Computer Systems Analysis at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen's computer systems analysis program carries an estimated $46,000 in debt based on peer institutions, nearly matching the first-year earnings that similar programs nationally produce. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 isn't catastrophic, but it does mean graduates likely face substantial monthly payments right as they're starting their careers. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to deliver clear economic mobility—and that initial earnings figure suggests a slow start.

The stronger signal comes from the four-year earnings data: $77,746 represents a nearly 50% jump from year one. That trajectory matters because it indicates the degree does build valuable skills that employers reward over time. However, unlike programs with reported first-year data, we can't verify whether Rasmussen's specific graduates follow this pattern or if they're achieving the national benchmark that our estimate assumes. The limited number of Computer Systems Analysis programs in Illinois—just three statewide—means fewer comparison points and more uncertainty about what this particular program delivers.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether your child will stick with the field long enough to reach those stronger four-year earnings. If career persistence is likely, the debt becomes manageable. If there's any doubt about commitment to a technical career path, accumulating $46,000 for uncertain first-year prospects deserves serious pause, especially when the estimates themselves carry inherent uncertainty.