Head-to-head comparison
University of Missouri-Columbia vs Rockhurst University: which has better ROI?
Option A Columbia, MO
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Net price / year
- $20,268
- Earnings, 10 years
- $63,403
- Payback
- 5.4 yrs
Option B Kansas City, MO
Rockhurst University
- Net price / year
- $25,884
- Earnings, 10 years
- $67,102
- Payback
- 5.5 yrs
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.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.