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Rhodes College vs Tennessee State University

Rhodes College is a private college in Memphis, TN. Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, TN. Rhodes College admits about 50% of applicants and Tennessee State University about 70%, making Rhodes College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,796 a year at Tennessee State University after aid, and about $28,585 at Rhodes College. About 83% of students graduate at Rhodes College, compared with 33% at Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Rhodes College alumni earn a median of about $66,651, against $42,730 for Tennessee State University.

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,836
4,848
Acceptance rate
50%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1486
880–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,585
$15,796
Full cost / yr
$71,136
$25,637
In-state tuition
$57,110
$8,616
Out-of-state tuition
$57,110
$22,416
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,770
$15,005
$30k - $48k
$19,960
$15,840
$48k - $75k
$15,910
$15,579
$75k - $110k
$37,103
$20,624
Over $110k
$31,878
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
33%
Freshman retention
92%
34%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,898
$34,160
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,651
$42,730
Median debt at graduation
$21,761
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
51%
First-generation students
13%
37%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Rhodes College or Tennessee State University harder to get into?
Rhodes College is harder to get into. It admits about 50% of applicants, compared with 70% at Tennessee State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Rhodes College or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,796 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,585 at Rhodes College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Rhodes College and Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Tennessee State University costs about $25,637 a year and Rhodes College about $71,136. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Rhodes College or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,005 there, against about $15,770 at Rhodes College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rhodes College or Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,848 undergraduates against 1,836 at Rhodes College.
Does Rhodes College or Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Rhodes College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 33% at Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Rhodes College or Tennessee State University earn more?
Rhodes College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,651 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,730 for Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rhodes College and Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Rhodes College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tennessee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Rhodes College and Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1486 at Rhodes College and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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