Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Rasmussen University-Illinois

Rasmussen's early childhood education program charges significantly more than typical associate-degree programs in this field—$23,086 versus a national median of just $13,608—but graduates earn meaningfully more than their peers nationwide. At $28,337 after one year, earnings land at the 75th percentile nationally and match Illinois's median for this credential. That's roughly $3,200 above what most early childhood educators with associate's degrees earn, though it's worth noting that in Illinois specifically, this performance places graduates closer to the middle of the pack (60th percentile).

The debt load requires scrutiny. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 looks manageable on paper, early childhood education typically carries lower debt because it's often pursued at community colleges. You're paying private-school tuition here—nearly 70% more than the national norm—for what amounts to mid-tier outcomes within Illinois. The modest earnings growth to $29,279 by year four suggests limited upward mobility, which is common in this field but matters more when you're starting with higher debt.

For families already committed to private education or those who need Rasmussen's flexible scheduling, this program won't derail finances. But cost-conscious parents should compare closely with Illinois community colleges offering similar credentials. The earnings premium over national programs doesn't fully offset the debt premium, especially when staying in-state means competing against peers who likely graduated with far less debt.