Analysis
Rockhurst's psychology graduates start at $36,152—putting them ahead of 85% of psychology programs nationally and in the upper half for Missouri. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, the pattern is promising: earnings climb 23% to $44,389 by year four, suggesting these graduates are finding their footing in the job market rather than stalling out. The $25,000 debt load is right at the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69.
The Missouri context matters here. At $32,224, the state median for psychology graduates is just slightly above the national benchmark, and Rockhurst sits comfortably above that. Among the state's top-performing programs, Rockhurst lands in the competitive middle tier—trailing Avila by less than $1,000 but ahead of several established competitors. For a moderately selective school drawing mostly middle-class students, these outcomes suggest solid career services and alumni networks.
The caveat is the small sample—take these numbers as a directional signal rather than a guarantee. But if your child is committed to psychology and values the personalized attention of a smaller program, Rockhurst appears to deliver employment outcomes that justify the investment, particularly compared to larger state schools where psychology majors can struggle to stand out.
Where Rockhurst University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rockhurst University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University | $36,152 | $44,389 | +23% |
| Saint Louis University | $34,295 | $48,468 | +41% |
| Avila University | $36,957 | $44,838 | +21% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $33,794 | $44,511 | +32% |
| Culver-Stockton College | $34,226 | $42,248 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,420 | $36,152 | $44,389 | $25,000 | 0.69 | |
| $38,672 | $36,957 | $44,838 | $31,000 | 0.84 | |
| $27,140 | $36,323 | $36,984 | $25,230 | 0.69 | |
| $6,960 | $36,323 | $36,984 | $25,230 | 0.69 | |
| $24,326 | $35,685 | $36,673 | $29,300 | 0.82 | |
| $8,400 | $34,647 | $34,605 | $23,609 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.