Principia College vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rust College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (467 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Rust College 10:1.

Principia College vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College 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 Principia College ($12,037 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 55.3% lower than at Principia College ($6,217 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 161.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $21,415 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.4% higher at Principia College than at Rust College (about $21,415 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rust College than at Principia College (91% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 176.6% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($30,402 vs. $10,993).

Principia College vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 260 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Principia College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Rust College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Principia College students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Rust College (2.66).

Principia College vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College 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).

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.