Mississippi College vs Rust College
Rust College is very selective with a 34.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Mississippi College (48.9%). Graduates of Mississippi College earn $15,210 more per year at the 10-year mark ($47,485 vs $32,275). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rust College is more affordable at $13,878 net price vs $27,601. Students at Mississippi College graduate with less debt ($22,500 vs $26,159).
Admissions & Outcomes
Mississippi College has a higher yield rate (41.6%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Clinton, MS
Holly Springs, MS
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rust College is more affordable at $12,546 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $29,757 vs $18,356.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rust College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (69%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Mississippi College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$52,107
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$44,356
- 3 Marketing$42,682
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$42,235
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$35,416
Rust College
- 1 Journalism$19,683
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$19,455
- 3 Biology, General$17,595
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Mississippi College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Psychology, General
Rust College
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Journalism
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Computer Science
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Mississippi College
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$18,200
- Est. total cost/year$30,258
- School typePublic
Rust College
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$9,900
- Est. total cost/year$16,655
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Mississippi College or Rust College?
Rust College is more selective with a 34.7% acceptance rate, compared to 48.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Mississippi College or Rust College?
Mississippi College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $47,485 compared to $32,275. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Mississippi College or Rust College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rust College has a lower net price at $13,878 per year vs $27,601. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Mississippi College vs Rust College?
Mississippi College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 61.2%, compared to 17.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Mississippi College or Rust College?
Rust College has a larger international student population at 4% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Mississippi College and Rust College?
At Mississippi College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $52,107 within two years. At Rust College, the top-earning major is Journalism at $19,683. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.