Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rasmussen's Design and Applied Arts program graduates into the bottom tier of Minnesota's creative industry market. At $32,482, first-year earnings fall roughly $8,000 below the state median and trail every major Minnesota competitor—from University of Minnesota's $42,462 to Northwestern's $38,000. This 40th percentile state ranking suggests the program struggles to connect graduates with higher-paying design positions.
The debt burden amplifies the concern. At $35,438, graduates carry 31% more debt than the typical Minnesota design student, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels—meaning 95% of design programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. With debt exceeding first-year earnings, graduates face approximately three years of payments at standard rates, all while earning below what peers at public universities in Minnesota command.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly, but the pattern is troubling for a for-profit institution where half the students receive Pell grants. For families considering a design degree in Minnesota, the public university options deliver $6,000-$10,000 more in starting salary with substantially lower debt. Unless this program offers unique career services or industry connections not reflected in the data, state schools represent a clearer path to financial stability.
Where Rasmussen University-Minnesota Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rasmussen University-Minnesota graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rasmussen University-Minnesota graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | $32,482 | — | $35,438 | 1.09 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $42,462 | $56,160 | $24,000 | 0.57 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | $40,302 | — | — | — |
| Bemidji State University | $40,231 | $37,053 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $38,587 | $44,640 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| University of Northwestern-St Paul | $37,966 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis | $16,488 | $42,462 | $24,000 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis | $25,659 | $40,302 | — |
| Bemidji State University Bemidji | $10,164 | $40,231 | $27,000 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead | $10,336 | $38,587 | $27,000 |
| University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul | $36,830 | $37,966 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rasmussen University-Minnesota, approximately 51% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.