Rust College

• Overview & Academics

  • Rust College, founded in 1866, is a historically Black liberal arts college located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Rust College is one of the oldest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It offers Associate and Bachelor’s degrees across a range of programs focused on the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies.

• Admissions

  • Rust College has an open admissions policy with a focus on providing access to higher education for a diverse range of students. Admissions decisions consider high school GPA, standardized test scores (optional in some cases), and holistic factors. The college encourages applications from first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

  • Application materials generally include a completed application form, official transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), and a non-refundable application fee.

• Cost

  • The average annual tuition and fees for full-time undergraduates is approximately $10,900. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and miscellaneous fees, typically falls around $18,000–$20,000 per year. Rust College offers various financial aid opportunities, including federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study programs.

• Student Population

  • Rust College serves about 700–800 students. The majority of students are African American, and the college has a relatively even gender distribution. Rust College maintains a close-knit campus community with a low student-to-faculty ratio, promoting personalized instruction and support.

• Rankings & Distinctions

  • Rust College is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs. It is noted for its commitment to student achievement, access, and community engagement. The college has been highlighted for its affordability and for providing transformative educational opportunities, especially to first-generation and historically underserved populations.

• Campus & Culture

  • The 126-acre campus is set in historic Holly Springs and features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. The campus hosts academic halls, residential buildings, a chapel, and recreational spaces. Rust College fosters a deeply supportive and nurturing environment, focused on holistic student development.

• Athletics & Traditions

  • Rust College’s athletic teams, known as the Bearcats, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) within the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The college offers men’s and women’s sports including basketball, track and field, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Homecoming and Founders’ Week are major college traditions, uniting alumni and current students alike.

• Mission

  • Rust College’s mission is to equip students for leadership and service by providing a quality education within a nurturing, Christian environment. The college emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, ethical leadership, and social justice.

• Leadership & Current Developments

  • Rust College is led by a president and a dedicated board of trustees who are committed to the school’s strategic growth and mission. The college continues to invest in campus improvements, academic programming, and outreach to increase access and strengthen student success initiatives.

• Programs

  • Academic offerings at Rust College consist of a broad selection of Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in areas including:

    1. Business Administration
    2. Elementary and Secondary Education
    3. Biology
    4. Mathematics and Computer Science
    5. Social Sciences (History, Sociology, Political Science)
    6. English and Mass Communications
    7. Music and Visual Arts

    Pre-professional tracks are available, and students benefit from small class sizes and faculty mentorship.

• Campus Life

  • Rust College offers traditional and suite-style residence halls for students. Campus dining, health services, and wellness programs help support student well-being. Cultural events, guest lectures, and service projects are central to campus life, providing opportunities for growth outside the classroom.

• Student Organizations

  • Student engagement is encouraged through a variety of organizations and clubs, such as:

    1. Student Government Association
    2. Greek-letter fraternities and sororities
    3. Academic and honors societies
    4. Service and leadership clubs
    5. Performing arts groups

    These organizations foster leadership and community involvement among students.

• Admission Stats

  • Rust College has a high acceptance rate due to its open admissions policy, admitting over 80% of applicants. The student body is comprised of a significant proportion of first-generation college students and students from Mississippi and surrounding states. Financial aid participation is robust, with the vast majority of students receiving some form of assistance.

Website: www.rustcollege.edu
Address: 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635