Memphis, TN · Private University
Is Rhodes College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$66,651
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$54,892
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,892
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$219,568
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.21x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
81.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,761
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$25,060
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Rhodes College graduates earn $21,651 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Rhodes College ranked by graduate earnings
53 graduates
22 graduates
22 graduates
21 graduates
18 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Rhodes College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Rhodes College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $89,072) and the lowest (History: $29,279) is $59,793/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $89,072 | 1.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $72,782 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $63,885 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $60,895 | 1.1x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $60,225 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $53,414 | 1.0x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $49,269 | 0.9x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences(1yr data) | $35,556 | 0.7x |
| HistoryLowest(1yr data) | $29,279 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes College | 1.21x | $66,651 | Average ROI |
| The University of the South | 1.21x | $64,911 | Average ROI |
| Furman University | 1.18x | $68,635 | Average ROI |
| Austin College | 1.32x | $61,296 | Average ROI |
| University of Dallas | 1.15x | $58,285 | Average ROI |
| Centre College | 1.31x | $66,240 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Rhodes College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $66,651 10 years after starting — $21,651 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.9 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.