Rhodes College

Educational Excellence In One of the South’s Most Vibrant Cities

Ask anyone who knows about Rhodes College and you will learn about this rare jewel among the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges. Rhodes’ students live and learn on a campus cited as one of America’s most beautiful. Quietly nestled among 110 acres of wooded charm and Collegiate Gothic stone buildings in an attractive residential section of Memphis, Rhodes is just minutes from a revitalized downtown where Beale Street (Home of the Blues) meets the majestic Mississippi River.

The campus is within walking distance of the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Memphis is the 20th largest city in the United States and offers a broad variety of entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities, good restaurants, malls, shops and great hangouts. As the region’s medical and business hub, Memphis provides students with many internship and research opportunities, as well as career and service opportunities.

Rhodes’ educational excellence is well documented: US. News & World Report lists Rhodes in the Top Tier of America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Fiske Guide to Colleges names Rhodes one of the “best buys” among the nation’s leading institutions. Rhodes is one of only 40 schools listed in Loren Pope’s “Colleges That Change Lives,” and is also ranked among the top 100 colleges and universities in “Choosing the Right College: The Whole Truth About America’s Top 100 Schools.”

And, Rhodes is included in the Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges and Universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. Rhodes ranks 16^th among southeastern liberal arts colleges.

Rhodes has achieved this recognition through its long and steadfast commitment to provide its students with an education that challenges them to think critically, independently and creatively, that actively engages them in research and internships, and that connects them in meaningful ways to one another and the larger Memphis community.

Rhodes brings together three major facets of learning seldom found at a single institution: Intellectual growth fostered by intensive interaction between students and faculty; Preparation for professional life supported by a unique internship program drawing on Memphis’ rich variety of opportunities; Personal values strengthened by being part of a diverse student body that adheres to a student-run honor code and regularly engages in service to the broader Memphis community. Rhodes’ faculty members are more than teachers. As Rhodes president William E. Troutt says, “They are gifted teacher-scholars who are challenging, engaging and connecting students in life changing ways. Rhodes graduates will tell you that where they are today comes from being inspired by inspiring teachers.”

Rhodes’ students hold impressive academic and extracurricular credentials. Their mid-range SAT is 1200-1360 (ACT 27-31) with an average grade point average of 3.56. More than one-third were president of at least one high school club or organization and more than 20% were captains of a varsity athletic team. More than 7% were National Merit Scholarship finalists or semi-finalists, 8% were president of their class, 10% were valedictorians or salutatorians of their class and 9% were editors of their high school newspapers or yearbooks.

The college’s 2,025 students are a diverse group, representing 46 states and 7 foreign countries. With 75% living on campus, they form a rich and vibrant community. They are keenly aware of social responsibility and are involved as volunteers throughout their college years. More than 80% of Rhodes’ students are active in community service in the greater Memphis area.

Rhodes’ academic program offers its students a broad variety of programs. There are 18 departmental and 13 interdisciplinary majors leading to a B.A. or B.S. degree. Rhodes’ students benefit from a curriculum that is designed to develop their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and to appreciate broadly. With one faculty member for every 10 students, it’s easy to get to know teachers. Classes at Rhodes are small, with the average size being 14. Many, particularly advanced, courses are even smaller, promoting intensive interaction between and among students and faculty. Rhodes also offers a variety of opportunities for students to study abroad, gaining valuable insight into other people and cultures.