Rhodes College Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

by
Rhodes College • Memphis, Tennessee • 2026 Admissions Research

How Selective Is Rhodes College, and What Does It Take to Get In?

Rhodes College sits in an interesting position among American liberal arts colleges. It is academically selective, yet it gives applicants considerable flexibility through a free application, test-optional admission, two Early Decision rounds, and a nonbinding Early Action option.

Its latest published Common Data Set reports a 51.5% acceptance rate for students entering in Fall 2025. In other words, Rhodes admitted slightly more than half of its first-year applicants.

But the figure alone says little about whether a student’s grades, writing, recommendations, academic interests, and financial circumstances align with what the college seeks.

The better approach is to examine Rhodes’ actual admissions data, understand the different admission rounds, and decide whether its residential liberal arts experience in Memphis would be a good fit.

51.5% Latest verified acceptance rate • Fall 2025
What about the Fall 2026 entering class?

Rhodes has published information about the Class of 2030, including 403 entering first-year students and an average unweighted GPA of 3.71.

However, the official Common Data Set archive currently identifies 2025–26 as its newest complete report of first-year applicants and admission offers.

Therefore, the final Fall 2026 acceptance percentage is not presented as verified here.

Research reviewed October 20, 2026. Data sources include Rhodes College’s 2025–26 Common Data Set, its Class of 2030 profile, current admission requirements, and 2026–27 academic catalog.

Quick answer for prospective students:

Rhodes College’s latest complete official admissions dataset reports 5,682 first-year applicants, 2,927 admitted students, and 494 enrolled students for Fall 2025, producing a 51.5% acceptance rate.

The average reported high school GPA among Fall 2025 enrolled students was 3.75. Among students who submitted test scores, the middle 50% scored 1360–1470 on the SAT or 28–32 on the ACT.

Rhodes is test-optional and does not charge an undergraduate application fee. For Fall 2027 entry, Early Decision I is due November 1, 2026; Early Action is due November 15, 2026; and both Early Decision II and Regular Decision are due January 15, 2027.

Access Rhodes’ official Common Data Set archive and current application deadlines.

5,682 First-year applicants
2,927 Admission offers
494 Students enrolled
16.9% Enrollment yield among admitted students

Rhodes College Acceptance Rate for Tennessee, Out-of-State and International Applicants

Rhodes is a private college, so students from Tennessee and other U.S. states generally pay the same published undergraduate tuition rate.

But its Fall 2025 Common Data Set reveals substantial differences in admission outcomes among applicant groups.

Applicant group Applied Admitted Calculated acceptance rate Enrolled
In-state applicants 936 637 68.1% 144
Out-of-state U.S. applicants 2,500 1,866 74.6% 275
International applicants 2,239 424 18.9% 71
Unknown residency 7 0 0% 4
Overall reported totals 5,682 2,927 51.5% 494

Rhodes’ 2025–26 Common Data Set includes a small unknown-residency category. The four enrolled students reported in that category should not be interpreted as newly admitted students from the same unknown-residency applicant group without additional explanation of the institution’s reporting conventions.

Is it harder for international students to get into Rhodes?

The Fall 2025 international applicant-group admission rate was substantially lower than the overall rate.

Rhodes also states that its international admissions process is need-aware, and that admission can be especially competitive for international applicants requiring significant financial assistance.

However, the 18.9% figure should not be treated as an individual student’s probability. It reflects the entire reported international applicant group, including a wide range of academic backgrounds and financial circumstances.

Does Rhodes prefer Tennessee residents?

Tennessee applicants had a 68.1% admission rate in Fall 2025, while applicants from other U.S. states had a 74.6% rate.

Those figures do not establish that living outside Tennessee creates an admissions advantage.

The applicant populations may differ in academic preparation, application timing, institutional fit and other relevant characteristics.

For applicants from Memphis, Nashville and the surrounding region:

Focus on the strength of your application rather than assuming that being close to Rhodes guarantees easier admission.

Proximity does provide practical advantages: it may make campus visits, interviews, college fairs and financial planning conversations easier to arrange.

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Rhodes College?

Rhodes does not publish one minimum high school GPA that automatically qualifies every applicant for admission.

Its admissions review places substantial emphasis on academic achievement, preparation and the rigor of high school coursework.

The most useful current benchmark comes from Rhodes’ Fall 2025 Common Data Set, which reports an average high school GPA of 3.75 among enrolled first-year students whose GPAs were supplied.

Approximately 90% of entering students had GPA information reported.

3.75 Fall 2025 average reported GPA

From the college’s 2025–26 Common Data Set. This describes enrolled students, not an admission cutoff.

3.71 Fall 2026 Class of 2030 average GPA

Rhodes’ published incoming-class profile specifically identifies this as an unweighted average.

Why are the two GPA figures different?

The 3.75 figure relates to students entering Fall 2025 and uses the Common Data Set’s reported GPA population.

The 3.71 figure relates to the Fall 2026 incoming class and is specifically labeled unweighted by Rhodes.

Comparing GPA averages across two admission cycles requires caution because the reporting population and calculation method may differ.

Neither figure means that students with a GPA below the average are automatically rejected.

Can you get into Rhodes with a 3.5 GPA?

Yes, it is possible, but a 3.5 is below the college’s latest reported average.

Students in this range should pay attention to the difficulty of their high school courses, the direction of their grades, recommendations and application writing.

