Rockhurst University logo

Rockhurst University

Accept Rate
69.05%
Grad Rate
76.3%
Enrollment
1,702
Avg SAT
1218
Tuition
$43,420
Median Salary
$67,102
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Rockhurst University offers a tight-knit, Jesuit-inspired community where students are known by name, not just by ID number. The campus feels like an intellectual and moral workshop, emphasizing leadership, service, and 'cura personalis' (care for the whole person). Itโ€™s a place where rigorous academics meet a supportive, values-driven environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

69.05%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 121875th Pctl
11161246
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2227
1122436

Admissions Tips

1) Highlight your commitment to service and leadership in your application essays, as Rockhurst values students who embody Jesuit principles of 'men and women for others.' 2) With an average SAT of 1218, aim to be in or above this range to be competitive. 3) Engage with the admissions office early; demonstrate specific interest in their renowned Health Professions or Business programs to show you've done your homework.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1218
40080012001600
School range: 1116โ€“1246

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Rockhurst is renowned for its top-tier Health Professions programs, particularly nursing and physician assistant studies, alongside a strong Business school. The curriculum is challenging and rooted in the liberal arts, ensuring students develop critical thinking skills alongside specialized knowledge. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty who prioritize teaching over research, though real-world research opportunities are available, especially in the sciences.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
38.2%
Business & Marketing
16.9%
Biology & Biomedical
11.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.2%
Psychology
6.2%
Social Sciences
2.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.5%
Engineering
2.1%
English & Literature
2.1%
Physical Sciences
2.1%
Communications
1.9%
Criminal Justice
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

76.3%
Graduation Rate
84.2%
Retention Rate
1,702
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$43,420
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,165
After financial aid
Total Cost
$57,712
Cost of attendance/year
19.3%
Receive Pell Grants
33.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kansas City

Kansas City offers a vibrant backdrop with world-class BBQ, a thriving jazz scene, and professional sports. Students explore the Crossroads Arts District for galleries and concerts, cheer on the Chiefs and Royals, and enjoy the cityโ€™s extensive park and boulevard system. The universityโ€™s location provides easy access to internships and cultural experiences in a major metropolitan hub.

Local Rent Check

$1,098 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$173,680
$0Est. 4 Years: $173,680

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($67,102):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, well-lit urban neighborhood with its own campus security patrol. While the surrounding Kansas City area requires standard urban awareness, the campus itself is considered secure and has a low crime rate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Excellent reputation in Health Professions (Nursing, PA) and Business.
  • โœ“ Strong, supportive community with a focus on mentorship and 'cura personalis'.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Kansas City offers vast internship and cultural opportunities.
  • โœ“ High retention (84.2%) and graduation (76.3%) rates compared to national averages.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high at $43,420, though net price is lower.
  • โœ— Campus size is small (1,702 students), which may feel limiting for some.
  • โœ— The urban setting requires students to be proactive about safety and city navigation.

Notable Alumni

Paul DePodesta
Renowned baseball executive and front office strategist for the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and Denver Broncos, featured in 'Moneyball'.
Troy D. Jenkins
Major General in the U.S. Air Force, serving in high-level command and staff positions.
John S. O'Leary
Former U.S. Ambassador to Chile and a distinguished diplomat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockhurst University is nationally recognized for its excellent programs in Health Professions, particularly its Nursing and Physician Assistant studies, as well as its AACSB-accredited Business school. As a Jesuit institution, it is also known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts, ethical leadership, and service to others, fostering 'cura personalis' or care for the whole person.

With an acceptance rate of 69.05%, Rockhurst is considered moderately selective. While not as competitive as some elite institutions, it seeks students with solid academic records. The average SAT score is 1218, so applicants should aim to be near or above this average for a strong chance of admission. Strong essays and a demonstrated commitment to service are also key differentiators.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a student body of just over 1,700. Students are deeply engaged in Jesuit traditions, service projects, and Division II athletics. The campus has a quiet, studious atmosphere but is just minutes from the excitement of downtown Kansas City, allowing students to balance campus involvement with city exploration.

For many students, yes. The average net price of $23,165 is competitive, and the 10-year median earnings of $67,102 indicate a strong financial return. The high graduation (76.3%) and retention (84.2%) rates suggest students are well-supported and succeed post-graduation, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare and business, which often lead to stable, well-paying careers.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Mercy Hospital Saint Luke's Health System Cerner Corporation Commerce Bank Burns & McDonnell
Smart Start Score
73

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,767
  • In-State Tuition $43,420
  • Zip Code 64110

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 37.2% โ™€ 62.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $23,165, Rockhurst provides a private education at a cost often comparable to public universities, especially for in-state students. The 10-year median earnings of $67,102, particularly in high-demand fields like health professions and business, suggest a strong return on investment. The 76.3% graduation rate indicates students are well-supported to complete their degrees, maximizing the value of their tuition investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Capital University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $43,420
Housing (12 mo) $13,176
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $63,796
With avg financial aid:
$23,165/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.