Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Augusta, GA & Holly Springs, MS
When students choose between Rust College and Paine College, they're comparing two small, private HBCUs with similar missions but very different price points. Both institutions serve predominantly low-income student populations and produce graduates who typically earn around $33,000 at the median.
However, one path costs substantially more — and the earnings data shows no corresponding payoff. The question becomes: what justifies paying $6,323 more per year for essentially the same career outcomes?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
—
federal loans
$26,159
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$7,581
borrowed by parents
$5,287
borrowed by parents
Paine College is predominantly business-focused, with 32% of graduates earning degrees in business fields and another 20% in social sciences. The largest programs include Business Administration (8 graduates annually) and Sociology (5).
Rust College has a more balanced mix emphasizing biological sciences, with 16% in education, 9% in social sciences, and 9% in business. Rust's largest programs include Biology (37 graduates), Teacher Education (16), and Social Work (15).
These different program concentrations don't translate to meaningful earnings differences between institutions.
For students prioritizing financial value, Rust College delivers virtually identical career outcomes at $6,323/year less than Paine College. While Rust graduates face higher debt burdens, the overall investment remains more manageable given the lower upfront costs.
Paine College offers a debt-free path and slightly stronger institutional effectiveness metrics, making it the better choice for families who can afford the higher cost and want to avoid student debt entirely. The data points to Rust as the stronger financial value, but the right choice depends on your family's financial capacity and tolerance for debt.
If minimizing total college costs is the priority, Rust College provides the same career preparation for significantly less money.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
