At $18,470/yr net price, Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates earn $39,080/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,080/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,080/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,080/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,899 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,305/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,466/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,481/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,789/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,093/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,870 | $25,000 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,886 | $20,058 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $28,113 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $24,433 |
| Computer Engineering. | Associate | $52,107 | $19,203 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $50,515 | $32,391 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,865 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,129 | $26,142 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,852 | $20,283 |
The Risk Factor
40.0% of students at Rasmussen University-Illinois graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Rasmussen University-Illinois offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in nursing and computer programs but significant risks elsewhere. The nursing programs deliver the clearest payoff, with top earners making $73,870 annually against manageable debt loads around $20,000-25,000. Computer-related fields also show solid returns, with systems analysis graduates earning over $61,000.
The 40% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The median debt of $20,899 becomes problematic when paired with the overall median earnings of just $39,080, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio for many graduates.
You should consider Rasmussen if you're targeting nursing or computer programs specifically and have strong academic discipline to ensure completion. The school makes financial sense for career changers seeking practical skills in high-demand fields where associate degrees provide clear employment pathways.
Skip this school if you're considering programs outside nursing and technology, where earnings data suggests weaker returns. The for-profit structure means higher costs than community colleges offering similar programs. With nearly 63% of students receiving financial aid, affordability remains a concern for many families.
Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs. The accelerated format can work in your favor financially if you maintain momentum, but the completion rate suggests many students struggle with this pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rasmussen University-Illinois worth the cost?
With median earnings of $39,080 ten years after graduation and a net price of $18,470 annually, Rasmussen University-Illinois offers modest returns that depend heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn significantly more at $73,870, while other programs may not justify the investment.
What is the graduation rate at Rasmussen University-Illinois?
Only 40% of students graduate from Rasmussen University-Illinois. This low completion rate increases your risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.
Which programs at Rasmussen University-Illinois have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns at Rasmussen University-Illinois, with graduates earning around $73,870 annually. Computer-related fields like systems analysis and computer science also provide decent earnings between $52,000-$61,000.
How much student debt do Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates typically have?
The median debt for Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates is $20,899. Given the overall low earnings outcomes, this debt level could be challenging to repay for graduates in lower-paying programs.