Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,194/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,194/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,988 |
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 | $127,831 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $109,604 | $69,789 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,069 | $105,381 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $81,031 | $65,409 |
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Master | $73,829 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $72,274 | $26,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $69,338 | $93,667 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $69,208 | $90,484 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $157,058 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Master | $61,218 | $74,712 |
Analysis
Rush University delivers strong financial returns through its health-focused programs, with median 10-year earnings of $75,194 and relatively manageable debt of $21,988. The nursing programs stand out as strong investments, generating median salaries above $109,000 with some tracks reaching $127,831.
Your choice of program dramatically affects your financial outcome at Rush. Nursing graduates see the highest returns, while allied health diagnostic programs carry concerning debt loads of $105,381 against $100,069 in earnings. Health administration offers a middle ground with $81,031 salaries and $65,409 in debt. Medical clinical sciences programs show weaker returns at $73,829, barely above the university median.
The biggest financial risk at Rush is program selection. Allied health programs saddle you with debt that exceeds annual salary, creating a lengthy payoff period. You also face limited career flexibility since nearly all programs funnel into healthcare, leaving few backup options if you change direction.
Rush works best financially if you want nursing or health administration and can handle the academic rigor of these competitive programs. Skip Rush if you're unsure about healthcare or considering the allied health diagnostic track unless you have significant family support to offset the debt burden.
Only 35.65% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit opportunities appear concentrated in nursing programs where the university has the strongest job placement track record. Your best cost strategy is choosing nursing over other health programs and graduating quickly to minimize living expenses in expensive Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rush University worth the cost for nursing students?
Rush University nursing graduates earn a median of $127,831 ten years after graduation, making it one of the better financial investments among nursing programs. With relatively low debt at $21,988 median, nursing students typically see strong returns on their investment.
What is the average salary after graduating from Rush University?
Rush University graduates earn a median of $75,194 ten years after graduation. This varies significantly by program, with nursing and allied health graduates earning $100,000+ while other programs may fall below the overall median.
How much debt do Rush University students typically graduate with?
Rush University students graduate with a median debt of $21,988, which is relatively manageable compared to many private universities. The debt-to-income ratio works out favorably for health science programs but may be tighter for lower-earning majors.
Which Rush University programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Rush University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $109,604 to $127,831 annually. Allied health and medical administration programs also perform well at $81,000 to $100,000, while clinical sciences programs show more modest returns at $73,829.