Design and Applied Arts (Associate's Degree) at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Analysis

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.

Where Rasmussen University-Illinois Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (27 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford	$13,546	$32,246	—	$28,722	0.89
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn	$4,320	$31,463	—	$10,653	0.34
National Median	—	$27,846	—	$14,454	0.52

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.