Human Services at Rasmussen University-Minnesota

Rasmussen's Human Services program charges nearly 50% more in student debt than the national median while delivering earnings that, while above average nationally, sit squarely in the middle for Minnesota. With $46,312 in typical debt against $40,125 in first-year earnings, graduates face one of the steepest debt burdens in the country—14th percentile nationally means 86% of comparable programs saddle students with less debt.

The earnings story has a silver lining: hitting the 75th percentile nationally suggests solid job placement or preparation. But within Minnesota, where this program sits at the median for earnings, Metropolitan State University graduates earn $5,600 more annually with likely lower debt loads. Given that half of Rasmussen's students receive Pell grants, this debt burden could prove particularly challenging for students from lower-income families entering a helping profession not known for high salaries.

The math is straightforward: at 1.15 times first-year earnings, this debt level is manageable but tight. For families choosing between Minnesota programs, the question becomes whether Rasmussen's convenience or program structure justifies taking on significantly more debt than necessary for comparable—or better—outcomes. Metropolitan State deserves serious consideration as an alternative.