A student who earns a 3.5 while taking demanding coursework, helping family members and demonstrating consistent intellectual engagement may have a different academic story from someone with the same GPA in a less demanding curriculum.

How should you interpret your GPA?

Your approximate GPA How it compares with Rhodes’ published averages What to focus on
3.9–4.0 Strong relative to the published averages. Demonstrate course rigor, sustained interests and authentic writing.
3.7–3.89 Near the reported entering-student averages. Show how your academic interests and extracurricular commitments fit Rhodes.
3.5–3.69 Below the reported average but not automatically ineligible. Emphasize preparation, an upward trend and meaningful recommendations.
3.2–3.49 Further below the average. Review course rigor and explain important circumstances when relevant.
Below 3.2 More challenging relative to the published academic profile. Seek guidance from admissions and develop a balanced college list.

These are practical interpretations, not Rhodes-published acceptance probabilities by GPA.

Does Rhodes prefer honors, AP or IB classes?

The college’s admissions catalog states that special consideration is given to the rigor of the high school academic record, including honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge and other enriched courses.

Students should pursue demanding coursework appropriate to their interests and opportunities.

However, adding more advanced courses than you can realistically manage is not necessarily a better strategy than succeeding consistently in a thoughtful academic program.

Advice for high school juniors:

If your grades have improved over time, keep that momentum through senior year.

Ask a teacher who knows your intellectual growth to write a recommendation. A specific example of how you approached a difficult assignment or helped improve a class discussion can be more convincing than generic praise.

Rhodes College SAT and ACT Scores: What Is Competitive in 2026?

Rhodes is fully test-optional for first-year undergraduate admission.

Its policy is particularly clear: applications are initially reviewed without admissions counselors knowing whether the applicant submitted test scores.

Scores are considered only when the student chooses to include them.

Latest official SAT and ACT percentiles

The Fall 2025 Common Data Set provides the following testing profile among enrolled students who submitted SAT or ACT results.

Examination 25th percentile Median 75th percentile
SAT composite 1360 1420 1470
SAT Reading and Writing 670 710 737.5
SAT Mathematics 660 715 767.5
ACT composite 28 30 32
ACT Mathematics 26 28 31
ACT English 29 32 35

Some percentiles include fractional values because they are calculated statistically across students’ scores. Those fractions do not represent actual SAT section scores a student can earn.

How many Rhodes students submitted scores?

19.8% Submitted SAT scores

98 of the 494 Fall 2025 enrolled first-year students submitted SAT results.

35.0% Submitted ACT scores

173 of the 494 Fall 2025 enrolled first-year students submitted ACT results.

These percentages describe the enrolled Fall 2025 cohort and are not equivalent to the percentage of applicants who chose the test-optional route.

Rhodes’ newer Class of 2030 profile separately says that 50% of its Fall 2026 entering students applied test-optional.

Should you submit a 1300, 1400 or 1500 SAT?

A 1500 is above the reported 75th percentile among Fall 2025 score submitters. It can support an application, though it does not guarantee admission.

A 1400 is close to the reported median and can also provide useful evidence of academic preparation.

A 1300 falls below the reported 25th percentile, but that does not automatically mean the student should withhold the score.

Rhodes advises applicants to decide whether their score genuinely strengthens the application.

Importantly, the college does not recommend taking an entrance examination for the first time in senior year merely to raise the application profile.

One-way test-score decision:

Rhodes allows applicants who initially choose test-optional admission to add scores before the decision is released.

However, once an applicant chooses to submit test scores, the college says that choice cannot be reversed for that application.

Decide carefully before requesting the addition of a score.

Does Rhodes superscore SAT and ACT results?

Yes. Rhodes considers the best available section results when applicants submit multiple SAT or ACT scores under its published superscoring policy.

It also accepts the ACT without a Science section under its current testing guidance.

Rhodes does not require standardized-test scores for merit scholarship eligibility, including its highest scholarship consideration.

Rhodes SAT and ACT school codes

Examination Rhodes College code
SAT 1730
ACT 4008

Official references: Rhodes test-optional policy and first-year application checklist.

What Does Rhodes College Look for in Applicants?

Rhodes describes its admission process as holistic, meaning a student is evaluated as more than a GPA or test score.

Academic preparation is important, but the college also considers recommendations, personal writing, extracurricular involvement and evidence that the student would contribute to its campus community.

High school courses that matter

Rhodes’ 2026–27 academic catalog describes a college-preparatory academic background including at least 16 academic units.

Subject Published academic preparation Applicant consideration
English 4 years Reading, writing and analytical communication are important across the liberal arts curriculum.
Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II or equivalent; 3 years in CDS academic-unit reporting. Additional advanced mathematics is valuable for scientific and quantitative fields.
Laboratory Science 2 years Builds essential preparation for scientific inquiry.
Foreign Language 2 years of the same language or American Sign Language under the catalog requirements. Shows sustained language learning.
History or Social Studies 2 years Develops context, analysis and evidence-based reasoning.
Additional Academic Electives 3 units in the CDS academic-unit reporting. Opportunity to demonstrate interests and academic breadth.

Rhodes especially encourages a fourth year of advanced mathematics for students interested in mathematics, natural science, computer science, economics and business administration.

The college also says applicants with somewhat different academic curricula can receive consideration where the broader record clearly demonstrates readiness.

Which parts of the application deserve the most attention?

