Northwest vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Missouri State University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (9,152 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, MO (Remote Town setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Northwest Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Missouri State University 16:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

Northwest vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest or Rockhurst? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwest Missouri State University than Rockhurst ($16,790 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 2.9% lower than at Northwest Missouri State University ($11,920 vs. $12,282).
• Rockhurst University is 323.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest (about $34,355 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $10,611.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.6% higher at Rockhurst than at Northwest Missouri State University (about $27,642 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University than at Northwest Missouri State University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 279.8% larger than aid received by Northwest Missouri State University students ($34,562 vs. $9,101).

Northwest vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest or Rockhurst? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rockhurst and Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 100 points higher than at Northwest (1080).
• Incoming Rockhurst students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 976/1193; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Missouri State University 19/24; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Northwest (3.45).
• Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Northwest vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Northwest vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest and Rockhurst? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Northwest Missouri State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Northwest graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.