At $23,165/yr net price, Rockhurst University graduates earn $67,102/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,102/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,165 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,102/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,102/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,557/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,467/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,581/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,063/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,784/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,176 | $26,091 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $66,179 | $108,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $61,814 | $75,495 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,213 | $15,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,415 | $50,102 |
| 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 | $22,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,988 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
75.6% of students at Rockhurst University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Rockhurst University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $67,102 placing it well above the national average for private colleges. Your net price of $23,165 creates a reasonable cost-to-earnings ratio that works in Kansas City's job market.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $70,176 in median earnings with manageable debt of $26,091. Nursing also offers strong value at $60,213 with just $15,000 in debt, making it one of the best ROI programs available. These majors align well with Kansas City's healthcare systems and corporate headquarters.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic programs present a concerning picture. Physical therapy graduates earn $66,179 but carry crushing debt loads of $108,000, while occupational therapy graduates face $75,495 in debt for $61,814 in earnings. These debt-to-income ratios create financial stress that can last decades.
The school's 75.6% graduation rate and 84.15% retention rate indicate most students complete their programs, reducing the risk of debt without a degree. However, only 19.33% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families who may struggle with costs but earn too much for need-based aid.
Rockhurst works best for students targeting business or nursing careers who can graduate with minimal debt. If you're considering physical or occupational therapy, carefully evaluate whether the high debt loads justify the career outcomes. Students from wealthy families or those receiving substantial merit aid will find the strongest returns, while middle-income students without significant scholarships should compare costs against similar regional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockhurst University worth the cost?
Rockhurst University's net price of $23,165 annually produces graduates earning $67,102 after 10 years, which is a reasonable return on investment. The relatively low median debt of $18,250 helps make the degree financially manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Rockhurst University?
Business Administration leads with $70,176 in median earnings, followed by rehabilitation programs around $66,000. Nursing graduates earn about $60,213, which is solid for healthcare but lower than many nursing programs at other schools.
How much debt do Rockhurst University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $18,250, which is relatively low compared to many private universities. With graduates earning $67,102 after 10 years, most can handle this debt burden without major financial stress.
Does Rockhurst University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $23,165 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant annual investment that students should weigh against potential earnings in their chosen field.