Human Resources Management and Services at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen University-Illinois produces HR graduates who earn significantly more than their peers nationally—landing at the 95th percentile with $45,969 in first-year earnings, well above the national median of $40,006. For an associate's degree serving a predominantly working-class population (63% receive Pell grants), these outcomes translate to solid middle-class earning potential with manageable debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates earn nearly double their debt in the first year—a healthy position that gets better as salaries grow to nearly $50,000 by year four. Within Illinois, these graduates hit the state median, ranking in the 60th percentile, which makes sense given the concentration of higher-paying HR opportunities in the Chicago metro area. The $26,536 debt load sits at the national median for this credential, meaning students aren't overpaying for the strong outcomes.

For families considering an associate's degree in HR, this program offers a clear pathway to stable employment without the debt burden of a bachelor's degree. The moderate sample size suggests established employer relationships in the Rockford area, and the steady earnings growth indicates real career progression rather than dead-end administrative roles. If your student wants to enter HR quickly and affordably, this is a strong regional option.