High School Graduates/First Time in College

1. Completed Admissions Application
2. Official High School Transcripts
3. Official College transcripts where dual enrolled classes were attempted
4. Application Fee $25 ($50 for International Students)
5. A medical report from a licensed physician on the form prescribed by the College.

High School Transcript

1. Admission consideration is given to applicants with standard high school diplomas from an accredited high school.
2. Submit an official copy of your high school transcript showing work through the completion of your junior year.
3. Transcripts are considered official when received directly from the issuing institution electronically or in a sealed envelope with the school’s seal and/or official signature. Your enrollment for the application term and year is based upon review of your final high school transcript with graduation date listed.

Minimum Requirements

Satisfactory completion of the work of a high school approved by a state and/or regional accrediting agency, or its equivalent as expressed through scores on the General Education Development (GED) test.

GPA: High school applicants who have earned at least 2.00 a cumulative grade point average are considered for regular admissions to the college. Test scores reported on high school transcript can be used to evaluate applicant scholarship opportunities.

High School Curriculum

Admission consideration is given to applicants who have earned a standard high school diploma and completed a minimum of the following:

In the case of a student seeking admission based on the GED test scores, two letters of recommendations must come from individuals who are qualified to certify the student’s ability to benefit from a college education.

Test Scores

Test Scores are not required for admission to Rust College.  Students are encouraged to forward test scores for consideration of academic scholarships and student success.

Rust College ACT code: 2240
Rust College SAT code: 1669

Weekend Program – For Credit

The Weekend Program is designed to help non-traditional* students meet the requirements for an Associate or Bachelor’s degree during the weekend. The major focus of the program is to prepare personnel for successful teaching in Headstart, Child Care centers, nursery school; and individuals practicing social work who desire a Bachelor of Social Work degree and can thereby attend classes on the weekend; however, students in other programs may enroll in these courses.

• To offer a weekend program for child care providers to obtain the Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education within two academic years.
• To make the Rust College Academic Program available to non-traditional students in a timeframe that will accommodate their work schedules.
• To offer a weekend program for child care providers to obtain the Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education within two academic years.
• To make the Rust College Academic Program available to non-traditional students in a timeframe that will accommodate their work schedules.

Evening Program – For Credit

The Evening Program is designed to help the non-traditional* student to become productive, self-actualized and service-oriented members of an ever-changing society. Its objectives are:

• To educate adults to develop and improve their skills in order to enhance job opportunities.
• To educate adults for personal enrichments.
• To offer courses to meet the needs of the current job market.

An official transcript from the high school or college(s) attended and two recommendation forms are required for admission.

Evening Program – Non-credit

The Evening Program also provides non-credit courses to the community. The course selection varies widely both in subject matter and length of time required for completion. Courses are open to all interested persons. Non-credit courses are offered for job improvement, advancement and for personal enrichment. They have their own fee structures and do not have entrance requirements. The courses concentrate on teaching specific skills; therefore, previous training is usually not necessary.

*A non-traditional student is a first-time student over the age of 25 and one who has been out of high school for at least seven years.

Adult Pathway- For Credit

The evening program for Business Administration Majors is called the Adult Pathway Program. This program is designed as an accelerated, degree completion program for evening students. The program is designed to provide a unique opportunity for non-traditional* students to complete their college degree while working full time during the day. These students must have completed 45 semester hours, 30 of which must meet Rust College’s requirements in liberal arts education) that can be applied toward satisfying the course requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Rust College is approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an institution of higher learning for international students. Students applying for admission must present the original and complete academic credentials with the application for admission.

Application Requirements

1. Completed admissions application
2. $50 Application Fee
3. Official High School Transcripts (Transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency if needed)
4. Official College transcripts (If a student is a transfer student from another college)
5. Official ACT and or SAT scores
6. Financial Statements (Affidavit of support)
7. TOFEL (Only required for non-English speaking students).
   Students who are not from countries where English is the official language must submit an application for a recent test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL of 540 or above) or two (2) notarized letters attesting to English Proficiency by the school administration, teacher, counselor or religious leader.
   Rust College ACT code: 2240
   Rust College SAT code: 1669
8. International students on F-1 Visas are not eligible for admission as non-degree students.

Priority Application Submission Deadlines

Fall Semester                       June 30th
Spring Semester                  November 30th
Summer Semester              March 30th

Official Transcripts

1. Send official transcript(s) directly to the Office of Admissions at Rust College. Scanned or faxed copies are not considered official.
2. Transfer applicants must submit official transcript(s) from each college or university attended.

Foreign Credential Evaluation Fees

Students are accountable for all evaluation fees if transcripts need to be translated.

