At $8,751/yr net price, Rust College graduates earn $32,275/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,751 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,275/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,725/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,159 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,487/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,178/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,635/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,226/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,027/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Rust College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Rust College presents a financially challenging picture with extremely weak return on investment across virtually all programs. The school's 27% graduation rate means most students never complete their degree, while the 9.52% retention rate indicates massive student attrition after just one year.
Even the highest-earning program, Journalism, produces graduates earning just $19,683 annually while carrying $25,038 in debt. Teacher Education graduates fare similarly with $19,455 in earnings against $31,000 in debt. Biology majors see the lowest returns at $17,595 yearly with $24,696 in debt. These debt-to-income ratios create severe financial strain for graduates.
The school's location in rural Mississippi limits local job opportunities, and graduates often struggle to find employment that justifies their education investment. Your chances of finishing your degree are statistically low, and if you do graduate, your earning potential remains well below national averages.
This school might work financially only if you receive substantial need-based aid that reduces your actual costs significantly below the $8,751 net price. With nearly 69% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is common, but you should verify your specific aid package before enrolling.
You should seriously consider other options unless you have compelling non-financial reasons to attend Rust College. The combination of low graduation rates, minimal earnings potential, and substantial debt creates a high-risk financial scenario that few students can afford to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rust College worth the cost for the education quality?
Rust College graduates earn a median of $32,275 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With a 27% graduation rate and median debt of $26,159, the return on investment is challenging for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Rust College?
The top-earning programs at Rust College are journalism ($19,683), teacher education ($19,455), and biology ($17,595). However, all of these starting salaries are significantly below national averages for college graduates.
How much student debt do Rust College graduates typically have?
Rust College graduates carry a median debt of $26,159. Given that early career earnings average around $19,000-$32,000, this debt level creates a difficult financial burden for most graduates.
Should I choose Rust College if I'm worried about graduation rates?
Rust College has a 27% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll do not finish their degree. This creates significant financial risk since you may accumulate debt without earning a credential.