Application element Why it matters Practical advice
Transcript and course rigor Shows preparation for college-level work. Choose serious courses and maintain consistent academic performance.
Personal statement Helps admissions readers understand your experiences and perspective. Use specific examples and your own writing voice.
Counselor recommendation Provides context about your school and educational background. Request the Secondary School Report early.
Teacher recommendation Describes academic engagement and classroom contribution. Choose someone who knows your work well.
Activities and responsibilities Shows interests, initiative and involvement. Include meaningful school, family, employment and community commitments.
Demonstrated interest Rhodes’ catalog says interest can contribute to close admission decisions. Use visits and conversations to learn about the college authentically.

Does Rhodes consider demonstrated interest?

Yes. Rhodes’ academic catalog explicitly states that a campus visit or other meaningful demonstration of interest may help the college assess a student in close admission decisions.

Interest may also be demonstrated through virtual meetings, conversations with admission officers and appropriate communication with the college.

This should not be interpreted as a system where sending more emails automatically increases admission chances.

A useful interaction is one that helps the student better understand Rhodes and clarify whether the college is an appropriate fit.

Does Rhodes require an interview?

No. Rhodes does not require an interview for ordinary first-year admission.

However, applicants can arrange meetings with admission representatives, and the college strongly recommends interviews for some homeschooled applicants.

International applicants using nontraditional or unfamiliar academic systems may also benefit from an appropriate interview.

How to use an interview well:

Ask about something that genuinely matters to you—perhaps research opportunities, community engagement, music, study abroad, academic advising or life on a residential campus.

A thoughtful conversation is more useful than memorizing a script designed to sound impressive.

Rhodes Early Decision Acceptance Rate: Is Applying Early Easier?

Rhodes’ Common Data Set includes a combined Early Decision applicant and admitted-student count.

That means applicants can compare actual reported Early Decision data rather than relying on a guessed acceptance rate.

Rhodes Early Decision admission statistics

Fall entering class Combined ED applications Admitted through ED Calculated ED admit rate
2024 341 125 36.7%
2025 357 195 54.6%

The 54.6% figure is calculated from 195 admitted students divided by 357 Early Decision applicants in the Fall 2025 Common Data Set.

The Common Data Set reports Early Decision applications together. It does not provide reliable separate acceptance rates for ED I and ED II in the reviewed data.

Is a 54.6% ED rate a guaranteed advantage?

No. The Fall 2025 combined ED acceptance rate was higher than the overall 51.5% rate, but this does not prove that submitting an identical application earlier would increase its probability of admission by a particular amount.

Students applying Early Decision may differ in academic preparation, college preference, recruitment status and other characteristics.

The college also uses Early Decision to identify students who are prepared to make a binding enrollment commitment.

Do not confuse Early Decision with an automatic admission boost.

In Fall 2024, Rhodes’ reported combined ED rate was 36.7%, lower than that year’s overall acceptance rate of 50.4%.

In Fall 2025, the combined ED rate rose to 54.6%, slightly above the overall 51.5%.

The variation demonstrates why a single year’s ED acceptance percentage should not be treated as a permanent rule.

What is the Rhodes Early Decision Grant?

Rhodes offers an additional $3,000 Early Decision Grant to eligible admitted ED students, renewable for four years under the college’s published policy.

That can provide a meaningful financial benefit.

However, applying Early Decision requires a binding enrollment commitment if admitted and offered adequate financial assistance.

Students should consider the grant alongside the total cost of attendance, the financial aid offer and the opportunity to compare other universities.

Rhodes College Application Deadlines for Fall 2027

Rhodes offers Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action and Regular Decision.

Students applying during the 2026–27 admissions season are generally applying to enter college in Fall 2027.

August 1, 2026 — Application opens

Students can begin preparing and submitting their Rhodes application through the Common Application.

November 1, 2026 — Early Decision I deadline

This binding round is intended for students who have chosen Rhodes as their first-choice college.

November 15, 2026 — Early Action deadline

Early Action is nonbinding. Applicants are normally notified by January 15.

December 1, 2026 — Scholarship priority deadline

A particularly important date for Rhodes’ competitive scholarships and fellowships. Students in any application round should check the relevant award requirements.

January 15, 2027 — Early Decision II deadline

The later binding round for applicants ready to commit to Rhodes.

January 15, 2027 — Regular Decision deadline

General nonbinding admission applications are due. Rhodes normally notifies Regular Decision applicants by March 15.

March 15, 2027 — Regular Decision notification

Rhodes’ current application calendar identifies this as the standard Regular Decision notification deadline.

May 1, 2027 — Standard enrollment reply deadline

Nonbinding admitted students generally have until May 1 to make an enrollment decision, subject to the instructions in their individual offer.

What happens after Early Decision admission?

Rhodes says ED admission and scholarship decisions are normally communicated within approximately two weeks after all required application materials are received.

Admitted Early Decision students must ordinarily submit a $500 enrollment deposit within two weeks of their admission notification.

Early Decision applicants also need to complete the signed binding agreement and meet financial aid requirements appropriate to their circumstances.

Which application plan should you choose?

Your situation Potentially suitable round Reason
Rhodes is clearly your first choice, and you’re ready by November. Early Decision I Earlier binding admission decision and possible additional ED grant.
You want an early answer but are comparing several colleges. Early Action Nonbinding admission review and an earlier decision.
Rhodes becomes your first choice later in the fall. Early Decision II Later binding route with the same commitment.
You want to compare multiple financial aid offers. Regular Decision or Early Action Retains flexibility before the enrollment decision.
Scholarship planning reminder:

Do not assume that applying by the January 15 Regular Decision deadline is early enough for every fellowship.

