2025 admissions data

Rust College Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 34.7% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 35 actually get in. No guessing. Rust College is a 4YEAR institution located in Holly Springs, MS — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Rust College is an ideal choice for students who thrive in intimate academic settings and value a strong sense of community. With a focus on liberal arts education, it's particularly suited for learners interested in a holistic approach to their education, including courses that develop critical thinking and communication skills. It may attract students who appreciate hands-on support from faculty, as evidenced by its favorable 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. However, those seeking a diverse array of STEM majors might find their options limited here. The college’s current offerings reflect a traditional liberal arts focus with a small selection of vocational programs. Thus, students keen on exploring cutting-edge science or technology fields may find Rust's curriculum less compelling. Students who prioritize a bustling campus life with numerous extracurricular activities might also feel constrained, as the college offers a community-oriented environment that promotes deeper, albeit more personal, interactions rather than a wide variety of social scenes. Choosing Rust means selecting a nurturing learning environment with distinctive values over a more diversified college experience.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

37.1%

Acceptance Rate

Women

33.2%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

1,715

Admitted

595

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Rust College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math225–670

Reading215–669

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How Competitive Is Rust College? Making Sense of the Acceptance Rate

Students often equate acceptance rate with competitiveness, but the relationship isn’t always straightforward. The acceptance rate at Rust College offers a useful snapshot, yet it doesn’t capture the full admissions landscape.

With an acceptance rate of 34.7%, Rust College admits a significant portion of its applicants—but that doesn’t mean admissions outcomes are uniform. Different students experience different levels of competition based on how and where they apply.

The Hidden Layers Behind Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates are shaped by applicant mix. Universities that attract students across a wide academic spectrum often report higher acceptance rates, even when expectations within certain programs are rigorous.

At Rust College, students applying with a clear academic focus may encounter a very different admissions process than those applying without a defined direction. Program demand, preparation level, and alignment all matter.

Why Context Matters More Than Percentages

Acceptance rates are best understood as context, not conclusions. They help frame the admissions environment but don’t account for individual strengths or weaknesses.

For students researching the acceptance rate at Rust College, the most valuable takeaway is not the number itself, but what it suggests about how competitive the applicant pool might be—and how preparation and fit influence outcomes.

Admissions Insight

A significant factor that influences student outcomes at Rust College is its intimate classroom size and the resultant level of faculty engagement. The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters personalized interaction, allowing students to form meaningful relationships with their professors. This responsiveness can be crucial when it comes to academic assistance, mentorship opportunities, and professional networking. Professors often become more than just instructors; they can act as advisors guiding students through both academic and career decisions. Consequently, students in smaller classes are likely to benefit more from tailored feedback and personalized instruction, which can enhance their overall learning experience. However, this setup also implies that challenges exist, particularly when it comes to course diversity, as students have fewer options available compared to larger institutions. Moreover, this intense faculty engagement can create a dependency on instructors for academic direction, sometimes stunting the development of independent learning skills that are essential for post-graduation success. Another consideration is the college's focus on a liberal arts education, which can limit practical experience in fields traditionally seen as career-oriented, such as engineering or health sciences. Although Rust is developing new programs to address workforce needs—like Forensic Science and Global Supply Chain Management—these changes take time to implement and may not resonate with every student. The importance of proactive research into specific career objectives and how they align with available programs cannot be overstated. Rust College serves a niche market, and those students who can adapt to this academic philosophy may find a satisfying educational journey here, while others might struggle without access to a broader range of majors and resources.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $10

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: rustcollege.typeform.com/to/Gy7V5Q

Your Chances of Getting Into Rust College

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Rust College based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data

At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Rust College, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.

Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.

Turning Information into Confidence

Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.

If Rust College fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.

Should You Apply to Rust College?

If 34.7% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Rust College

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Rust College Acceptance Rate

What academic majors does Rust College offer?

Rust College offers 20 bachelor's degrees and 2 associate degrees across five academic divisions, with popular majors including Biology, Business, and Broadcast Journalism.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Rust College?

The student-to-faculty ratio at Rust College is 12:1, allowing for more intimate classroom settings and personalized instruction.

Is Rust College a historically Black college?

Yes, Rust College is a historically Black liberal arts college, known for its commitment to education within the African American community.

What are the general education requirements at Rust College?

All students at Rust College are required to complete one year of general education requirements, regardless of their chosen major.

What support services are available for students at Rust College?

Rust College provides various support services, including tutoring, mentoring, and counseling, alongside an Honors Program for high-achieving students.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Rust College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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