Rhodes College Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Rhodes College Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
Rhodes College sits on a 100-acre Gothic campus in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, consistently ranked among the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. With an acceptance rate hovering around ~38%, Rhodes occupies a selective niche among small liberal arts colleges in the South. What distinguishes Rhodes from peer institutions is its direct partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Memphis Zoo, and other Memphis-based organizations that provide undergraduate research and internship opportunities rarely available at schools of its size.
Founded in 1848, Rhodes enrolls roughly 2,000 students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of ~10:1. The college’s Honor Code, which allows unproctored exams and fosters deep institutional trust, shapes campus culture in ways that prospective students should understand before applying.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~38% |
| Total Applicants (recent cycle) | ~6,500 |
| Enrolled Freshman Class | ~530 |
| Average GPA (enrolled) | ~3.8 |
| Middle 50% SAT (enrolled) | ~1270–1430 |
| Middle 50% ACT (enrolled) | ~28–32 |
| Test-Optional | Yes |
| Application Deadlines | ED I: Nov 1, ED II: Jan 1, RD: Jan 15 |
What Rhodes College Looks For
Rhodes uses a holistic review process that weighs academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and character. The admissions committee pays close attention to whether applicants have challenged themselves with AP, IB, or honors coursework available at their high school. A strong upward grade trend can offset a less-than-perfect GPA.
Beyond academics, Rhodes values community engagement. The college’s location in Memphis is intentional to its mission—students are expected to engage with the city through service-learning, internships, and the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies. Applicants who demonstrate a history of civic involvement or intellectual curiosity about social issues tend to resonate with the committee.
Letters of recommendation carry meaningful weight. Rhodes asks for two teacher recommendations plus a counselor letter, and strong, specific endorsements from teachers who know the applicant well can tip a borderline decision. The personal essay should reflect genuine voice rather than polished perfection.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Type | Estimated Acceptance Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | ~55% | Binding, strongest demonstrated interest signal |
| Early Decision II | ~50% | Binding, second-round option |
| Regular Decision | ~32% | Most competitive pool |
| Transfer | ~45% | Limited spots, varies by major |
Rhodes fills a significant portion of its class through Early Decision. Applying ED signals serious commitment, and the acceptance rate advantage is substantial—roughly 20 percentage points above Regular Decision. Students who know Rhodes is their top choice should strongly consider ED I or ED II.
Demonstrated interest matters at Rhodes. Campus visits, attending virtual info sessions, and engaging with regional admissions representatives are all tracked and can influence decisions, particularly for students in the middle range of the applicant pool.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | ~$54,000 |
| Room and Board | ~$14,500 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | ~$68,500 |
| Average Need-Based Aid Package | ~$42,000 |
| Students Receiving Need-Based Aid | ~95% |
| Average Merit Scholarship | ~$22,000 |
| Median Graduating Debt | ~$27,000 |
Rhodes meets a high percentage of demonstrated financial need and offers substantial merit scholarships to academically competitive applicants. The Bellingrath-Morse Scholarship, the college’s most prestigious award, covers full tuition. Named fellowships like the Cambridge, Morse, and Faculty scholarships provide significant tuition reductions without a separate application—all admitted students are automatically considered.
The college’s net price for families earning under $75,000 annually is often under $20,000, making Rhodes more accessible than its sticker price suggests. Students should complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for the full range of institutional aid.
Key Takeaways
- Rhodes College’s ~38% acceptance rate makes it one of the more selective liberal arts colleges in the South, but Early Decision applicants see significantly higher admit rates.
- The college’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gives undergraduates access to world-class research opportunities in biomedical sciences—a rare advantage for a school of this size.
- Demonstrated interest is a factor in admissions decisions, so campus visits and engagement with admissions staff can strengthen an application.
- Financial aid is generous, with ~95% of students receiving need-based aid and automatic merit scholarship consideration for all admits.
- The Honor Code and Memphis-integrated curriculum create a distinctive campus culture that values trust, service, and hands-on learning.
Next Steps
- Strengthen your personal essay with strategies from our college essay writing guide.
- Weigh the advantages of binding early applications using our Early Decision vs. Early Action breakdown.
- Explore merit and need-based funding options with our scholarship search guide.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.