Rockhurst University
Rockhurst University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rockhurst University at a Glance
Rockhurst University is a private Jesuit university in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 as Rockhurst College, Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It enrolled 2,980 students in 2019.
1910
116 years old
$36M
$35.8 million (2020)
3,338
1,964 undergrad · 1,374 grad
55 acres
Identity
Is Rockhurst University Worth It?
Rockhurst University offers moderate value at $25,884/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $67,102, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 75% graduation rate means roughly 25% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Rockhurst University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #13 | Rockhurst University | 49 | $25,884 | $67,102 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rockhurst University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MO.
Best Programs at Rockhurst University
The highest-earning program at Rockhurst University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Rockhurst University earns $59,200, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $9,971 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,884/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,200 | $59,200 | $9,971 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $41,300 | $41,300 | $24,268 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,600 | $29,600 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Kansas City, MO
- Student Body
- 1,580 students
- Admission Rate
- 70%
- Graduation Rate
- 75%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,884
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,102
- Median Student Debt
- $18,250