Rust College vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwest University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (1,053 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rust College vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rust College or Northwest 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 Northwest University ($12,037 vs. $24,251).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 44.4% lower than at Northwest University ($6,217 vs. $11,180).
• Northwest University is 171.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $22,770 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 171.7% higher at Northwest University than at Rust College (about $22,770 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Rust College (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest University students is 136.7% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($26,017 vs. $10,993).

Rust College vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest University (1200) is 310 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rust College 440/1339; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rust College - Test-free; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwest University students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.4% at Rust College vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

Rust College vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rust College and Northwest 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).

• Northwest University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Northwest University earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,400 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $6,305 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($21,532 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($222 vs. $287).
• More Northwest University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.