About Rockford University
Rockford University builds its reputation on nursing and education programs that serve students across the Midwest. The university enrolls 956 students in a midsize Illinois city setting. With a 54.91% acceptance rate, Rockford draws students who averaged 963 on the SAT. The small scale allows for a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that creates close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
Students pay an average net price of $23,066 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $54,794 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt loads of $22,274, monthly loan payments average $236. The financial picture shows a reasonable return on investment for students who complete their degrees and enter professional fields like nursing and teaching.
The student body reflects growing diversity, with 40.69% white students alongside significant Hispanic (19.04%) and Black (15.06%) populations. About 70% of students return for their sophomore year, though graduation rates remain low at 39.17% in four years. The Regents compete in NCAA Division III athletics with 302 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. Campus housing accommodates 411 students in a community-focused environment.
Students pay an average net price of $23,066 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $54,794 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt loads of $22,274, monthly loan payments average $236. The financial picture shows a reasonable return on investment for students who complete their degrees and enter professional fields like nursing and teaching.
The student body reflects growing diversity, with 40.69% white students alongside significant Hispanic (19.04%) and Black (15.06%) populations. About 70% of students return for their sophomore year, though graduation rates remain low at 39.17% in four years. The Regents compete in NCAA Division III athletics with 302 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. Campus housing accommodates 411 students in a community-focused environment.
Academics & Faculty
Rockford University has built its reputation around professional programs, particularly nursing and education. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university operates on a traditional semester system with programs designed for career preparation. Nursing students benefit from clinical partnerships with local hospitals in the Rockford area. Education majors work closely with nearby school districts for hands-on teaching experience. The small size of 956 students creates tight-knit academic communities within each program. Faculty members often serve as mentors rather than distant lecturers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.3%
- Retention Rate
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,794
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,778 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,198 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,518 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
Campus Life
Rockford sits about 90 miles northwest of Chicago, giving students access to a major city without the hustle of urban campus life. With only 411 housing spots for 956 students, roughly 43% live on campus in a tight-knit residential community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally and classmates become familiar faces across the small campus.
Illinois winters demand serious cold-weather gear, with snow typically covering campus from December through March. The 302 student-athletes competing in 12 Division III sports create energy around Regents athletics, though without athletic scholarships the focus stays on academics and genuine school spirit. Students often head to nearby recreational areas or make weekend trips to Chicago when they need a change of pace. The diverse student body includes 40.69% white students alongside significant Hispanic (19.04%) and Black (15.06%) populations. Campus traditions center around nursing and education programs, which have built the university's reputation over decades of preparing students for service careers in the Midwest.
Illinois winters demand serious cold-weather gear, with snow typically covering campus from December through March. The 302 student-athletes competing in 12 Division III sports create energy around Regents athletics, though without athletic scholarships the focus stays on academics and genuine school spirit. Students often head to nearby recreational areas or make weekend trips to Chicago when they need a change of pace. The diverse student body includes 40.69% white students alongside significant Hispanic (19.04%) and Black (15.06%) populations. Campus traditions center around nursing and education programs, which have built the university's reputation over decades of preparing students for service careers in the Midwest.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 411 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–29°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 37.1"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Illinois and nearby states, with two-thirds staying close to home for Rockford's nursing and education programs. The student body reflects the working-class character of northern Illinois, with over 40% receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, drawn by the university's strong reputation in health sciences and teacher preparation. The diverse student population mirrors Rockford's industrial community, with significant Latino and Black enrollment. Most students are first-generation college-goers seeking practical degrees that lead directly to stable careers in healthcare and schools.
- Men
- 46.6%
- Women
- 53.5%
- White
- 40.7%
- Black
- 15.1%
- Hispanic
- 19.0%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 67.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.8%
Location
Rockford University sits in Rockford, Illinois, about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. The city has a population of roughly 150,000, making it Illinois' third-largest municipality. Rockford built its reputation as a manufacturing center, earning the nickname "Forest City" for its abundance of elm trees. The area offers a mix of urban amenities and Midwestern charm without the intensity of a major metropolitan area. Students can reach Chicago in about two hours by car for internships or entertainment. The Rock Cut State Park nearby provides outdoor recreation opportunities. With 67% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with the region's industrial heritage and small-city atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Rockford University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rockford, Illinois 61108-2311
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,794
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,298
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,274
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rockford University?
Rockford University admits 54.91% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts students with an average SAT score of 963 and focuses on building strong relationships through its small class environment.
How much does Rockford University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,066 annually after aid, less than the full tuition of $37,300. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Rockford University?
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, ensuring personalized attention for the 956 enrolled students. This small university environment is particularly beneficial for students in Rockford's well-regarded nursing and education programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Rockford University?
The six-year graduation rate is 38.30%, and graduates earn a median salary of $54,794 ten years after graduation. With a 98% employment rate, the university demonstrates strong career preparation despite the modest graduation rates typical of small regional institutions.
Where do students live at Rockford University?
On-campus housing accommodates 411 students with room and board costing $10,940 annually. The 70.06% retention rate suggests students find the campus community supportive, though many of the 67% in-state students likely commute from the greater Rockford area.
Does Rockford University offer athletic scholarships?
Rockford University provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Regents compete in 12 varsity sports with 302 total athletes, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruiting incentives.