High School and/or Secondary School

1. Applicants must be graduates of a secondary school and submit a first or second-division General Certification of Education (or its equivalent for those applying from the British Commonwealth).
2. Basic courses in Algebra, English, Geometry, History, Natural Sciences, and other academic subjects should have been taken in secondary school. The applicant should have achieved a thorough knowledge of the English language.
3. All school records must be certified by school officials and sent with your application.

Minimum Requirements

1. GPA: High school applicants who have earned at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and have taken the ACT or SAT are considered for regular admission to the college.
2. ACT and SAT Scores: Scores reported on high school transcripts can be used to evaluate applicant admissibility. However, official score reports from either The College Board (SAT) or ACT are required to complete the admission file. Scores listed on the final official high school transcript can be used as the official score reports.
3. College GPA: Applicants earning at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA in all college coursework are considered for regular admission.
4. Academic Standing: Good academic standing and/or eligibility to return to the previous institution for full-time study is required for admission consideration.
   TOEFL scores will be waived for applicants who are:

• Graduates of high schools in the United States
• Students whose native language or language of instruction is English
• Students transferring to Rust College after at least one year at another English language college or university.
  Information on the TOEFL exam may be obtained by writing to Education Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

Financial Statement

1. Applicants must provide a notarized financial statement from their bank showing that the applicant has enough support for at least one year in the United States.
2. This statement must be submitted with the application for admission. This amount should be at least $22,888.00 (This price is subject to change) Please consult with the Admissions Department for the current cost per year.

Issuing the I-20

1. I-20 forms are issued once all required documents are received
2. I-20s are not released to a third party. It is issued only to the applicant or mailed directly to the permanent home address listed on the application for admission
3. The student must present an original copy of the I-20 and the letter of acceptance to the Embassy to authorize travel to the U.S.

SEVIS I-901 Fee

1. Once the I-20 has been issued, the student is responsible for paying the $350 fee (U.S. currency) directly to the Department of Homeland Security.
2. The I-901 fee must be paid prior to the student’s scheduled embassy appointment Failure to pay this fee may result in denial of F-1 status.
3. No Visitor’s Visa will be accepted.

Coming from another college or university? Welcome!

Transfer students are encouraged to seek admission to Rust College at any time during the year.
Transfer students are required to submit the following:

1. Completed Admissions Application
2. Official College Transcripts from regionally or nationally accredited institution or any institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education
3. High School Transcript if less than 60 credit hours have been earned from a college
4. Application Fee $25 ($50 for International Students)
5. A medical report from a licensed physician on the form prescribed by the College.

Transfer students are not required to submit a high school transcript if they have earned more than 60 credit hours or earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.

Test Score

Test Scores are not required for admission to Rust College. Students are encouraged to forward test scores for consideration of academic scholarships and student success.

Rust College ACT code: 2240
Rust College SAT code: 1669

Classification

Students transferring from regionally or nationally accredited institution or any institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree requirements with grades of 2.0 or better will be accepted as juniors. Students admitted under this provision must meet the College General Education requirements and entry requirements of the proposed degree program.

Transfer students may not receive credit toward a degree at Rust College for work completed at another institution prior to ten years before entering Rust College.

Transfer Credits

Rust College accepts transfer credits from all regionally accredited junior, community, senior colleges, and universities. Rust College will accept no more than 70 semester hours of transfer credit or the hours in a conferred AA degree program towards the Bachelor’s degree in any major. Students may transfer these courses upon acceptance to Rust College. No course hours over this amount will be accepted toward a Rust degree. Students may be given permission to take courses in a regular summer school or an accredited distance learning program in the summer to the extent of this policy. However, no credits below ‘‘C’’ in any course and no credits for any course which are not aligned with the College’s catalog will be accepted as transfer credits. Courses with quarter-hour credits will be equated with semester-hour credits as follows:

Quarter Hours	Equivalence in Semester Hours
2	1
3	2
4 or 5	3
6	4

Procedure for Accepting Transfer Credits

The Office of the Registrar has the responsibility of accepting transfer credits to the institution. The acceptance of the courses is based on the transfer policy.. The Office of the Registrar will evaluate general education courses only and enter in the student information system. All major area courses will be evaluated for comparability by the respective academic division. The divisional area will record the comparable courses on the Divisional Previously Earned Credit Form (DPECF) and submit the form to the Office of the Registrar, along with providing a copy to the student.

Any student who attended Rust College before for any amount of time will be classified as a re-admit. Any former student who is not duly readmitted cannot register for courses at Rust College.

