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 is a financial gamble that mostly does not pay off. Median earnings ten years out sit at $32,275, and the school's biggest problem shows up before earnings even matter: only about 1 in 10 students who enroll come back for a second year, and just 27% finish. You cannot get a return on a degree you never complete, and most students here don't complete one.
The listed bachelor's programs make the earnings picture worse. Journalism graduates report $19,683 a year, teacher education $19,455, and biology $17,595. None of those clear $20,000, and all three leave you carrying $24,000 to $31,000 in debt. Teacher education pairs the highest borrowing ($31,000) with near-bottom pay, so that combination is the one to avoid. If you enroll here, treat these three fields as low-payoff bets and know that the school's own strongest programs still land below the overall $32,275 median.
The specific risk at Rust is dropping out with debt and no degree. With a 9.52% retention rate, the odds you leave carrying loans and nothing to show for them are high. Median debt of $26,159 against sub-$20,000 program earnings means loan payments will eat a real share of your paycheck.
Net price runs about $8,751 a year, and the tiers are close across incomes. If your family earns under $30k you pay $8,487. the $48-75k tier actually pays the most at $11,635, more than families over $110k. That flat pricing means low-income families get little relief here.
This school is a hard financial fit for almost anyone. If you have a cheaper in-state public option, look there first.
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.