Rust College vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

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

Alfred University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (2,007 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rust College is located in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rust College 10:1; Alfred University 9:1.

Rust College vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rust College or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University ($12,037 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 59.6% lower than at Alfred University ($6,217 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 212.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $28,235 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 212.9% higher at Alfred University than at Rust College (about $28,235 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Rust College (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 182.2% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($31,022 vs. $10,993).

Rust College vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rust College or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University and Rust College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 310 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Alfred University students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rust College 440/1339; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rust College 17/18; Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rust College - Test-free; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alfred University students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Alfred University has a higher acceptance rate (73.8%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.4% at Rust College vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

Rust College vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rust College and Alfred University? 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).

• Alfred University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Alfred University earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alfred University graduates have a $837 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Alfred University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($279 vs. $287).
• More Alfred 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.