Rockhurst vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shenandoah University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockhurst University is located in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockhurst University 12:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Rockhurst vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockhurst or SU? 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 Rockhurst University than SU ($25,787 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 4.6% lower than at Shenandoah University ($11,920 vs. $12,490).
• Rockhurst University is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $8,016 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at Rockhurst than at Shenandoah University (about $8,016 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($34,562 vs. $24,747).

Rockhurst vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockhurst or SU? 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 SU and Rockhurst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 60 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Rockhurst students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 1116/1246; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 22/27; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockhurst - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Rockhurst vs. 16.7% at SU.

Rockhurst vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockhurst and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

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.