Computer Engineering at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen's Computer Engineering associate program in Illinois outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally while maintaining remarkably manageable debt. The $48,263 starting salary matches the national median, but what makes this stand out is the debt load—at just $23,635, it's lower than 95% of comparable programs. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a threshold that typically signals strong financial viability. The 16% earnings jump to $56,172 by year four suggests solid career progression.

What's particularly noteworthy: this is the only school offering an associate degree in computer engineering in Illinois, making direct state comparisons impossible. However, the national ranking tells the story—Rasmussen has carved out a niche delivering strong outcomes for a population where 63% receive Pell grants. Most two-year tech programs either deliver lower earnings or saddle students with crushing debt; this one manages to avoid both pitfalls.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into tech without committing to a four-year degree, this program offers unusual value. Graduates emerge with legitimate earning power and debt they can realistically manage, even if their salary growth plateaus. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers.