Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-Illinois

With a small graduating class, Rasmussen's Design and Applied Arts program actually outperforms most Illinois schools—landing at the 60th percentile statewide—though first-year earnings of $32,482 still trail stronger programs like Illinois State by $7,000. The bigger concern is debt: at $35,438, graduates carry significantly more than the state median ($26,989) and nearly $9,000 more than the national benchmark, placing this program in the worst 5% nationally for debt burden. For a school serving 63% Pell-eligible students, that combination creates immediate financial pressure right out of the gate.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.09 means graduates owe more than they'll make in their first year—manageable if earnings grow steadily, but design fields don't always follow predictable salary trajectories. The limited sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to know if these outcomes are consistent or if a few outliers are skewing the picture.

If your child is set on Rasmussen, understand they're likely taking on above-average debt for middle-of-the-pack Illinois outcomes. Compare total program costs carefully against public options like Illinois State, where graduates earn $7,000 more right away—that difference compounds quickly when you're also carrying less debt.