Alcorn State University vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

Compare Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, MS with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alcorn State University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (2,995 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alcorn State University 16:1; Rust College 10:1.

Alcorn State University vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State University or Rust College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Rust College than Alcorn State University ($12,037 vs. $12,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 49.1% lower than at Alcorn State University ($6,217 vs. $12,204).
• Rust College is 51% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $4,480 more per year; $13,265.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51% higher at Rust College than at Alcorn State University (about $4,480 more per year; $13,265.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alcorn State University than at Rust College (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alcorn State University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($11,375 vs. $10,993).

Alcorn State University vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State University or Rust College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rust College and Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rust College (890) is 60 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming Alcorn State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Rust College (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; Rust College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alcorn State University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Rust College has a higher acceptance rate (48.7%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 6.4% at Rust College.

Alcorn State University vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State University and Rust College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Alcorn State University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rust College graduates have a $413 lower median loan debt than Alcorn State University graduates ($27,837 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Rust College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alcorn State University graduates ($287 vs. $292).
• More Alcorn State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (34% vs. 21%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.