“A nationally recognized liberal arts college in the heart of Memphis, where rigorous scholarship meets deep community engagement and urban vitality.”
Rhodes College, founded in 1848, is one of the South's premier liberal arts institutions, consistently recognized among the nation's top liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Situated on a stunning 100-acre campus of Gothic collegiate architecture in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee, Rhodes offers students the intellectual depth of a rigorous liberal arts education alongside the cultural richness, professional opportunities, and social energy of one of America's most distinctive cities. The college's distinctive campus — built primarily of Collegiate Gothic limestone — creates an environment of focused scholarly seriousness, while Memphis itself opens extraordinary doors for research, internships, civic engagement, and cultural immersion. Rhodes offers more than 70 majors, interdisciplinary majors, minors, and academic programs through 21 academic departments and 13 interdisciplinary programs. The college places particular emphasis on civic engagement and service learning, earning national recognition for its commitment to connecting academic work to real-world impact. Popular programs in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, business, and international relations are complemented by a strong humanities tradition and a growing set of professional and interdisciplinary offerings. Small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio that enables genuine mentorship ensure that undergraduates can collaborate directly with faculty on research and creative projects from their first year. Life at Rhodes is animated by both the campus community and the city of Memphis — a city with profound significance in American music, civil rights history, cuisine, and culture. The annual Rites of Spring music festival, Greek life, more than 100 student organizations, and NCAA Division III athletics create a vibrant social scene on campus. The broader Memphis community provides unmatched access to community service opportunities, healthcare internships, legal clinics, business partnerships, and the region's arts scene. Rhodes graduates carry a strong alumni network and a reputation for civic mindedness into careers across every sector.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding.
Early Decision II
Binding.
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$52,310
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Rhodes has exceptional pre-professional health science programs. Biology, neuroscience, and chemistry are standout programs, with strong research opportunities and outstanding medical school placement rates.
Strong programs in political science, psychology, economics, and international relations, all enhanced by Memphis's role as a hub for healthcare, logistics, legal, and civic institutions.
Business administration is one of Rhodes's most popular programs, complemented by interdisciplinary offerings including bioethics, environmental studies, and urban studies shaped by Memphis's unique civic context.
A rich humanities tradition encompassing English, history, philosophy, religious studies, and languages. Rhodes is notable for its emphasis on writing, ethics, and civic responsibility across all disciplines.
Programs in studio art, theatre, and music benefit from Memphis's extraordinary cultural heritage in blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, with access to professional arts institutions and performance venues citywide.
4 years
One of Rhodes's fastest-growing and most distinctive programs, integrating biology, chemistry, psychology, and computer science. Strong pre-medical and research preparation, with access to Memphis's major medical center partnerships.
4 years
An interdisciplinary program combining political science, history, economics, and language study. Rhodes's global engagement programs and international student community enrich the learning environment for students interested in diplomacy, policy, and global business.
4 years
Rhodes consistently sends a high percentage of pre-med students to top medical schools. The program benefits from research partnerships with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $57,110
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