Rhodes identifies December 1 as its scholarship priority date. Some specialized awards require separate applications and may have additional selection steps.

How to Apply to Rhodes College: Requirements and Application Advice

Rhodes does not charge an application fee for first-year or transfer applicants.

The application process is designed to help the admissions office understand students’ academic preparation, interests and contributions.

Required first-year application materials

Application component Required? Important detail
Common Application Yes Rhodes’ current standard undergraduate application route.
Official high school transcript Yes Should document courses and grades.
Secondary School Report Yes Submitted by the school counselor or appropriate school official.
Counselor recommendation Yes, through the school reporting process Provides useful academic and school context.
Teacher recommendation Yes Preferably from a teacher familiar with academic work.
Personal statement Yes, through the application Should authentically represent the student.
SAT or ACT No Test-optional; submit only if chosen.
Midyear Report Regular Decision applicants Shows senior-year academic progress.
Early Decision Agreement ED applicants only Required for binding admission rounds.
Optional introduction video No May provide additional context, but not required.

Step-by-step application checklist

Choose the admission round that fits your situation

Decide whether you want the binding commitment of Early Decision or the flexibility of Early Action or Regular Decision.

Consider scholarship timing and family financial planning before making a binding choice.

Complete your academic record accurately

List your high school courses and grades correctly. Arrange for the official transcript and Secondary School Report to be delivered.

Do not assume that entering grades into the Common Application replaces the official school documents.

Choose recommenders who know your work

A teacher who can describe your thinking, progress and classroom contributions can provide stronger context than someone who only knows that you earned good grades.

Request recommendations well before the application deadline.

Make an informed SAT or ACT decision

Rhodes does not penalize test-optional applicants and does not require scores for its scholarships.

If you choose to submit scores, remember that the decision cannot later be reversed.

Write an authentic personal statement

Use specific experiences that reveal your interests, judgment or development.

An ordinary but meaningful experience can make a stronger essay than an exaggerated story designed to sound extraordinary.

Check the Rhodes applicant portal

Once submitted, monitor your Rhodes portal for missing documents, scholarship opportunities and admission updates.

Respond promptly if the college requests further information.

Does Rhodes allow AI-generated application essays?

Rhodes has published an explicit policy addressing generative AI in its admissions process.

The college allows students to use AI for research, college-list development, brainstorming possible essay topics and reviewing grammar or spelling in work they wrote themselves.

However, Rhodes prohibits using generative AI to draft or write application essays and short responses, fabricate application materials, or replace the student’s own writing voice.

It warns that unacceptable use can lead to denial or reversal of admission.

Application integrity matters at Rhodes.

Do not ask a writing tool to compose the personal statement and then make small edits to disguise its origin.

Rhodes wants to hear how the student thinks and writes. Brainstorming ideas or reviewing a draft for mistakes is different from outsourcing the actual writing.

Rhodes’ official AI usage policy for applicants.

Are Some Rhodes College Majors Harder to Get Into?

Rhodes is a residential liberal arts and sciences college offering more than 70 majors, minors and interdisciplinary academic programs.

Its general acceptance rate applies to the institution’s first-year applicant pool. It should not automatically be treated as the acceptance rate for Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, Economics, Music or a particular pre-professional interest.

A verified set of separate 2026 major-by-major acceptance rates was not available in the official public sources reviewed.

Pre-medical studies and research opportunities

Rhodes is particularly appealing to students interested in the life sciences and preparation for healthcare careers.

Its Memphis location provides access to a major healthcare and research environment, including opportunities associated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other local institutions.

But being admitted to Rhodes is not the same as being guaranteed a research placement or later admission to medical school.

Students should review the relevant science major, pre-health advising and internship opportunities.

Computer Science, Economics and Business

Students interested in quantitative fields should take the strongest appropriate high school mathematics sequence available.

Rhodes’ academic catalog specifically highlights the importance of additional advanced mathematics for students planning to pursue mathematics, computer science, economics or business administration.

Rather than relying on an unsupported major acceptance percentage, ask how the department structures prerequisites, advising, research and experiential opportunities.

Music and the arts

Rhodes offers arts and music study within the liberal arts environment.

Students with substantial artistic interests should also investigate the college’s specialized Art and Music scholarship opportunities, which involve separate application materials.

The existence of an arts fellowship does not mean the college’s general admissions rate is identical to the selection rate for that award.

The Rhodes Promise

Rhodes promotes an experiential education commitment called the Rhodes Promise.

The college says every student will have at least one qualifying experience involving research, internships or fellowships, study abroad or away, or community-based learning.

The program is an important consideration for applicants who want to connect classroom education with real-world work.

An academic-fit question worth asking:

“If I pursue this major, when could I realistically begin research, community work or an internship, and how would that fit into the four-year degree plan?”

That answer can tell you more about the college’s academic experience than a generic ranking or major acceptance-rate estimate.

Official Rhodes academic programs and experiential learning information.

Rhodes College Transfer Acceptance Rate and Requirements

Transfer applicants have a separate admission process and are evaluated using their previous college coursework.

Rhodes’ Fall 2025 Common Data Set reported 135 transfer applicants, 28 admitted students and 15 enrolled transfers.

That produces a calculated 20.7% transfer acceptance rate for Fall 2025.

51.5% First-year acceptance rate

2,927 admitted from 5,682 first-year applicants in Fall 2025.

