Accounting at Rasmussen University-Minnesota

Rasmussen's accounting associate's program costs about $2,000 more in student debt than the typical Minnesota program while delivering earnings right at the state median. That premium pricing becomes harder to justify when you look at Minnesota's community college alternatives: North Hennepin grads earn $6,000 more annually while Century College grads earn $2,600 more, both likely at lower cost to students. Your child would graduate in the 60th percentile among Minnesota accounting programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market.

The bright spot is stability. First-year earnings of $43,765 hold nearly steady through year four, and the debt burden remains manageable at just over half of first-year income. Nationally, this program punches above its weight, landing in the 86th percentile. But that comparison matters less for accounting, where local employment networks and state licensing requirements mean Minnesota-specific outcomes are what count.

For families paying a premium at a for-profit institution, consider whether that extra debt buys enough to justify the cost. If logistics or program flexibility make Rasmussen the only realistic option, the outcomes won't derail your child's career. But if nearby community colleges work logistically, they offer similar or better results at lower cost—particularly important for the 51% of students here receiving Pell grants who are already stretching limited resources.