Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen-Illinois charges nearly double the typical debt load for a Design and Applied Arts associate's degree—$28,722 versus a state median of $13,834—while delivering earnings that barely exceed what most Illinois programs achieve. That 60th percentile state ranking means graduates earn modestly more than half their in-state peers, but they're carrying twice the financial burden to get there. The national comparison looks rosier (75th percentile), but that's partly because design programs vary wildly by region and cost structure.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which becomes problematic in creative fields where career progression often requires additional education or unpaid internships. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on substantial debt relative to their resources. College of DuPage, for comparison, delivers similar earnings ($31,463) with presumably lower debt given typical community college pricing.

For an anxious parent, the question is straightforward: is the premium worth $15,000 extra in debt for outcomes that match what cheaper Illinois programs deliver? Unless Rasmussen offers specific advantages—industry connections, scheduling flexibility, or specialized training your child can't get elsewhere—this looks like paying luxury prices for standard results.