University of Missouri-Columbia vs Rockhurst University: which has better ROI?
University of Missouri-Columbia has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,072 in 5.4 years versus 5.5 years at Rockhurst University, on median earnings of $63,403 vs $67,102 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Missouri-Columbia | Rockhurst University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,268 | $25,884 |
| Total net cost | $81,072 | $103,536 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,403 | $67,102 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,250 |
| Payback | 5.4 yrs | 5.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $219,788 | $271,304 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Columbia or Rockhurst University?
University of Missouri-Columbia, at $20,268 a year after aid versus $25,884 — a gap of $5,616 a year, or $22,464 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Missouri-Columbia or Rockhurst University graduates earn more?
Rockhurst University graduates report a median $67,102 ten years after entry, $3,699 more than the $63,403 at University of Missouri-Columbia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Missouri-Columbia or Rockhurst University?
Rockhurst University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $20,500 at University of Missouri-Columbia, a difference of $2,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at University of Missouri-Columbia, against 75% at Rockhurst University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.