Bellarmine University vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

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

Bellarmine University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Rust College 10:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University ($12,037 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 42.7% lower than at Bellarmine University ($6,217 vs. $10,850).
• Bellarmine University is 267.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $35,505 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 267.7% higher at Bellarmine University than at Rust College (about $35,505 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Rust College (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 254.8% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($39,001 vs. $10,993).

Bellarmine University vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 250 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Rust College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 6.4% at Rust College.

Bellarmine University vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine 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).

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $25,200 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $2,837 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($258 vs. $287).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.