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Rust College

Holly Springs, Mississippi · Private (nonprofit)

Apr 1Application deadline

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
C-Academics
BAdmissions
BStudent Life
C+Overall

About

Rust College is located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 428 students.

rustcollege.edu
HBCU

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$13,840
Out-of-state tuition$13,840
Room & board$5,980
Avg aid package$12,238
Students receiving aid69%
Pell grant recipients69%

Rust College offers an affordable education, with some of the lowest tuition rates in the United States. 97% of students receive financial aid, with the average total aid awarded being $12,238. The net price per year is $8,234, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.

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Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate35%
Average GPA2.66
Student–faculty ratio11:1
Test optionalYes
Application fee$10

Application dates

Regular DecisionFeb 1

Rust College has a selective admission policy with an acceptance rate between 30-39%. The college considers secondary school GPA and record, with SAT/ACT scores considered but not required. Rust College welcomes international students and seeks students who are serious about their future and want to make a difference.

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Academics

Graduation rate25%
Retention rate10%
Student–faculty ratio11:1
Full-time faculty94%

Rust College provides an intimate classroom setting with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering connections between students and instructors. The college operates on an 8-week module system, allowing for a steady stream of transfer students. With a strong liberal arts curriculum, Rust College emphasizes critical thinking and prepares students for diverse careers.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$32,275
Avg starting salary$26,363
Job placement rate99%
Earn more than HS grad40%
Economic mobility235%
Loan default (3 yr)16%
Loan repayment (3 yr)21%

Rust College prepares students for graduate school and various careers through its diverse degree programs. The college integrates internships into the curriculum, particularly in Social Work and Business, to provide students with practical work experience. Graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in STEM fields and beyond.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
428Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

BalancedGender ratio
Female 50%Male 50%
93% BlackRacial diversity
Black 93%Hispanic 0%Asian 0%White 0%Other 6%
Campus housingYes

Rust College offers a close-knit campus environment where students often know each other by name. The college fosters a supportive atmosphere and a strong sense of cultural identity as a historic HBCU. Greek life is active, contributing to campus events and community, though there is no Greek housing on campus.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Current Student

So far, Rust College has been really good! I’ve only been here for six days, but everyone’s been so welcoming. The campus feels small enough to not get lost, but there’s still a lot to explore. Classes haven’t gotten too intense yet, so I’m just trying to get organized and stay ahead.

Student

From 2021 to 2025–26, Rust College has been a place that truly shaped me. I enjoyed the small, family-like environment where everyone knows your name and wants to see you succeed. The teachers pushed me, supported me, and helped me grow not only in the classroom but as a person.

Student

The experience of attending Rust College in Mississippi has changed my life. My days as a 21-year-old computer science major are a combination of challenging coding tasks, in-depth discussions with classmates, and personal development experiences that continue to mold me into the person I am today. I had no idea what to expect when I first arrived in Rust.

About Rust College

Campus safety is a concern among students, with some feeling that security personnel are insufficiently equipped. Rust College utilizes the 911Cellular emergency messaging system for alerts. Students are advised to take personal precautions to ensure safety, such as keeping doors and windows locked.

The E.A. Smith Honors Program at Rust College provides varied educational opportunities to able and interested students. The program fosters intellect and academic excellence, requiring a minimum 3.25 GPA and completion of an honors project. Honors students are expected to be role models and participate in events, with opportunities for abroad programs and research fellowships.

Rust College welcomes international students, offering affordable tuition rates. The college provides a supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. International students can apply for enrollment and benefit from the college's academic and non-academic facilities.

Endowment$45,787,334
Avg faculty salary$62,364

Rust College FAQ

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Rust College admits about 35% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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