Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.0%
- Retention Rate
- 9.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $32,275
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,159
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 21.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $277/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $19,683 | $25,038 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $19,455 | $31,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $17,595 | $24,696 |
Outcomes Overview
Rust College graduates face significant financial challenges after earning their degrees. With median debt of $26,159 and median earnings of $32,275 ten years out, graduates carry a debt-to-earnings ratio of 81%, well above the recommended 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $277 consume about 10% of typical graduate income, making financial stability difficult in the early career years. The 21% loan repayment rate reflects these struggles, as many graduates cannot keep up with payments. While the college serves an important mission as an HBCU, the combination of modest earnings potential and substantial debt burden creates a weak return on investment for most students.