Rust College
Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for biology — close-knit campus
Rust College is a private institution in Holly Springs with particular strength in biology and business.
A small campus of 428 undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
27% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $32,275 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $8,751.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bearcats
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1870, the college was chartered as Shaw University in 1870, honoring the Reverend S.
- •In 1892, to avoid confusion with Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, the institution changed its name to Rust University—a tribute to Rev.
- •In 1915, the institution assumed the name Rust College.
- •The college welcomed a new president, Ivy Taylor, on June 1, 2020.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
37.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
6.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,777
Programs (18)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
10%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
3
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MS state average