Rust College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Rust College
Ida B. Wells studied here early in her life, and you can feel that legacy of purpose on Rust College's tree-lined, red-brick campus. The college is known for close-knit classes and a firm grounding in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. Students find practical support in the library and labs, with tutoring, advising, counseling, and career services that actually pick up the phone. Campus life leans active: student-led organizations, choir and arts, faith-life opportunities, and intramurals that keep evenings lively.
The vibe is welcoming, tradition-rich, and genuinely Southern. Holly Springs offers a small-town square, historic neighborhoods, and nearby outdoor escapes, with Memphis close enough for internships, nonprofits, and music-soaked weekends. Rust has a reputation for community service, spirited homecoming celebrations, and a strong HBCU identity that builds confidence and voice. Graduates leave with faculty connections, regional ties, and a sense of direction that sticks.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Rust College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Mississippi. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Biological Sciences (1)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $126,590 | -$46,910 (-27%) |
19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other | $100,440 | $100,380 | -$60 (-0.1%) |
19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other | $101,940 | N/A | N/A |
19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians | $49,680 | $41,960 | -$7,720 (-15.5%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $60,080 | +$5,680 (+10.4%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $60,970 | +$2,950 (+5.1%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $62,390 | -$12,870 (-17.1%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $62,640 | -$38,700 (-38.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
Public Services (1)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
44.0701
Social Work.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $64,260 | -$21,840 (-25.4%) |
21-1013 | Marriage and Family Therapists | $72,720 | $48,680 | -$24,040 (-33.1%) |
21-1019 | Counselors, All Other | $58,070 | $45,900 | -$12,170 (-21%) |
21-1021 | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $62,920 | $46,210 | -$16,710 (-26.6%) |
21-1022 | Healthcare Social Workers | $72,030 | $53,290 | -$18,740 (-26%) |
21-1023 | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $68,290 | $40,490 | -$27,800 (-40.7%) |
21-1029 | Social Workers, All Other | $74,680 | $85,430 | +$10,750 (+14.4%) |
21-1092 | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $71,530 | $33,120 | -$38,410 (-53.7%) |
25-1113 | Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,880 | $68,000 | -$13,880 (-17%) |
Communication (2)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0401
Journalism.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $59,570 | -$30,770 (-34.1%) |
27-3023 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $106,030 | $46,640 | -$59,390 (-56%) |
27-3041 | Editors | $85,700 | $55,320 | -$30,380 (-35.4%) |
27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $51,230 | -$34,550 (-40.3%) |
43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $52,730 | N/A | N/A |
09.0402
Broadcast Journalism.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $59,570 | -$30,770 (-34.1%) |
27-3011 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $80,110 | $46,770 | -$33,340 (-41.6%) |
27-3023 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $106,030 | $46,640 | -$59,390 (-56%) |
27-3041 | Editors | $85,700 | $55,320 | -$30,380 (-35.4%) |
27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $51,230 | -$34,550 (-40.3%) |
Business (5)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $155,610 | -$107,320 (-40.8%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $109,180 | -$23,940 (-18%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $121,210 | -$39,720 (-24.7%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $119,900 | -$6,130 (-4.9%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $104,800 | -$9,720 (-8.5%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $125,260 | -$3,920 (-3%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $77,500 | -$38,510 (-33.2%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $105,280 | -$50,950 (-32.6%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $97,610 | -$62,870 (-39.2%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $97,030 | -$43,560 (-31%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $101,370 | -$18,290 (-15.3%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $68,190 | -$18,870 (-21.7%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $64,260 | -$21,840 (-25.4%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $51,880 | -$18,740 (-26.5%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $111,630 | -$38,260 (-25.5%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $67,000 | -$16,160 (-19.4%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $63,370 | -$16,360 (-20.5%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $78,540 | -$9,060 (-10.3%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $86,350 | -$21,750 (-20.1%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $78,330 | -$36,380 (-31.7%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $60,790 | -$22,130 (-26.7%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $81,780 | -$10,600 (-11.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $118,890 | +$5,050 (+4.4%) |
52.0301
Accounting.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
13-2011 | Accountants and Auditors | $93,520 | $70,980 | -$22,540 (-24.1%) |
13-2022 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13-2031 | Budget Analysts | $93,920 | $65,960 | -$27,960 (-29.8%) |
13-2041 | Credit Analysts | $98,040 | $84,230 | -$13,810 (-14.1%) |
13-2054 | Financial Risk Specialists | $119,930 | $125,990 | +$6,060 (+5.1%) |
13-2061 | Financial Examiners | $103,650 | $75,670 | -$27,980 (-27%) |
13-2081 | Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $67,570 | $44,410 | -$23,160 (-34.3%) |
13-2082 | Tax Preparers | $58,860 | $41,830 | -$17,030 (-28.9%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $118,890 | +$5,050 (+4.4%) |
52.1101
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $155,610 | -$107,320 (-40.8%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $109,180 | -$23,940 (-18%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $81,780 | -$10,600 (-11.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $118,890 | +$5,050 (+4.4%) |
52.1401
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-2011 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | $149,270 | $84,510 | -$64,760 (-43.4%) |
11-2021 | Marketing Managers | $171,520 | $109,390 | -$62,130 (-36.2%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $121,210 | -$39,720 (-24.7%) |
11-2033 | Fundraising Managers | $137,290 | $99,930 | -$37,360 (-27.2%) |
13-1131 | Fundraisers | $73,130 | $60,040 | -$13,090 (-17.9%) |
