NAIAHBCU Athletic Conference

Rust College Baseball

NAIA baseball program in Holly Springs, MS. Member of the HBCU Athletic Conference.

Rust College is a NAIA baseball program in the HBCU Athletic Conference located in Holly Springs, MS. Head coach John Bates has led the program for 3-7 years. 25% of players stay all four years. After college, 20% of alumni enter marketing — top employers include Rust College, Pappadeaux Seafood. Rust College has a 35% acceptance rate and 2.7 average GPA and costs approximately $5,089 per year after financial aid.

Research by Prospectus Baseball Recruiting · Data updated April 2026

Roster Retention

How Many Players Stay All Four Years at Rust College Baseball?

25% of freshmen who join Rust College baseball stay on the roster for all four years — below the NAIA average of 29%. The one-and-done rate — players who leave after their first year — is 31%. On average, players spend 2.0 seasons on the Rust College roster.

Tracking freshman classes from 2016-2017 through their full four-year eligibility window.

25%
Stay 4 years
31%
Leave after year 1
2.0
Avg seasons

Career Outcomes

What Do Rust College Baseball Players Do After College?

20% of Rust College baseball alumni go into marketing, the most common career path among the 26 former players Prospectus tracked on LinkedIn. Other top career paths include education (20%), government (20%). Top employers include Rust College, Pappadeaux Seafood.

Career Category Breakdown

marketing20%
education20%
government20%

Based on LinkedIn data for 26 tracked alumni, 2016-2020 cohorts.

Coaching Staff

Who Coaches Rust College Baseball?

John Bates is the head baseball coach at Rust College and has been with the program for 3-7 years. Rust College competes in the HBCU Athletic Conference as a NAIA program in Holly Springs, MS.

Academics & Admissions

What Are the Academics Like at Rust College?

Rust College has a 35% acceptance rate and an average GPA of 2.66 for admitted students, with a 25% graduation rate — below the NAIA average of 45%. 10% of freshmen return for their sophomore year.

Total undergraduate enrollment at Rust College is 428 students.

35%
Acceptance rate
2.66
Average GPA
25%
Graduation rate
10%
Freshman retention

Cost & Financial Aid

How Much Does It Cost to Play Baseball at Rust College?

Attending Rust College costs approximately $13,840 per year, with the average student receiving $8,751 in financial aid — a net cost of approximately $5,089 per year. 69% of students at Rust College receive financial aid.

Tuition vs. Financial Aid

$14kAid: $9kNet: $5k
Aid covers 63%69% receive aid

Program History & Division

What Division Is Rust College Baseball?

Rust College is a NAIA baseball program competing in the HBCU Athletic Conference, located in Holly Springs, MS.

Is Rust College the right fit?

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