Analysis
What if a mathematics degree starts with manageable debt but faces a crowded field? Based on four comparable programs in Missouri, Rockhurst's mathematics bachelor's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $52,160—landing right at the state median but notably below what Washington University and even Mizzou-Columbia produce. The estimated $21,750 debt burden seems reasonable at first glance, translating to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests monthly payments around 4% of gross income.
The challenge here isn't the numbers themselves but what they reveal about differentiation. Missouri has 34 schools offering mathematics degrees, and Rockhurst's estimated outcomes place it in the middle of a competitive pack. For a private university charging considerably more than public alternatives, families would reasonably expect outcomes closer to the $54,700+ range that top-quartile math programs nationally achieve. The modest selectivity (69% admission rate) and limited economic diversity (only 19% Pell recipients) suggest this isn't positioning itself as a high-value budget option either.
Given the small sample size that led to data suppression, parents should recognize this program likely graduates few math majors annually—which could mean limited departmental resources or indicate most students concentrate in other fields. The estimated figures from peer programs suggest financial viability, but you'd want to verify what specifically makes Rockhurst's smaller math program worth the private school premium over Missouri's stronger public alternatives.
Where Rockhurst University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,420 | $52,160* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 | |
| $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 | |
| $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.