Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Median Earnings (1yr)

$29,532

66th percentile

40th percentile in Illinois

Median Debt

$14,042

48% above national median

Analysis

Rasmussen's Allied Health program offers solid debt management but underwhelming earnings potential within Illinois. While graduates carry just $14,042 in debt—well below both national and state medians—their $29,532 starting salary falls short of the Illinois state median of $31,098, ranking only in the 40th percentile among similar programs statewide.

The program's value proposition becomes clearer when viewed nationally, where it ranks in the 66th percentile for earnings while maintaining exceptionally low debt levels (12th percentile). However, Illinois students have notably better options nearby. Community colleges like College of DuPage ($40,196) and Harper College ($36,111) deliver significantly higher earnings—$10,000+ more annually—often with similar or lower debt loads. Even accounting for potential differences in program length or requirements, that earnings gap is substantial for entry-level healthcare workers.

The minimal earnings growth from year one to four (+3%) suggests this program leads to positions with limited advancement potential. Given that 63% of students receive Pell grants, the relatively modest starting salaries may strain graduates despite the manageable debt load.

**Bottom line**: While Rasmussen keeps debt reasonable, Illinois families should strongly consider community college alternatives that offer significantly higher earning potential in the same field, potentially providing $40,000+ more in lifetime earnings for similar upfront costs.

Where Rasmussen University-Illinois Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Rasmussen University-Illinois	$29,532	$30,496	+3%
William Rainey Harper College	$36,111	$48,633	+35%
State Career College	$26,123	$33,601	+29%
First Institute of Travel Inc.	$33,597	$31,754	-5%
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park	$31,098	$31,123	+0%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (50 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford	$13,546	$29,532	$30,496	$14,042	0.48
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn	$4,320	$40,196	—	$10,656	0.27
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine	$3,822	$36,111	$48,633	$9,834	0.27
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago	$4,380	$35,140	—	$11,000	0.31
First Institute of Travel Inc.Crystal Lake	—	$33,597	$31,754	$9,500	0.28
Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey	$3,552	$32,224	—	$6,360	0.20
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rasmussen University-Illinois, approximately 63% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 548 graduates with reported earnings and 810 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.