20.7% Transfer acceptance rate

28 admitted from 135 Fall 2025 transfer applicants.

These rates describe different applicant groups and should not be compared as if the same students had applied through both routes.

Who is considered a transfer applicant?

Rhodes generally identifies students who have taken more than two courses during a single term at another accredited college as transfer applicants.

Transfer students are expected to disclose all prior postsecondary enrollment and provide the relevant academic records.

Transfer application deadlines

Entry term Application deadline Expected notification
Fall transfer April 1 Approximately May 1
Spring transfer November 1 Approximately December 1

What do transfer applicants need to submit?

  • Completed transfer application.
  • College transcripts from institutions attended.
  • Final high school transcript, when required.
  • College Official’s Report.
  • Mid-Term Report if currently enrolled in classes.
  • Relevant recommendations and other application materials.
  • Course syllabi for classes the student hopes to transfer.

Rhodes emphasizes the importance of submitting course syllabi to help determine which credits will transfer.

Applicants can begin this process before receiving the admission decision.

For students transferring from a Memphis-area college:

Do not assume that every community college or university course will satisfy a Rhodes degree requirement simply because it carries transferable credit.

Ask for a preliminary credit review and retain syllabi, particularly for laboratory sciences, mathematics, writing and major prerequisites.

The number of credits accepted matters, but so does whether those credits actually shorten the remaining degree plan.

Official Rhodes transfer admissions.

Rhodes College Waitlist Acceptance Rate: What Happened in Fall 2025?

Being placed on a college waitlist can feel especially difficult because a student may have prepared for months and still be left without a definite answer.

Rhodes’ latest Common Data Set provides a realistic picture of waitlist movement.

Fall 2025 waitlist measure Reported figure
Applicants offered a waitlist position 893
Applicants accepting a waitlist position 511
Waitlisted applicants later admitted 28
Admission rate among applicants who accepted a waitlist position 5.5%
Admission rate among all applicants offered a waitlist position 3.1%

The 5.5% figure is calculated from 28 students admitted off the waitlist divided by 511 who accepted a waitlist position.

That is different from using all 893 students who were offered a place on the waitlist.

What should you do if you are waitlisted?

  • Follow the instructions in your Rhodes applicant portal.
  • Confirm whether you want to remain on the waitlist.
  • Consider your confirmed admission offers elsewhere.
  • Do not miss another university’s enrollment deposit deadline while waiting.
  • Provide updated grades or meaningful new information only according to Rhodes’ instructions.

Waitlist outcomes vary from year to year. The Fall 2025 statistics should not be treated as a guaranteed probability for someone waitlisted during the 2026–27 admissions season.

A realistic approach to the waitlist:

It is reasonable to remain interested in Rhodes, but do not build your entire college plan around a waitlist decision.

Make sure you have a workable enrollment and financial plan at a university that has already admitted you.

Rhodes College International Student Acceptance Rate and Requirements

Rhodes’ Fall 2025 international applicant group had a calculated admission rate of approximately 18.9%.

The college received 2,239 international first-year applications and admitted 424 of those applicants.

This was a notably more selective group than the domestic applicant population.

Rhodes also states that its international admission process is need-aware, with especially strong competition among students requesting substantial financial assistance.

International application documents

  • Common Application.
  • High school transcript translated into English when necessary.
  • School Report.
  • Teacher recommendation.
  • SAT or ACT results if the student chooses to submit them.
  • Evidence of English proficiency when required.
  • Rhodes Non-U.S. Citizen Financial Information Form.
  • Supporting financial documentation.

English proficiency requirements

Rhodes’ international application checklist currently recommends the following competitive English-language results:

English proficiency test Published competitive guideline
TOEFL Approximately 5.0 on the newer scale, corresponding to 95 on the pre-January 2026 TOEFL scoring system.
IELTS 7.0
Duolingo English Test 130

These are competitive guidelines, not guarantees of admission.

The university’s general test-optional FAQ and its newer international checklist show slightly different Duolingo examples, so applicants should rely on the current international admission instructions or seek confirmation from the admission counselor.

Students educated in English may be eligible for an English-proficiency waiver under the college’s policy.

How does international financial aid work?

Rhodes says it meets the demonstrated financial need of admitted international students on student visas.

International applicants must complete the Rhodes Non-Citizen Financial Supplement and provide documentation of available financial resources.

Rhodes does not require the FAFSA or CSS Profile for international students applying under this process.

The college also offers competitive international merit scholarships, with published awards ranging from $20,000 per year to full tuition.

International financial aid is competitive.

A policy to meet demonstrated need for admitted students should not be interpreted as need-blind admission.

Rhodes explicitly states that international admission is need-aware, particularly for applicants who require significant financial assistance.

Official references: international application checklist and international financial aid information.

Memphis-Specific Tips for Rhodes College Applicants and Families

Rhodes offers a combination that is relatively unusual among small liberal arts colleges: a close-knit residential campus located inside a major city.

Its campus is in Midtown Memphis, near Overton Park and several established neighborhoods.

Students have access to academic opportunities within the college as well as service, employment, research and cultural experiences elsewhere in Memphis.

1. Use the correct address for a campus visit

Rhodes College — Main Campus

2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112

Rhodes’ current daily visit registration identifies Burrow Hall Lobby as a check-in location for certain scheduled admissions visits.

A standard guided visit generally includes a welcome presentation, a student-led tour and a conversation with admissions personnel.

