Analysis
Rasmussen's marketing associate program delivers solid first-year earnings of $44,293—outpacing the national median by about $2,300 and landing in the 60th percentile among Illinois programs. However, the complete lack of earnings growth over four years is unusual for a career-focused degree and worth understanding. This could reflect the realities of entry-level marketing roles or suggest graduates may need additional credentials to advance, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few individual career paths could be skewing the picture.
The debt load of $27,167 is notably higher than the national median for this program, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. That's manageable—you'd expect to pay off the loans within a reasonable timeframe at these salary levels—but it's worth comparing against other two-year options. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population where every dollar of debt matters.
The value here hinges on individual circumstances. If your child needs flexible scheduling or specific career services Rasmussen provides, the decent starting salary makes this workable. But if flat earnings concern you, investigate whether graduates typically pursue additional education or if this reflects the broader marketing assistant job market in Illinois. Given the higher-than-average debt for an associate degree, ensure this aligns with realistic career goals rather than serving as a placeholder credential.
Where Rasmussen University-Illinois Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rasmussen University-Illinois graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $44,293 | $44,488 | +0% |
| Schoolcraft Community College District | $48,724 | $46,865 | -4% |
| Nassau Community College | $19,002 | $46,526 | +145% |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $44,293 | $44,488 | +0% |
| Rasmussen University-Florida | $44,293 | $44,488 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,546 | $44,293 | $44,488 | $27,167 | 0.61 | |
| $4,448 | $48,724 | $46,865 | $14,943 | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084 | — | $22,546 | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748 | — | $19,652 | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293 | $44,488 | $27,167 | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293 | $44,488 | $27,167 | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955 | — | $19,149 | 0.46 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.