Rust College
Rust College is a private nonprofit university in Holly Springs, MS ranked #729 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 467 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 48.7%. Students most often pursue Journalism and Biology.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.4% first-year retention, and 11.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $12,587, about $4,411 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -49.1%, roughly 134.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $25,641. That's about $18,047 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Rust College has an acceptance rate of 48.7%, annual tuition of $13,265, average net price of $12,587, and a national rank of #729 (Grade B), with a 11.8% six-year graduation rate, about 467 undergraduates, and median earnings of $25,641 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Rust College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Rust College graduates 11.8% of students within six years and keeps 84.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Rust College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,265 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,150 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $6,217 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,107 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 71.5% of Rust College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,546 to $18,356 depending on family income. Use Rust College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,797/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,356/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $25,641
- 10-Year Median Earnings $25,641
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,777
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 21.1%
- Employment Rate 90.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Rust College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Rust College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Rust College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Rust College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Rust College graduates earn $25,641 median, the -49.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 467
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.4%
- Graduation Rate 11.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Rust College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Rust College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 48.7%, Rust College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Rust College accepts 48.7% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Rust College undergraduates. Biology, General, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Social Work draw the most students.
- Biology, General 29.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 12.8%
- Social Work 12.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.8%
- Journalism 8.0%
- Computer Science 6.4%
See more majors
- Sociology 5.6%
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other 4.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Journalism $35,380
- 2. Biology, General $32,893
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $31,428
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Journalism grads earn $35,380—13% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($31,428). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Rust College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Journalism (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (15 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Journalism
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Chemistry
- Public Administration
- Political Science and Government
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 467
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.8%
- Female Students 52.2%
- Caucasian 0.6%
- Asian 0.4%
- Hispanic 1.9%
- Black 91.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 71.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Rust College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Rust College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Rust College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Rust College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Rust College has a diverse student body, with 0.6% identifying as White. 71.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Rust College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Rust College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Rust College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -49.1% ROI. Ranked #729 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,587 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $25,641 median earnings. With 11.8% graduating within six years and 84.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Rust College's Positioning
With a B grade and #729 ranking, Rust College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,587 annually, Rust College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 84.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $8,811 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -49.1% ROI and $25,641 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,587+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Rust College ranks #729 of 6101 institutions, with 1010 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 11.8% six-year graduation rate sits 50.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.4% first-year retention is 7.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -49.1% return on investment is 134.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $25,641 run about 41% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,587 is roughly $4,810 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.9% employment rate within three years sits 22.7 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Rust College—a private nonprofit university in Holly Springs, MS—at B overall. It is currently ranked #729 nationally Category results include Completion (C), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (A).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 84.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 11.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -49.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,587 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,107.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,520 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,777 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 71.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $25,641 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 41% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -49.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
48.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Rust College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rust College's acceptance rate?
Rust College's acceptance rate is 48.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Rust College cost?
At Rust College, listed tuition and fees are $13,265 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,587. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Rust College's ranking?
Rust College ranks #729 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Rust College's graduation rate?
At Rust College, the six-year graduation rate is 11.8%, and first-year retention is 84.4%.
What are Rust College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Rust College report median earnings of $25,641 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Rust College's student population?
Rust College enrolls about 467 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Holly Springs, MS 38635
- Website www.rustcollege.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$45.8M