Rust College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Fisk University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (1,059 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rust College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rust College or Fisk 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 Fisk University ($12,037 vs. $18,595).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 57.2% lower than at Fisk University ($6,217 vs. $14,540).
• Fisk University is 94.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $12,593 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.9% higher at Fisk University than at Rust College (about $12,593 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rust College than at Fisk University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fisk University students is 107.5% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($22,811 vs. $10,993).

Rust College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 440 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Fisk University 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: Rust College 440/1339; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rust College 17/18; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rust College - Test-free; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fisk University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Rust College has a higher acceptance rate (48.7%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.4% at Rust College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Rust College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rust College and Fisk 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).

• Fisk University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Fisk University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,900 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $1,837 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($268 vs. $287).
• More Fisk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.