At $23,066/yr net price, Rockford University graduates earn $54,794/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,794/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,066 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,794/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,794/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,274 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,950/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,840/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,448/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,280/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,869/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Rockford University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Rockford University gives you a mixed financial picture that leans heavily on which major you pick. The median graduate earns $54,794 ten years out against a net price near $23,000 a year, so the school pays off if you land in the right program and actually finish. That last part is the catch: with a 38% graduation rate, more than half of the students who enroll don't walk away with a degree, which means many pay tuition and leave with debt but no credential to earn it back.
Nursing is where the money is. At $61,020, nursing graduates out-earn business grads by about $17,000 and biology grads by nearly double. If you come here for nursing, the debt of roughly $27,000 tracks a salary that can cover it. Business at $43,798 is a reasonable but thinner return.
The rest of the catalog is where you need to think hard. Biology, teacher education, and human development all land in the low $30,000s. Teacher education is the worst deal on paper: you take on about $26,600 in debt, nearly as much as nursing, but earn half as much. At those numbers your loan payments eat a real chunk of a modest paycheck.
The net price barely moves by income. A family under $30,000 pays about $21,950, only $5,000 less than a family over $110,000. There's little discount for low-income families here, so if you're on a tight budget the sticker doesn't drop much for you.
Come here for nursing, or possibly business, and the math works. If you're drawn to teaching, biology, or human development, weigh the debt carefully , and given the low graduation rate, have a plan to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockford University worth the cost for the ROI?
Rockford University graduates earn a median of $54,794 ten years after graduation, which is modest compared to the $23,066 annual cost. The 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment risky for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Rockford University?
Business Administration leads at $68,778 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $61,020. Education majors earn around $48,198, while biology graduates see lower returns at $33,993.
How much debt do Rockford University students typically have?
The median debt is $22,274, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the low graduation rate, students who don't finish still carry debt without the degree to show for it.
Should I attend Rockford University if I'm unsure about my major?
With a 38% graduation rate, Rockford University is risky for undecided students. The school works best for students committed to business or nursing programs where earnings justify the cost.