Official Rhodes campus visit information.

2. Set aside enough time for the admissions visit

Rhodes’ current visit registration pages describe a standard guided visit lasting approximately two hours.

High school seniors may also be scheduled for an individual admission conversation lasting approximately 25 minutes.

Optional activities can include attending a class, having lunch with a Rhodes student, meeting a professor or speaking with an athletic coach.

These additional activities may require registration and are not guaranteed simply because a family requests them.

A better way to plan the visit:

If Rhodes is a serious college option, schedule enough time to see the campus and ask about your likely academic interests.

A conversation with a professor or current student may help you understand how a 9:1 student-to-faculty environment works in practice.

If you want to attend a class, request the opportunity in advance rather than assuming you can walk into one during the tour.

3. Rhodes offers a $1,000 Campus Visit Grant

Rhodes currently advertises a $1,000 Campus Visit Grant for high school seniors who complete a qualifying official on-campus visit.

The college says eligible visits include daily campus visits, Open Houses and admitted-student Preview Days.

The grant is automatically included in the student’s financial aid offer under the college’s current published policy.

For students who can travel to Memphis, this is a concrete financial reason to arrange an official visit in addition to the opportunity to evaluate campus fit.

Visit grant eligibility should be confirmed before traveling.

Rhodes identifies official on-campus senior-year visits as qualifying activities. Families should register through the college and verify that the event they select meets the current grant requirements.

A self-directed trip to Memphis without a qualifying registered college visit may not be equivalent.

4. Know where visitor parking is located

Rhodes’ campus parking policy identifies visitor-only parking along Upper Phillips Lane, east of the junction with Thomas Lane and extending toward the Charles Diehl statue.

These visitor spaces remain designated for visitors throughout the year.

Parking in unauthorized areas or along curbs can result in citations.

When registering for a tour, follow the parking directions associated with your specific visit and confirm any gate-access instructions.

Rhodes campus parking policies.

5. Explore how Memphis supports your intended major

Rhodes’ location provides meaningful connections to the wider Memphis community.

Students interested in science, medicine and research may find opportunities through college partnerships associated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Students interested in business, economics, logistics and management can explore the wider Memphis professional community, including companies such as FedEx.

Students interested in service and public policy may connect with nonprofit organizations through Rhodes’ Kinney Program.

Rhodes states that more than 80% of its students participate in some form of community service.

These opportunities are valuable, but participation in a particular internship or research program is not automatically guaranteed by admission.

6. Understand the residential requirement before planning to commute

Rhodes is more residential than many city universities.

The college states that unmarried full-time undergraduate students generally must live in college housing for six consecutive full semesters and participate in a meal plan, unless an exemption is approved.

Rhodes’ current institutional profile also says approximately 95% of first-year students live on campus.

For a Memphis-area family, this means living close to campus does not necessarily create an automatic right to commute from home.

Local family housing tip:

If you live in Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville or another nearby area, ask the Residence Life and Admission offices about exemption eligibility before assuming your student can live at home.

An approved exemption may affect costs considerably. Do not make housing or financial plans based on an unapproved request.

Official Rhodes residential housing requirement.

7. Ask about campus safety and evening transportation

Rhodes operates a campus safety department with a staffed security infrastructure, campus patrols and an on-campus escort service.

The college publishes the following contact numbers:

Campus service Published phone number
Campus Safety emergency 901-843-3333
Campus Safety non-emergency 901-843-3880
Admission and visit information 901-843-3700

Rhodes says safety officers can provide escorts to West Campus and certain other campus locations after dark.

Students should understand how to request help, where residence halls are located and what transportation options are available for internships or evening commitments.

8. Make the campus visit about your everyday life, not just appearance

Rhodes’ campus architecture and grounds are distinctive, but the decision to attend should involve more than an attractive first impression.

Ask current students about academic workload, faculty accessibility, roommate experiences, dining, study spaces and how frequently they leave campus.

If you are considering pre-health, ask how students arrange research or clinical-adjacent opportunities and how competitive those placements are.

If you are interested in music or arts, ask how rehearsal, production and performance commitments fit the academic schedule.

Understanding those details is far more valuable than simply knowing the acceptance rate.

Rhodes College Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid for 2026–27

Rhodes is a private college, and its published tuition is the same for students from Tennessee and other U.S. states.

The sticker price is substantial, but institutional scholarships, need-based aid and specialized fellowships can change the actual amount a family pays.

Official 2026–27 tuition and living costs

Annual cost item Published 2026–27 amount Notes
Full-time tuition $60,240 Standard annual tuition.
Student activity fee $320 Annual charge.
Health and wellness fee $500 Annual charge.
Tuition and mandatory fees $61,060 Tuition plus the two published mandatory fees.
Standard shared room with 15 meals per week $14,632 Housing and meal plan combination.
Standard shared room with unlimited meal plan $15,196 Common residential first-year budgeting example.
Tuition, fees and standard shared unlimited housing/meal plan $76,256 Before financial aid and additional personal expenses.

This subtotal does not include books, transportation, personal spending or every optional charge. It is not a universal final bill for every student.

Rhodes publishes additional room and meal plan combinations with different annual amounts.

Its financial services materials also specify certain optional tuition refund coverage charges.

Does Rhodes offer merit scholarships?

Yes. Rhodes automatically considers applicants for general merit-based scholarships during the admission process.

Its current admission FAQ describes general merit awards ranging from approximately $12,000 to $43,000 annually, subject to the particular award and eligibility.

