Computer Science at Rhodes College

Rhodes College computer science graduates start at $60,225—about $10,000 below the national median for CS programs, though slightly above Tennessee's typical outcome. That's a notable gap considering Rhodes' selective admission profile and strong academic reputation. While the debt load of $26,000 is reasonable and creates a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, the real question is whether a liberal arts approach to computer science justifies earning roughly half what Vanderbilt graduates make and $10,000 less than larger state universities like UT-Knoxville.

The tradeoff here is clear: Rhodes offers small classes and a well-rounded education at a price point between elite privates and public universities. But in a field where earning power typically correlates strongly with technical depth and recruiting networks, starting in the 25th percentile nationally suggests graduates may need to work harder to reach competitive salaries. One important caveat is the small sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few outliers could significantly skew these numbers either direction.

For families prioritizing the liberal arts experience and who value Rhodes' broader educational mission, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if maximizing early-career tech earnings is the goal, Tennessee's flagship university delivers better financial outcomes at likely lower in-state tuition costs.