Rust College
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; earnings barely cover the debt load. 71% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Rust College is a private nonprofit institution located in Holly Springs, Mississippi with approximately 467 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 49% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $12,587 per year. The graduation rate is 12%, and the typical graduate earns $26,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
Rust College is a private historically black college in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Founded in 1866, it is the second-oldest private college in the state. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it is one of ten historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) founded before 1868 that are still operating.
The numbers here tell a concerning story: with only a 27% graduation rate and a freshman retention rate of just 10%, most students who start here don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth discussing openly. On the positive side, the average net price of $8,751/year makes it one of the more affordable options available, and the relatively low median debt of $13,777 limits financial risk if a student does complete their degree. Worth considering only if a student has a clear plan, strong support system, and has carefully explored why the retention numbers are so low before committing.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Rust College in the news
Posts that mention Rust College (or its abbreviation) by name.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 1% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (467 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University, MS · Public
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS · Public
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS · Public
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS · Public
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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