13-1161 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $86,480 | $56,840 | -$29,640 (-34.3%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $118,890 | +$5,050 (+4.4%) |
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0701
Computer Science.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $112,800 | -$75,190 (-40%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $86,290 | -$41,440 (-32.4%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $101,200 | -$51,110 (-33.6%) |
15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,610 | $64,760 | -$14,850 (-18.7%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $93,200 | -$49,420 (-34.7%) |
15-1251 | Computer Programmers | $103,640 | $62,870 | -$40,770 (-39.3%) |
15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $91,620 | -$52,950 (-36.6%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $81,390 | -$28,870 (-26.2%) |
15-1254 | Web Developers | $98,790 | $64,530 | -$34,260 (-34.7%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $61,330 | -$50,120 (-45%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $78,030 | -$38,670 (-33.1%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $66,260 | -$58,330 (-46.8%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $84,310 | -$21,520 (-20.3%) |
Physical Sciences (1)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
40.0501
Chemistry, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $126,590 | -$46,910 (-27%) |
19-2031 | Chemists | $95,940 | $108,640 | +$12,700 (+13.2%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $60,080 | +$5,680 (+10.4%) |
19-4031 | Chemical Technicians | $61,300 | $56,460 | -$4,840 (-7.9%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $62,390 | -$12,870 (-17.1%) |
25-1052 | Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,030 | $81,040 | -$21,990 (-21.3%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0104
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $64,640 | $59,500 | -$5,140 (-8%) |
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $86,910 | +$2,090 (+2.5%) |
33-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $82,260 | $50,330 | -$31,930 (-38.8%) |
33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,990 | $57,710 | -$53,280 (-48%) |
Social Sciences (3)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0101
Social Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $111,630 | -$38,260 (-25.5%) |
19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $106,440 | $92,480 | -$13,960 (-13.1%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | N/A | N/A |
25-1069 | Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $92,950 | $68,940 | -$24,010 (-25.8%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
45.1001
Political Science and Government, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $111,630 | -$38,260 (-25.5%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | N/A | N/A |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | N/A | N/A |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $71,940 | -$33,220 (-31.6%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
45.1101
Sociology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $111,630 | -$38,260 (-25.5%) |
19-3041 | Sociologists | $111,670 | N/A | N/A |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | N/A | N/A |
25-1067 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,270 | $72,160 | -$25,110 (-25.8%) |
Education (9)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101
Education, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13.1202
Elementary Education and Teaching.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $48,040 | -$21,750 (-31.2%) |
13.1209
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $29,850 | -$11,600 (-28%) |
25-2012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $67,020 | $47,440 | -$19,580 (-29.2%) |
13.1303
Business and Innovation/Entrepreneurship Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $118,890 | +$5,050 (+4.4%) |
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $51,610 | -$17,100 (-24.9%) |
25-2023 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School | $68,690 | $52,850 | -$15,840 (-23.1%) |
25-2032 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $70,550 | $55,270 | -$15,280 (-21.7%) |
13.1305
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $61,940 | -$28,460 (-31.5%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $51,010 | -$19,030 (-27.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
13.1311
Mathematics Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1022 | Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $92,880 | $63,650 | -$29,230 (-31.5%) |
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $51,010 | -$19,030 (-27.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
13.1317
Social Science Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $51,010 | -$19,030 (-27.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
13.1322
Biology Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $62,640 | -$38,700 (-38.2%) |
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $63,140 | -$15,360 (-19.6%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $51,010 | -$19,030 (-27.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $50,750 | -$22,950 (-31.1%) |
Human Sciences (1)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0708
Child Care and Support Services Management.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Mississippi
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Mississippi Avg | MS vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,450 | $86,380 | +$1,930 (+2.3%) |
25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $29,850 | -$11,600 (-28%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Rust College
How much does it cost to attend Rust College?
The annual tuition at Rust College is $13,840 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,320 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $5,980 (on) / $4,400 (off) and books and supplies $500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Rust College offer?
Rust College offers 31 academic programs across 14 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (2 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Rust College?
Rust College has an 34.7% acceptance rate and a 17.3% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,715
- Students admitted: 595
- Students enrolled: 103
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Rust College?
Rust College provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,238 and average loans of $5,717.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,893
- State/Local grants: $1,250
- Institutional grants: $5,882
- Federal loans: $5,526
The university supports 133 students with grants and 83 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Rust College graduates?
Rust College graduates earn a median salary of $25,641 after 6 years and $32,275 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,916 (25th percentile) to $47,214 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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