Special Student (Non-degree) Status

I want to take courses at Rhodes, but I′m not working toward a degree.

Applying as a Special Student allows you to audit one class per semester or take up to two classes or eight hours for credit per semester.

As a Special Student, you are not regarded as a candidate for a Rhodes degree. If you later decide to seek a degree by applying to Rhodes, you may apply credits earned as a Special Student toward your degree. Special Students are not eligible for Rhodes athletics teams, fraternity or sorority membership or Rhodes or federal financial aid.

How do I apply as a Special Student?

Submit an Application for Admission as a Special Student (PDF), a $45 application fee and an official transcript from the last college you attended. If you have not previously studied at a college or university, you may send an official copy of your high school record instead of a transcript.

All materials are due two weeks prior to the beginning of a new semester and should be sent to:

Office of Admission

Rhodes College
2000 N. Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112-1690

Note to Rhodes employees: If you wish to receive tuition remission, you must contact Human Resources for approval of eligibility for this benefit before you apply as a Special Student.

When do I have to renew my Special Student status?

Once you have been accepted as a Special Student, you don’t have to reapply unless you have taken two or more courses at another institution since last attending Rhodes.

If you wish to attend Rhodes as a Special Student for a subsequent semester after you have been admitted—and you have not studied elsewhere in the interim—report directly to the Rhodes Express in Burrow Hall during the first day of the semester.

Can Special Students attend Summer Session?

Special Students can apply to audit Summer Session courses. Please visit the Summer Session webpage for course offerings and a link to the Special Student Application for Admission - Summer Session.