Psychology at Rockhurst University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rockhurst University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rockhurst University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (39 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University | $36,152 | $44,389 | $25,000 | 0.69 |
| Avila University | $36,957 | $44,838 | $31,000 | 0.84 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | $36,323 | $36,984 | $25,230 | 0.69 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | $36,323 | $36,984 | $25,230 | 0.69 |
| Columbia College | $35,685 | $36,673 | $29,300 | 0.82 |
| Missouri Southern State University | $34,647 | $34,605 | $23,609 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University Kansas City | $38,672 | $36,957 | $31,000 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette | $27,140 | $36,323 | $25,230 |
| Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette | $6,960 | $36,323 | $25,230 |
| Columbia College Columbia | $24,326 | $35,685 | $29,300 |
| Missouri Southern State University Joplin | $8,400 | $34,647 | $23,609 |
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.