Students at Rockhurst University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top 10% nationally for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations, with particularly strong results for students from all economic backgrounds and a perfect track record of successful loan repayment.
Rockhurst University delivers exceptionally strong long-term earnings outcomes that place it among the top performers nationally for return on investment. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this small private Catholic university consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical expectations, with median 10-year earnings of $67,102 that rank in the 90th percentile among all institutions. What makes Rockhurst particularly compelling is how it combines the personalized attention of a small liberal arts environment with the career-focused outcomes typically associated with much larger research universities.
The university serves a relatively selective student body, with about 19% of students receiving Pell Grants and 21% being first-generation college students. While access is more limited than at public institutions, Rockhurst excels at converting that selectivity into meaningful economic outcomes. Graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, and the university maintains strong completion rates across all student populations.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Rockhurst represents the category of universities that combine moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes for the students they serve. The university's strength lies particularly in professional programs like nursing, which drives much of its impressive aggregate return, alongside solid liberal arts preparation that translates into diverse career pathways.
Rockhurst University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation, with nursing serving as the clear academic and economic engine. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 269 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $60,213, creating over $16 million in aggregate return that drives much of the university's exceptional financial performance. This program represents both the largest enrollment and strongest earnings outcomes, reflecting Rockhurst's established reputation in healthcare education and the strong demand for nursing professionals in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Beyond nursing, the university offers solid preparation in liberal arts and professional fields. Psychology graduates 52 students annually with median earnings of $28,960, providing a foundation for diverse career paths including graduate study, counseling, and business applications. Exercise Science and Kinesiology produces 26 graduates earning $30,988, serving students interested in healthcare, fitness, and sports management careers.
The program mix reflects Rockhurst's mission as a comprehensive university with particular strength in professional fields. The concentration in nursing and health-related programs aligns with regional workforce needs and provides clear career pathways, while liberal arts offerings maintain the breadth expected of a quality undergraduate education. This balance between professional focus and academic breadth helps explain why graduates across programs achieve earnings that consistently exceed national averages.
Rockhurst University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed national averages. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $67,102, placing the university in the 90th percentile nationally for earnings performance. This represents solid return on investment for a private institution, with graduates entering careers that provide both immediate earning potential and long-term growth trajectories. The university's location in Kansas City provides access to a diverse metropolitan job market while maintaining cost-of-living advantages compared to coastal markets.
The strongest financial returns come from Rockhurst's nursing program, which represents the university's largest and most successful academic offering. Adult Health Nursing graduates 269 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $60,213, creating an aggregate return of over $16 million that drives much of the university's overall performance. Psychology represents the second-largest program with 52 graduates earning around $28,960, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology produces 26 graduates with median earnings of $30,988.
This program mix reflects Rockhurst's focus on professional preparation, particularly in healthcare fields where demand remains strong and career advancement opportunities are substantial. The university's small size allows for intensive clinical training and professional networking that translates directly into job placement and early career success, helping explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that rank among the top tier nationally.
Rockhurst University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private institution that works to make education accessible across income levels. Low-income students pay a net price of $18,557 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,581 per year, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,784. These figures represent significant discounting from the sticker price, with the university providing substantial financial aid to make attendance feasible for families across the economic spectrum.
The university maintains a sustainable debt structure for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $18,250, a moderate level that aligns well with the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $22,236, reflecting family investment in the private university experience but remaining within manageable ranges given the career outcomes the degree provides. Importantly, Rockhurst maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes Rockhurst's pricing particularly compelling is the relationship between cost and outcomes. While net prices are higher than public alternatives, the university's exceptional earnings performance and 0% default rate demonstrate that families typically see strong return on their educational investment. The combination of moderate debt levels and high earning potential creates a sustainable financial model for most graduates.
Rockhurst University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
