Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Rasmussen University-Minnesota

Rasmussen's IT administration associate degree lands graduates squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but Minnesota families should know their $42,043 first-year earnings trail the state median by roughly $2,500. Among the 20 Minnesota schools offering this program, Rasmussen ranks in just the 40th percentile—meaning three out of five comparable programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Dakota County Technical College and Hennepin Technical College both produce graduates earning $4,000-7,000 more annually with similar or lower debt burdens.

The debt load of $21,480 matches the national median but runs about $2,500 higher than Minnesota's typical IT program. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, graduates face manageable monthly payments, though they're borrowing more than necessary for outcomes that lag state alternatives. The program serves a majority Pell-eligible population, which matters for families counting on financial aid, but stronger regional options exist at comparable price points.

For Minnesota residents, this comes down to accessibility versus outcomes. If Rasmussen's scheduling flexibility or campus location solves a logistical challenge that technical colleges can't, the gap isn't catastrophic—you're looking at roughly $200 less monthly income starting out. But if you have reasonable access to schools like Dakota County Tech or Hennepin Tech, those programs deliver noticeably better returns on similar investments.