The college also offers more specialized fellowships that require additional materials and sometimes interviews.

Specialized scholarships and fellowships

Scholarship or fellowship Published benefit Important consideration
Day Scholarship Full tuition, housing and meal plan. Highly competitive; separate scholarship process.
Art and Music Scholarship Up to $12,500 per year. Additional application requirements.
Bonner Scholarship Meets full demonstrated financial need. Community service and financial need are important selection factors.
Taylor Scholarship in Physics Up to $18,500 per year in addition to other Rhodes aid. Specialized physics interest and selection process.
Jewish Community Fellowship $10,000 annually, renewable for up to three years. Separate eligibility and application requirements.
Early Decision Grant $3,000 annually under the current policy. For qualifying admitted ED students; renewable for four years.
Campus Visit Grant $1,000 under the current published policy. Qualifying official on-campus visit during senior year.

Not all awards may be combined. Rhodes states that several general merit scholarships are not stackable with each other.

Students should read the rules for each award before estimating the total amount of scholarship funding they might receive.

Bonner Scholarship: A particularly Memphis-centered opportunity

The Bonner Scholarship is a four-year community engagement and leadership program.

Rhodes says it normally selects approximately 15 students for an incoming Bonner cohort.

Scholars participate in sustained service with Memphis-area community partners and receive financial support based on program eligibility and requirements.

The program publishes a potential service stipend of up to $1,500 per semester and additional funding for required summer service experiences.

For students with a meaningful commitment to community work, Bonner can be more than a financial aid opportunity—it can shape their entire undergraduate experience.

Official Bonner Scholarship details.

Rhodes FAFSA school code

003519 Rhodes College FAFSA school code

Eligible U.S. students should use this code when sending FAFSA information to Rhodes.

Rhodes also provides instructions for the CSS Profile in certain financial aid circumstances.

Rhodes’ published financial aid deadlines are tied closely to its application rounds. Students seeking need-based institutional support should complete the applicable forms by the deadline corresponding to their admission plan.

What if your family cannot afford the published tuition?

Do not decide solely from the sticker price.

Rhodes offers a net price calculator for students considering the 2027–28 academic year.

The calculator can help families estimate possible institutional, state and federal aid using their financial information.

However, the estimate is not a guaranteed aid award.

Before accepting a financial aid offer:

Separate grants and scholarships from loans and work-study opportunities.

Then calculate the actual remaining annual cost, including housing, food, travel home and personal expenses.

A large scholarship can be valuable while still leaving a meaningful amount to pay.

Official sources: Rhodes 2026–27 expenses, institutional scholarships, and net price calculator.

Beyond Acceptance: Class Size, Retention and Student Experience

Acceptance rates describe who is offered admission. They do not tell you what happens after students arrive.

Rhodes’ latest public institutional data provides additional information about the academic and residential environment.

Rhodes institutional measure Published figure Why it matters
Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1 Indicates a small-college academic environment.
Average class size 15 students Supports opportunities for direct classroom interaction.
Fall 2025 total undergraduate enrollment 1,739 From the college’s 2025–26 Common Data Set.
First-year retention 90.2% Historical measure of students returning after the first year.
Six-year graduation rate 81.2% Historical degree-completion benchmark for an earlier cohort.
Fall 2026 first-year class 403 students Rhodes’ published Class of 2030 profile.
Fall 2026 first-generation students 17% Share reported in the Class of 2030 profile.
Fall 2026 student-athletes 26% Share reported in the Class of 2030 profile.

Retention and graduation figures come from earlier student cohorts. They are not guarantees of what will happen to students entering in Fall 2027.

But they are useful starting points for asking about academic advising, course access, campus support and degree planning.

Questions to ask after admission

  • How are first-year academic advisers assigned?
  • What is the typical reading and writing workload?
  • How do students become involved in research?
  • How competitive are internships in the intended field?
  • How do students manage service commitments alongside classes?
  • What resources are available if a student struggles academically?
  • How does the residential requirement affect campus life and costs?

The answers will help you assess whether Rhodes is the right college—not simply whether admission is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes College Acceptance Rate 2026

What is Rhodes College’s acceptance rate for 2026?

The latest complete official Common Data Set reports a 51.5% acceptance rate for the Fall 2025 entering class. Rhodes received 5,682 applications and admitted 2,927 first-year students. Its Fall 2026 Class of 2030 profile includes entering-student statistics but does not establish a final Fall 2026 acceptance percentage.

Is Rhodes College hard to get into?

Rhodes is moderately selective, admitting slightly more than half of first-year applicants in Fall 2025. The college evaluates academic performance, course rigor, application writing, recommendations and other aspects of an applicant’s preparation. The overall acceptance rate does not predict an individual admission decision.

What GPA do you need to get into Rhodes?

Rhodes does not publish a universal minimum GPA for first-year admission. Its Fall 2025 Common Data Set reports an average high school GPA of 3.75 among enrolled students with reported GPAs. Its Fall 2026 Class of 2030 profile lists an average unweighted GPA of 3.71. Neither figure is an official admission cutoff.

Can I get into Rhodes College with a 3.5 GPA?

It is possible, although 3.5 is below the latest reported entering-student averages. Admission depends on the broader academic record, course difficulty, recommendations, application writing and other factors. Rhodes does not publish an acceptance rate specifically for applicants with a 3.5 GPA.

What SAT and ACT scores are competitive at Rhodes?

