Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen's nursing assistant program in Rockford charges roughly twice the typical Illinois debt load for this credential—$21,274 versus a state median of $9,625—while delivering earnings that barely edge above state and national averages. With graduates earning around $45,000 in their first year, this means you're looking at nearly half a year's salary in debt for a certificate program, which is unusually high for this field.

The earnings themselves tell a straightforward story: starting at $45,271 and climbing modestly to $46,881 by year four represents steady but limited income growth. You're not seeing the trajectory problems that plague some programs, but you're also not approaching the $55,000+ that top Illinois programs deliver. The 60th percentile ranking within Illinois confirms this program sits in the middle of the pack for outcomes while charging premium prices. Given that nearly two-thirds of students here receive Pell grants, that debt burden hits especially hard for families already managing tight budgets.

The comparison to other Illinois options is stark: programs at Illinois Central College or CAAN Academy deliver 20% higher earnings, often with less debt. Unless Rasmussen offers specific advantages like scheduling flexibility or location convenience that matter significantly to your family, there are more affordable pathways into practical nursing in Illinois that provide better financial returns.