Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Rasmussen University-Illinois

This certificate stands out nationally but looks more typical when compared to Illinois schools. Rasmussen's graduates earn $32,345 in their first year—nearly 30% above the national median for business operations programs—but that figure exactly matches the Illinois state median. In other words, this program performs at the 95th percentile nationally yet sits squarely in the middle (60th percentile) among Illinois alternatives. The debt load of $16,722 is similarly average for the state, though it's notably higher than the $9,500 national median.

The career trajectory here is essentially flat: earnings inch up just 4% over four years to $33,600. That's not necessarily alarming for an entry-level administrative certificate, where the real value often lies in quick workforce entry rather than rapid advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates owe about six months of their annual salary—manageable, especially given the short timeline to completion. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class students seeking practical credentials.

The catch? The sample size is under 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift dramatically with a larger cohort. For Illinois families, the key insight is this: if your child can access one of the state's other 42 programs offering this certificate, compare carefully. Rasmussen isn't a bad option, but it's not obviously superior to in-state alternatives that might cost less or offer better placement support.