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Mississippi State University vs Rust College

Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS, and Rust College is a private college in Holly Springs, MS. Rust College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 49% of applicants against 78% at Mississippi State University. Rust College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,587 a year against $17,595 at Mississippi State University. About 65% of students graduate at Mississippi State University, compared with 17% at Rust College. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $32,275 for Rust College.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public

Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Mississippi State, MS
Holly Springs, MS
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
18,397
467
Acceptance rate
78%
49%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.2–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1350
440–1339
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
17–18
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,595
$12,587
Full cost / yr
$29,267
$23,107
In-state tuition
$10,202
$13,265
Out-of-state tuition
$27,637
$13,265
Application fee
$40
$10
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,332
$12,546
$30k - $48k
$14,372
$9,481
$48k - $75k
$18,671
$13,878
$75k - $110k
$20,704
$8,797
Over $110k
$22,987
$18,356
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
17%
Freshman retention
83%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,487
$25,641
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,513
$32,275
Median debt at graduation
$22,142
$26,159
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
71%
First-generation students
25%
46%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Mississippi State University or Rust College harder to get into?
Rust College is harder to get into. It admits about 49% of applicants, compared with 78% at Mississippi State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Rust College?
Rust College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,587 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,595 at Mississippi State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Mississippi State University and Rust College?
Before aid, Rust College costs about $23,107 a year and Mississippi State University about $29,267. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Mississippi State University or Rust College?
Rust College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,546 there, against about $14,332 at Mississippi State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Mississippi State University or Rust College?
Mississippi State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,397 undergraduates against 467 at Rust College.
Does Mississippi State University or Rust College have a better graduation rate?
Mississippi State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 17% at Rust College.
Do graduates of Mississippi State University or Rust College earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,275 for Rust College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mississippi State University and Rust College require SAT or ACT scores?
Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rust College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Mississippi State University and Rust College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University and 440–1339 at Rust College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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