Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.3%
- Retention Rate
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $54,794
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,274
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,778 | $32,450 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $26,980 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,198 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $20,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,518 | $26,600 |
| 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 | $30,750 |
Outcomes Overview
Rockford graduates carry a median debt of $22,274, which represents a manageable 40% of their first-year median earnings of $54,794. Monthly loan payments of $236 consume about 5.7% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 57.89% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle with payments despite the relatively low debt load. Nursing and education majors typically find steady employment in Illinois, contributing to the strong 98% employment rate. However, the modest starting salaries in these helping professions mean financial gains build slowly over time. With debt levels reasonable but earning potential limited by career paths, Rockford offers an average return on investment.