Masonic University of Tennessee. In 1850, the school was renamed Stewart College in honor of its (then) president; in 1875 it changed its name to Southwestern Presbyterian University. In 1925, the school moved to its current home in Memphis and in 1984 was renamed Rhodes College in honor former college president, Peyton Nalle Rhodes. The 100 acre campus is noted for its traditional stone gothic architecture – 13 of the campus buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the school was the setting for at least one Hollywood film. The school sits almost directly across the street from the Memphis Zoo. Among the alumni of Rhodes College are many government and military achievers.

Academic Programs

Rhodes College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees and Master’s Degrees in over 50 majors. While recognized for its Music program, the largest programs on campus are in Social Sciences and Biology. Presently, there are no online degree programs available, but Rhodes College offers a variety of Internships to students. The College has 18 academic departments and 13 interdisciplinary programs. According to the Mission Statement, Rhodes College is “committed to the liberal arts and sciences. Our highest priorities are intellectual engagement, service to others and honor among ourselves.” Continuing, “The Rhodes experience combines the best of the classroom and the real world—through internships, service, research and other opportunities in Memphis and far beyond. Students learn, play and serve others with a determination to grow personally and to improve the quality of life within their communities.” Rhodes is one of only 280 colleges and universities in the United States with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic organization in the U.S.

Student Life

Approximately 2000 students are enrolled and there are many on-campus organizations and clubs to pursue interests or service. Nearly 80% of students are involved in a service program before gradution. On campus housing includes 15 residence halls and 2 apartments; there is a Greek presence, but it is affiliation-based and not residential. The school sponsors intramural and club sports or, for the varsity athlete, the Cardinal & Black Lynx field teams in 12 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. One campus tradition involves faculty and staff cooking enough blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes to feed any students who need a break from studying during Exams. Culturally, Rhodes College is “committed to providing an open learning environment. Freedom of thought, a healthy exchange of ideas, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives are fundamental characteristics of a community of scholars. [We] expect integrity and honesty in our relationships with each other and openness to learning about and experiencing cultural diversity. We believe that these qualities are crucial to fostering social and intellectual maturity… We recognize that our views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect this challenge to take place in a climate of tolerance and mutual respect.”

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.