Admission FAQs

See our full list of Majors and Minors.

In short, almost anything. The skills you finely tune with a liberal arts degree—critical thinking, writing, communication, creative problem-solving—are the skills most sought after by employers. Liberal arts degrees are purposefully broad to provide students with a breadth of experience and knowledge that allow graduates to excel in many settings. You can find Rhodes graduates in business management of Fortune 500 companies, practicing medicine at top ranking hospitals, directing grass-roots nonprofit organizations, working as lawyers, entrepreneurs, artists, data analysts, and in nearly every other sector. As a matter of fact, 96% of Rhodes graduates are employed or in graduate school within a year of graduation. Still not satisfied? The Princeton Review also named us as one of the top 50 Colleges that Create Futures. Rest easy. The liberal arts degree you will earn from Rhodes is not only relevant, it’s essential.

Yes! We believe that study abroad is an integral part of a liberal arts education. The majority (70% to 75%) of Rhodes students study abroad at least once before graduation. We offer semester- and year-long programs, Rhodes Affiliated programs, and exchange programs with no additional tuition or fees. You can use their federal and institutional aid on these programs. Additionally, Rhodes offers faculty-led summer programs every year. More information on studying abroad.

Absolutely. Rhodes students are conducting research in every academic discipline. The opportunities are varied and ample, whether on or off campus. Because our enrollment is primarily undergraduate, our faculty  work directly with you on their own research. This means you and your classmates have several years to cut your teeth on concentrated research before entering graduate school. You can learn more on research here.

Like many other colleges, Rhodes has a storied history marked by many traditions that we continue to celebrate.

While our academic calendar runs from August to May, many Rhodes students are benefiting from a variety of summer enrichment programs. Opportunities range from studying abroad in Cape Town to Chiang Mai or many of the other Rhodes Abroad programs to conducting research in our own backyard through the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies. Students are engaging in Memphis community projects through the Summer Service Fellowship and conducting research with experts at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or interning at one of the many top notch companies that we have partnerships with. The summer opportunities for Rhodes students are influential accompaniments to their work on campus, and many are for credit and/or pay.

The Honor System is a tradition valued by the Rhodes community for more than a century. It allows the fullest possible expression of individual life in harmony with community life. Specifically, all first-year students participate in a ceremony during their first week on campus where they sign the honor code, promising not to lie, cheat, or steal as a member of the Rhodes community. The Rhodes community believes these principles to be fundamental in ethical life, both during and after college.

If you’re looking at other small liberal arts colleges, then you know it’s rare to find one in a major city. We love that we’re located in the heart of Memphis, famously known as the birthplace of rock ‘n roll and home of the blues. Memphis is a soulful city with a rich history and a passion for music, food, and community. Our location conveniently allows students to intern at Memphis staples like FedEx, ALSAC, and the Memphis Zoo. Additionally, over 80% of our students are also giving back to the city of Memphis through community service. And, of course, students are having fun in the city attending concerts at the Levitt Shell, Grizzlies games, and shows at the historic Orpheum Theater, taking in views of the Mississippi from Big River Crossing, and enjoying the famous BBQ. Memphis is a wonderful place to call home for your next four years. In fact, Rhodes students like it so much that over 30% stay in Memphis after graduation to launch their careers and/or continue their education.

Rhodes offers a variety of merit-based scholarships and fellowships.  All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Your application to Rhodes serves as your application for merit aid, so there’s nothing additional you need to do. Merit money ranges anywhere from $12,000 to $40,000. The Day, Fine Arts, Taylor, Bonner, and Jewish Community Fellowships require extra materials. We have a Scholarship Priority Deadline of December 1 for our most prestigious scholarships. Regardless of the application plan you chose (ED1, ED2, EA, or RD), your application will be reviewed for these merit awards if your application is received by December 1. More information on scholarships.  More information on scholarships.

No, but we offer interviews on campus and off while we are traveling as a way to get to know you better. An interview is also a great opportunity for you to learn more about Rhodes from an admission representative. We do not offer alumni interviews.

Rhodes is a residential community with a three-year residency requirement. Because we believe important discussion and enrichment come from living with your peers, we require first-, second-, and third-year students to live on campus. And still, around 75% will live on campus for all four years. We have a variety of traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and on-campus apartments. All have the collegiate Gothic-style charm characteristic of our campus, and also include the modern amenities of laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking at no additional cost.  Learn more about residential living options.

Yes. We have no restrictions on bringing a vehicle to campus, and parking is free. If you are without a car, there are plenty of other ways to navigate Memphis.

We welcome undocumented students in the Rhodes community. We partner with Golden Door to provide the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board, as well as health care to five Golden Door Scholars each year. You should feel comfortable discussing your status with your admission counselor. We promise to advocate for you and advise you on how to best navigate our admission process.

Generally, yes. Course credit at Rhodes is typically granted for a 4 or 5 made on the AP examination, and the same is true for a 5, 6, or 7 earned on the IB exams. Find more on AP and IB course credit, as well as a chart with corresponding Rhodes courses.

Rhodes offers over 70 different majors, interdisciplinary majors, and minors. Students are not required to declare a major until the spring semester of their sophomore year, but if you are planning to double major, early planning will result in success. You will work with your advisors to plan your academic path, whether that encompasses a single major, a pre-professional track, a double major, or any other combination of options. Learn more about our major and minor offerings.

Close to 23% of students are registered with Student Accessibility Services at Rhodes. This includes students with both physical and academic learning differences. Through students taking responsibility in requesting services, and collaborating with faculty and staff, we hope to ensure that students experience access and inclusion at Rhodes.