Any student who has not attended Rust College for one academic year or longer may be readmitted regardless of the last GPA including access to financial aid for which the student is qualified. Students whose GPA was below satisfactory progress for their classification will be placed on probation. The GPA of the first semester in which the student returns will determine their status and ability to continue.

Application Requirements

1. Completed readmission application
2. Official College transcripts (If a student has attended another institution since leaving Rust College)

 Review of Applications

1. Readmission applications are reviewed by Enrollment Services.
2. Official transcripts are required from any colleges or universities attended since last enrollment at Rust College.
3. Applicant files are reviewed for issues related to, but not limited to satisfactory academic progress.

Dual Enrollment is a term used for the process of allowing certain academically qualified secondary school students to enroll in general education courses at Rust College. General education are courses required for all degree-seeking students. Students applying for the dual enrollment program are classified as Non-Degree Seeking and must be a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all high school courses, successful completion of 14 core high school units and/or junior, and a written recommendation from the school principal or guidance counselor. Dual Enrollment students are not eligible for financial aid.

The credits earned in the dual enrollment program will be recorded as regular credits if the student is admitted to the College later as a freshman student, after his/her graduation from high school. If the student attends Rust College, the credits will be applied toward the degree.

The College reserves the right to limit enrollment based on the availability of class space. Students are expected to fully meet the requirements of courses and will be graded accordingly.

Rust College is the place for you and we hope to get your application soon! Should you have any questions, you may contact us at (662) 252-8000.

Please submit all information as soon as possible!

In order to be assured of consideration for admission, the student should submit the following by the deadline established by the Office of Admissions (see academic calendar):

1. A completed application for admission.
2. $25 non-refundable application fee ($50 for international students).
3. An official transcript from the high school and/or college attended.
4. A pre-entrance medical report on the prescribed form provided by the College or medical reports/shot records from a physician’s office or State Health Department.
5. Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from a principal, on forms provided by the College. In the case of a student seeking admission by GED, both recommendations must come from persons who are qualified to certify the student’s ability to qualify for a college education.

Pay Application Fee below:

Student Application Fee

Domestic Student $25.00 USDInternational Student $50.00 USD

 

A student may be admitted conditionally if one or more items from 1 through 5 are missing. However, a student may not remain in conditional status to be awarded financial aid. All missing items should be submitted by August 10^th for the Fall in which the student enrolls or January 10^th for the Spring.   Non-resident part-time students who are not seeking a degree may be exempted from items 4 and 5. All resident students must comply with item 4. Upon receipt of the completed application with the required documents and the admission fee, Admissions will consider the application for admission and will notify the student of its decision.

New students who desire or are required to live in campus housing must send a room reservation fee of $150.00.

Pay Housing Fee below:

Student Housing Reservation Fee

New Student $150.00 USDReturning Student $100.00 USD

 

Students will be notified by Rust College Resident Life once the reservation is complete. Continuing students are encouraged to submit room reservations before July 15th for the Fall and November 15th for the Spring. All fees and deposits are submitted to the Business Office.

In evaluating a student’s application for admission, Rust College Admissions considers the following factors:

• Student academic performance at the high school and/or college previously attended.
• ACT and/or SAT scores for scholarship opportunities.
• Student personal qualities and interests as expressed through the letters of recommendation.
• High school Transcript if applying as a high school student and a college or university transcript for transfer applicant or dual enrollment applicant

Rust College participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). This program begins in a high school where college level studies are offered to able, interested students. The College does not limit the number of credits an entering student may receive for courses the student has completed in this manner.

Advanced standing may be granted for course work completed at another college or university by examination. The transcript submitted with the application will be evaluated to determine courses which are equivalent to courses offered by Rust College.

Also, advanced standing may be granted to students by examination. Each academic division determines examinations that may be used to receive credit. A student’s adequate knowledge of a selected listing of courses determined by the respective academic division may apply for credit for the course by examination. For details, the student should refer to the regulations concerning Credit by Examination outlined in the academic catalog, and consult with the faculty advisor or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

A student may take one course by examination for credit from the approved courses, in any given semester, but no more than four courses per year. The course may not be above the sophomore level. Credit by examination may not be taken for courses failed. A student may take a maximum of four courses credit-by-examination during his/her degree program. An allowable course may be attempted only once for credit by examination. Students will receive a pass or fail grade for the course credit.

Purpose

To define the criteria for and process of evaluating high school transcripts as valid or invalid for the purposes of admission to Rust College and eligibility of federal Title IV funds.

