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Rhodes College vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Rhodes College is a private college in Memphis, TN, and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, TN. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the more selective of the two, admitting about 42% of applicants against 50% at Rhodes College. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,976 a year against $28,585 at Rhodes College. About 83% of students graduate at Rhodes College, compared with 74% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Ten years after enrolling, Rhodes College alumni earn a median of about $66,651, against $60,249 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

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Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Memphis, TN
Knoxville, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,836
30,418
Acceptance rate
50%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1486
1200–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,585
$18,976
Full cost / yr
$71,136
$33,678
In-state tuition
$57,110
$13,812
Out-of-state tuition
$57,110
$33,256
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,770
$10,029
$30k - $48k
$19,960
$12,162
$48k - $75k
$15,910
$18,206
$75k - $110k
$37,103
$23,627
Over $110k
$31,878
$25,688
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
74%
Freshman retention
92%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,898
$47,782
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,651
$60,249
Median debt at graduation
$21,761
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
19%
First-generation students
13%
25%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville harder to get into?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 50% at Rhodes College. 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,976 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Before aid, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville costs about $33,678 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,029 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the larger of the two, with about 30,418 undergraduates against 1,836 at Rhodes College.
Does Rhodes College or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville have a better graduation rate?
Rhodes College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 74% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Do graduates of Rhodes College or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earn more?
Rhodes College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,651 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,249 for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rhodes College and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville require SAT or ACT scores?
Rhodes College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Rhodes College and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1486 at Rhodes College and 1200–1370 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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