Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rasmussen University-Illinois

This Rasmussen University nursing program delivers solid earnings with remarkably low debt, creating one of the most favorable financial outcomes you'll find in nursing education. With median debt of just $39,232—compared to the national average of $63,000 for nursing programs—graduates start their careers with significantly less financial burden while earning $74,861 in their first year, which matches national benchmarks.

The program performs particularly well within Illinois, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings among the state's 41 nursing programs. While top-tier schools like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Governors State ($80,391) produce higher initial salaries, the debt advantage at Rasmussen is substantial. The 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about half their first-year salary—a very manageable burden that allows for faster financial freedom. Additionally, the 10% earnings growth from year one to year four demonstrates solid career progression.

The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients (63%) indicates this program successfully serves students from lower-income backgrounds, making nursing careers accessible without crushing debt loads. For families prioritizing affordability while maintaining earning potential, this program offers an excellent value proposition in nursing education.