Analysis
Based on comparable economics programs in Missouri, Rockhurst appears positioned in the middle of the state pack—roughly matching the state median of $46,583 in first-year earnings while carrying about $4,300 more in debt than typical Missouri economics graduates. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests a manageable burden, where first-year salary could theoretically cover half the debt load.
What's encouraging is the jump to $63,069 by year four, putting graduates well above both state and national medians for the field. This trajectory suggests Rockhurst economics students gain traction in the job market relatively quickly. However, remember these figures are extrapolated from peer programs—not actual outcomes from Rockhurst's specific graduates—so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this particular program delivers similarly.
The comparison to Washington University ($66,325) and Mizzou ($52,635) shows what top-tier economics programs in Missouri produce, while the estimated debt of $24,102 sits between the state median ($19,793) and national median ($22,816). For a selective-but-accessible program (69% admission rate, 1218 SAT), the numbers suggest reasonable value if your child thrives in Rockhurst's smaller environment and the four-year earnings trajectory holds true. Just recognize you're betting on a program whose actual graduate outcomes remain unknown due to small cohort sizes.
Where Rockhurst University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University | — | $63,069 | — |
| Washington University in St Louis | $66,325 | $80,729 | +22% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $44,898 | $65,293 | +45% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $46,583 | $64,281 | +38% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $52,635 | $61,213 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,420 | $46,583* | $63,069 | $24,102* | — | |
| $62,982 | $66,325* | $80,729 | $14,110* | 0.21 | |
| $14,130 | $52,635* | $61,213 | $18,815* | 0.36 | |
| $13,440 | $46,583* | $64,281 | $22,962* | 0.49 | |
| $9,024 | $44,898* | $65,293 | $19,793* | 0.44 | |
| $9,739 | $41,076* | $59,303 | $25,056* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rockhurst University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.