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 in Rockford is a for-profit two-year school where the financial return depends heavily on which program you pick. The median earnings ten years out sit below what many associate-degree graduates earn, and with a 40% graduation rate, well over half of you leave without finishing. That combination is the core risk here: you take on debt and time but face better-than-even odds of not completing.
Nursing is the clear payoff. The associate nursing program leads earnings and carries debt in line with the rest of the school, so the money you borrow tracks a salary that can service it. Computer engineering and the allied health diagnostic programs also land you above the school median. These fit Rockford's health-care and technical employer base.
The weaker bet is Management Information Systems, which pays the least of the top programs while carrying the most debt. Borrowing more to earn less is the wrong direction, and this program puts you there.
Watch the net price tiers, because they run backwards here. If your family earns $48-75k or $75-110k, you pay more than families earning over $110k. Middle-income families get the worst deal at this school, and that is worth confirming before you enroll.
This school is a reasonable financial fit if you are committed to nursing and confident you will finish. The salary supports the debt, and the local job market rewards the credential. If you are drawn to the business or IT tracks, or you are unsure about completing, look at a community college in the Rockford area first. The lower cost protects you against the same completion risk that shows up in the 40% graduation rate.
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.