Among Fall 2025 enrolled students who submitted scores, the middle 50% SAT composite range was 1360–1470, with a median of 1420. The ACT composite middle-50% range was 28–32, with a median of 30. These are enrolled score-submitter statistics, not admission requirements.

Is Rhodes College test-optional for 2026 and 2027?

Yes. Rhodes allows applicants to apply without SAT or ACT scores and says it does not penalize them for doing so. Test scores are also not required for merit scholarship consideration. Applicants who decide to submit scores cannot later reverse that decision for their application.

What is the Rhodes College Early Decision acceptance rate?

Rhodes’ Fall 2025 Common Data Set reports 357 combined Early Decision applicants and 195 admitted students, giving a calculated acceptance rate of 54.6%. The Fall 2024 combined ED rate was approximately 36.7%. These historical statistics do not establish separate 2026 ED I or ED II acceptance rates.

What are Rhodes College’s application deadlines?

For Fall 2027 entry, Early Decision I is due November 1, 2026; Early Action is due November 15, 2026; and Early Decision II and Regular Decision are due January 15, 2027. The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026.

What is the Rhodes College transfer acceptance rate?

Rhodes reported 135 transfer applicants and 28 admitted transfers for Fall 2025, producing a calculated transfer acceptance rate of 20.7%. Transfer applicants follow a separate application process and must provide records of previous college coursework.

Does visiting Rhodes College improve admissions or scholarship opportunities?

Rhodes’ academic catalog says that demonstrated interest, including visits, may help in close admission decisions. The college currently also advertises a $1,000 Campus Visit Grant for qualifying official senior-year on-campus visits. Students should register through the college and confirm current eligibility.

Official Rhodes College Admissions Sources and Research Documents

This guide prioritizes Rhodes’ own Common Data Sets, academic catalog, admission instructions and financial aid pages.

The latest Common Data Set is available as an Excel workbook rather than a PDF. Older reports include PDF and spreadsheet formats.

  1. Rhodes College Common Data Set Archive — Official 2025–26 spreadsheet and historical reports containing first-year applicants, admissions, enrollment, GPA, SAT/ACT, waitlist, Early Decision and transfer data.
  2. Rhodes Common Data Set 2025–2026 (XLSX) — Primary institution-published statistical source for Fall 2025 admission outcomes.
  3. Common Data Set 2024–2025 (PDF) — Prior admission cohort, Early Decision, testing, aid and institutional reporting comparison.
  4. About Rhodes and Class of 2030 Profile — Fall 2026 entering class GPA, enrollment, student profile, faculty ratio and residential information.
  5. Application Plans and Deadlines — ED I, ED II, Early Action, Regular Decision and binding admission terms.
  6. First-Year Application Checklist — Common Application, counselor and teacher recommendations, transcript rules and optional testing.
  7. Test-Optional Admissions Policy — Rhodes’ initial test-blind review, superscoring and scholarship testing policy.
  8. 2026–27 Rhodes Academic Catalog: Admission — High school academic units, admission selection criteria, interest, deadlines and required documents.
  9. Policy on AI Usage in the Admission Process — College rules for ethical AI assistance and prohibited AI-generated application writing.
  10. Transfer Applicants — Transfer eligibility, documents, course syllabi and spring/fall deadlines.
  11. International Application Checklist — International transcripts, English proficiency and financial documentation.
  12. International Student Financial Aid — Need-aware admissions, merit scholarships, required financial forms and 2026–27 international charges.
  13. Rhodes College Expenses 2026–27 — Annual tuition, fees, housing and meal plan charges.
  14. Rhodes Institutional Aid and Fellowships — General merit awards and specialized Day, Bonner, Art and Music, Taylor Physics and Jewish Community fellowships.
  15. Rhodes Net Price Calculator — Estimated financial aid and family cost for the 2027–28 academic year.
  16. Campus Visit and Campus Visit Grant — Official on-campus tour options and $1,000 qualifying senior-year visit benefit.
  17. Rhodes Visitor Parking Policies — Upper Phillips Lane visitor parking and campus vehicle rules.
  18. Rhodes Residential Requirement — Six-semester housing requirement, exemptions and residence hall policies.

Research methodology: First-year acceptance rates are calculated from the number admitted divided by the number applying for the same entering class. Early Decision and transfer rates use their own applicant populations. GPA and standardized-test statistics describe entering-student reporting groups, not the personal admission chances of applicants with particular scores. Reported 2026 Class of 2030 characteristics are not used to invent a final Fall 2026 acceptance percentage. Tuition and scholarships may change for subsequent academic years.

Final Assessment: Is Rhodes College a Realistic Choice in 2026?

Rhodes College is a realistic possibility for students with strong college-preparatory records who are interested in a close-knit liberal arts education.

Its latest verified acceptance rate is 51.5%, but that figure should not be viewed as an individual student’s chance of admission.

Rhodes’ admissions review emphasizes academic achievement, course rigor, recommendations, meaningful personal writing and evidence that the applicant understands the college’s educational environment.

The test-optional policy offers flexibility, while the two Early Decision rounds and Early Action option give students different ways to plan their applications.

Beyond getting accepted, families should consider Rhodes’ residential requirement, the total cost after scholarships and aid, opportunities for research and service in Memphis, and the day-to-day academic experience.

An acceptance letter can be an exciting milestone. The more important decision is whether Rhodes offers the education, community, support and financial path that will help the student thrive throughout the next four years.

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