Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,158
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $90/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $59,846 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,415 | $8,968 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $50,231 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,527 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,188 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $27,681 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $23,649 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,000 | $6,900 |
Outcomes Overview
Rock Valley College graduates carry a median debt of $8,500, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 21% based on their $39,158 median income after 10 years. Monthly loan payments of $90 represent only 2.8% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 92.7% employment rate reflects strong local employer connections in manufacturing, healthcare, and business services that dominate the Rockford economy. Many graduates enter fields like nursing, automotive technology, and welding where Rock Valley has built solid industry partnerships. With low debt loads and practical career training aligned to regional job markets, Rock Valley delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable workforce preparation.