Alcorn State University vs Rust College
Alcorn State University is very selective with a 24.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rust College (34.7%). Graduates of Alcorn State University earn $4,146 more per year at the 10-year mark ($36,421 vs $32,275). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rust College is more affordable at $13,878 net price vs $16,296.
Admissions & Outcomes
Alcorn State University has a higher yield rate (27.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Alcorn State, MS
Holly Springs, MS
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rust College is more affordable at $12,546 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $17,620 vs $18,356.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Alcorn State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (77%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Alcorn State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$56,157
- 2 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$36,141
- 3 Biology, General$20,140
Rust College
- 1 Journalism$19,683
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$19,455
- 3 Biology, General$17,595
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Alcorn State University
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 5 Social Work
Rust College
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Journalism
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Computer Science
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Alcorn State University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$7,580
- Est. total cost/year$19,048
- School typePublic
Rust College
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$9,900
- Est. total cost/year$16,655
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Alcorn State University or Rust College?
Alcorn State University is more selective with a 24.7% acceptance rate, compared to 34.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Alcorn State University or Rust College?
Alcorn State University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $36,421 compared to $32,275. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Alcorn State University or Rust College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rust College has a lower net price at $13,878 per year vs $16,296. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Alcorn State University vs Rust College?
Alcorn State University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 51.2%, compared to 17.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Alcorn State University or Rust College?
Rust College has a larger international student population at 4% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Alcorn State University and Rust College?
At Alcorn State University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $56,157 within two years. At Rust College, the top-earning major is Journalism at $19,683. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.