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66.5%Acceptance
$43,420Tuition
1,702Students
76%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,102Earnings
#16 in MissouriPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Rockhurst University

Rockhurst builds business leaders and healthcare professionals through its Jesuit Catholic tradition. The university enrolls 1,702 students in Kansas City and emphasizes hands-on learning in its signature programs. Notable graduates include ESPN's Jason Whitlock and Kansas basketball coach Bill Self. Students benefit from small classes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The Jesuit focus on service learning shapes campus culture.

Most students pay far less than the $43,420 sticker price thanks to generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $23,165 after institutional grants averaging $32,029. Graduates earn a median of $67,102 ten years after graduation while carrying manageable debt of $18,250. Monthly loan payments average just $193, making the investment worthwhile for most students. Nearly all graduates find employment with a 99.1% job placement rate.

Women outnumber men 63% to 37% on campus, reflecting strength in nursing and education programs. The Hawks compete in 21 Division II sports with over $4.9 million in athletic scholarships available. Three-quarters of students graduate within six years, and 84% return for sophomore year. The semester calendar and 851-bed housing capacity create a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting.

Academics & Faculty

Rockhurst builds its academic reputation on Jesuit traditions of rigorous inquiry and service learning. The university excels in business and health sciences, with programs that blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention from professors. The school's 76% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Rockhurst's Jesuit foundation emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making across all disciplines. Business students gain real-world experience through internships with Kansas City corporations. Health sciences programs prepare students for growing medical fields through state-of-the-art facilities. The university's focus on leadership development permeates every academic program, producing graduates ready for professional success.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
52.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
76.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
75.6%
Retention Rate
84.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,102
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $70,176
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $66,179
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $61,814
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $60,213
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $56,415
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $43,957
Education, General. Master $43,519
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $35,060
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $32,925
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $30,988

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

This small Jesuit campus sits in Kansas City's urban core, where 1,702 students navigate four distinct seasons that demand both winter coats and summer gear. About 50% of students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The Hawks compete in 21 NCAA Division II sports, with 509 student-athletes representing nearly 30% of the student body.

Weekends revolve around Kansas City's active arts district and barbecue scene, just minutes from campus. Students often head to the Power & Light District downtown or catch Royals and Chiefs games. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service, so many students volunteer at local nonprofits. With 62% of students from Missouri, there's a strong regional feel, but the 38% from out-of-state bring diversity to the community. Campus traditions include the annual Involvement Fair and service immersion trips. The gender split of 63% women to 37% men shapes social actives, while the Catholic identity influences campus programming and values.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
851 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1910

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 4 4 0 0
Rape 4 4 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–39°F
July Avg
71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
38.1"
Annual Snowfall
11.0"

Student Demographics

Rockhurst draws students who value the Jesuit emphasis on service and personal development. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's health sciences and education programs. Most students come from Missouri and nearby states, showing Rockhurst's solid regional reputation in Kansas City's business community. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic and Black populations. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts middle-class families seeking a Catholic education with strong career outcomes.
Men
37.2%
Women
62.8%
White
61.6%
Black
9.1%
Hispanic
17.0%
Asian
3.6%
In-State Students
62.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.3%

Location

Rockhurst University sits in Kansas City, Missouri, the state's largest metropolitan area with over 2.1 million residents. The campus occupies a tree-lined neighborhood just minutes from downtown Kansas City's business district and entertainment venues. Kansas City straddles two states and serves as a major cultural center for the Midwest, known for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and sports teams like the Chiefs and Royals. The city offers internship opportunities across finance, healthcare, and business sectors that align with Rockhurst's career-focused programs. With 62.22% of students coming from Missouri, many appreciate staying close to home while accessing big-city resources. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Rockhurst University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kansas City, Missouri 64110-2561
Rockhurst sign in Spring
Rockhurst sign in Spring
Rockhurst Entrance
Rockhurst Entrance
Greenlease Library
Greenlease Library

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,102
Median Earnings (5 years)
$69,000
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$44,100
Loan Repayment Rate
74.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$193/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rockhurst University?

Rockhurst University accepts 66.46% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score around 26 on the ACT, reflecting the school's commitment to enrolling serious students while maintaining accessibility.

How much does Rockhurst University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,165 annually, well below the sticker price of $43,420 for tuition. The Jesuit university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $32,029 to nearly a quarter of students, making this private education more affordable than it appears.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Rockhurst University?

Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in this small Catholic university setting. With only 1,702 students total, Rockhurst emphasizes close mentorship relationships that align with Jesuit educational traditions of cura personalis.

What are job prospects like for Rockhurst University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 99.1% employment rate within months of graduation, with median earnings of $67,102 ten years after entering school. The university's strong business and health sciences programs, combined with its Kansas City location, provide excellent networking and career opportunities.

Where do students live at Rockhurst University?

Campus housing accommodates 851 students, representing about half of the total enrollment of 1,702. The urban Kansas City setting provides both traditional residence hall experiences and easy access to internships and cultural opportunities in this major metropolitan area.

Does Rockhurst University have competitive athletics?

The Hawks compete in NCAA Division II with 21 varsity sports programs and 509 student-athletes. Athletic scholarships totaling nearly $5 million support teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, creating a strong sports culture despite the university's small size.