Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,152
85th percentile
60th percentile in Missouri
Median Debt
$25,000
2% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rockhurst UniversityKansas City$43,420$36,152$44,389$25,0000.69
Avila UniversityKansas City$38,672$36,957$44,838$31,0000.84
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and SciencesFayette$27,140$36,323$36,984$25,2300.69
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesFayette$6,960$36,323$36,984$25,2300.69
Columbia CollegeColumbia$24,326$35,685$36,673$29,3000.82
Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin$8,400$34,647$34,605$23,6090.68
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.