Rust College
Holly Springs, MS150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635
662-252-8000
Founded in 1866, Rust College is a private, historically black college located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Rust College is the oldest of the eleven black colleges and universities founded in the Reconstruction Era. The college offers bachelor's degrees in business administration, education, liberal arts, and social work. Rust College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college's campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1866, the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church founded Rust College. The college was named for the Rev. Richard S. Rust, the society's first secretary. Rust College was established as a coeducational institute to provide educational opportunities for African Americans in the Reconstruction Era. The college's first class consisted of eight students.
In 1869, the college began offering a two-year program leading to an Associate of Arts degree. In 1873, the college began offering a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1875, the college was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature to award the Bachelor of Science degree. In 1876, the college's name was changed to Rust University. In 1877, the university was closed due to the financial Panic of 1873. The university reopened in 1880. In 1892, the university awarded its first Master of Arts degree.
In 1916, the university's name was changed back to Rust College. In 1925, the college began offering a two-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. In 1926, the college began offering a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1927, the college began offering a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Social Work degree. In 1929, the college was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
In 1955, the college was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature to award the Master of Arts degree. In 1957, the college was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature to award the Master of Science degree. In 1967, the college was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature to award the Doctor of Education degree. In 1975, the college was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature to award the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
In the 21st century, Rust College continues to provide educational opportunities for African Americans. The college's campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The college offers bachelor's degrees in business administration, education, liberal arts, and social work. Rust College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Quick Facts
Enrollment: 623
Acceptance Rate: 29.47%
Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Main Website: https://www.rustcollege.edu/
Financial Aid: https://www.rustcollege.edu/administration/financial-aid/index.html
Annual Costs
Total Cost In-State On-Campus: $16700
Total Cost Out-State On-Campus: $16700
Return on Investment Rating
The estimated cost for four years as an undergraduate at Rust College is $65023.11. This includes the average cost of attendance for four years plus the interest on the average loan over a ten year repayment minus the average of grants and scholarships per student.
We then contrast this figure with average early-career and mid-career average incomes of graduates of four year programs at Rust College. For graduates of Rust College, we saw an average early-career income of $39300.00 and mid-career income of $63100.00. We then ranked the school's value based on how many years of mid-career income it takes to repay the educational costs.