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University of Missouri-Kansas City vs Rockhurst University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kansas City MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Kansas City MO

The verdict

University of Missouri-Kansas City has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,240 in 4.7 years versus 5.5 years at Rockhurst University, on median earnings of $59,637 vs $67,102 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Missouri-Kansas CityRockhurst University
Net price / yr$13,310$25,884
Total net cost$53,240$103,536
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,637$67,102
Median debt$18,750$18,250
Payback4.7 yrs5.5 yrs
20-year net return$172,300$271,304

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Kansas City or Rockhurst University?

University of Missouri-Kansas City, at $13,310 a year after aid versus $25,884 — a gap of $12,574 a year, or $50,296 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-Kansas City or Rockhurst University graduates earn more?

Rockhurst University graduates report a median $67,102 ten years after entry, $7,465 more than the $59,637 at University of Missouri-Kansas City. 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-Kansas City or Rockhurst University?

Rockhurst University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $18,750 at University of Missouri-Kansas City, a difference of $500. 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 Rockhurst University, against 55% at University of Missouri-Kansas City. 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.

University of Missouri-Kansas City vs Rockhurst University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Missouri-Kansas City or Rockhurst University a better value?
University of Missouri-Kansas City. It clears its $53,240 net cost in about 4.7 years versus 5.5 years at Rockhurst University, on median earnings of $59,637 vs $67,102 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Kansas City or Rockhurst University?
University of Missouri-Kansas City: $13,310/yr net price after aid versus $25,884/yr at Rockhurst University — a difference of $12,574 a year, or about $50,296 over four years.
Do University of Missouri-Kansas City or Rockhurst University graduates earn more?
Rockhurst University graduates earn a median $67,102 ten years after entry, versus $59,637 at University of Missouri-Kansas City — a $7,465 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.