1. Policy Statement

It is the policy of this institution to require verification of all high school diplomas, transcripts, or equivalent credentials presented for admission, financial aid, or participation in institutional academic programs. The institution reserves the right to deny acceptance of credentials determined to be invalid, fraudulent, altered, unaccredited, or otherwise noncompliant with applicable standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Prospective and currently enrolled students
• Dual enrollment participants
• Transfer applicants
• Scholarship recipients
• Participants in programs requiring proof of secondary education completion

(* International students not eligible for Title IV funding)

3. Acceptable Credentials

The following credentials may be accepted:

A. Traditional High School Diploma
A diploma issued by:

• Any U.S. public high with a standard high school diploma or its equivalent. Public school information can be found at the National Center for Education Statistics(NCES) at www.nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch.
• A private school operating legally under Mississippi state law
• An accredited high school recognized by an approved accrediting body
• Any State Department of Education or students who have passed the GED given by the USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute). The GED must have been administered in the English language, and the student must submit an official transcript evidencing passing scores.

B. Homeschool Documentation
Documentation consistent with Mississippi homeschool laws, including:

• Parent-issued transcript
• Completion affidavit
• Portfolio or academic records if requested

C. High School Equivalency
Recognized equivalency credentials including:

• GED
• HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)
• Other state-recognized equivalency examinations

D. College and University Documentation

• Official transcript from a student who graduates from a regionally or nationally accredited institution or any institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education with an Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, or Baccalaureate Degree

4. Validation Procedures

A. Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:

• Official high school transcript; or
• Official copy of diploma; or
• Official equivalency documentation

Documents must be received directly from the issuing institution when required.

B. Accreditation Verification
The institution may verify accreditation status through:

• Mississippi and all State Departments of Education
• Regional accrediting agencies
• National accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Approved private school associations

C. Fraud Prevention Review
The institution may review:

• School legitimacy
• Graduation dates
• Transcript consistency
• Signatures and seals
• Credit requirements
• Online diploma mill indicators

D. Additional Verification Measures
The institution reserves the right to:

• Contact issuing schools directly
• Request notarized copies
• Require third-party verification services
• Request additional supporting documentation

5. Diploma Mills and Fraudulent Credentials

Diplomas issued by entities determined to be diploma mills or fraudulent institutions shall not be accepted.

Indicators may include:

• Lack of recognized accreditation
• Degrees issued based solely on life experience
• Minimal academic requirements
• Inability to verify school operations
• Nonexistent physical address or administration

Submission of fraudulent credentials may result in:

• Denial of admission
• Revocation of enrollment
• Disciplinary action
• Referral to appropriate authorities when applicable

6. Conditional Admission

The institution may grant conditional admission pending final verification of credentials. Failure to provide valid documentation by defined census day on published academic calendar may result in withdrawal of admission and no disbursement of Title IV funds.

7. Record Retention

All validation documentation shall be maintained in accordance with:

• Institutional records policies
• FERPA requirements
• Applicable Mississippi state regulations
• Accreditation standards

8. Appeals Process

Individuals denied acceptance of credentials may submit a written appeal within ten (10) business days. Appeals must include supporting documentation for reconsideration. The designated review committee or administrator shall issue a final determination within a reasonable timeframe.

9. Compliance

This policy is intended to align with:

• Mississippi Education requirements
• Accrediting agency expectations
• Federal financial aid verification standards where applicable
• Institutional integrity and compliance practices

10. Responsible Office

The following office(s) shall oversee implementation of this policy:

• Admissions Office
• Registrar’s Office
• Academic Affairs

Recommended Best Practices for Mississippi Private Schools

• Maintain a list of approved accrediting agencies.
• Use transcript verification checklists.
• Train admissions and HR personnel on fraudulent credential detection.
• Conduct periodic audits of student records.
• Include diploma verification language in admissions and employment applications.

Process to Validate a High School Diploma as Eligible for Admission and Federal
Title IV Funds

Students whose high school diplomas do not fall into the general acceptance criteria, or the automatically invalid criteria have the opportunity to submit evidence that the high school is valid. Schools will be rated based on the subjective judgment of the Admissions and Registrar’s staff after reviewing collected documentation. Diploma-granting entities will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Mode of delivery of education to the student
2. The qualifications of teachers delivering the education
3. Evidence of specified periods of dated enrollment, such as semesters, grade levels, or other defined dates of enrollment, which demonstrate student engagement and participation
4. The use of legitimate textbooks in mathematics and English
5. The website of the entity does not conflict with the information provide
6. Any other criteria that will assist the College in deciding as to validity

Verification Statement

“The institution reserves the right to verify all educational credentials submitted for admission, employment, or participation in institutional programs. Submission of false or misleading information may result in denial, dismissal, termination, or other disciplinary action.”