Marketing at Rasmussen University-Minnesota

Rasmussen's marketing graduates start behind their Minnesota peers but experience something unusual: 42% earnings growth over four years, reaching $58,760—above the state median and competitive with programs at Saint Mary's and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. That trajectory matters, but getting there requires carrying nearly $38,000 in debt, well above both the state median ($25,000) and national benchmark ($24,267).

The initial gap is significant. First-year earnings of $41,377 trail both Minnesota's median ($49,439) and the national average ($44,728), placing graduates in just the 25th percentile statewide. For a program serving mainly moderate-income students (51% receive Pell grants), starting $8,000 below state expectations creates real financial pressure. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans—manageable only if that four-year earnings jump materializes.

This program bets on growth rather than immediate returns. If your child can weather lower starting pay and you're confident in their ability to advance quickly in marketing roles, the four-year numbers suggest reasonable outcomes. But Minnesota offers 21 marketing programs, many with stronger starting salaries and lower debt. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose Rasmussen—location, schedule flexibility, or specific program features—the delayed payoff and higher debt make this a harder sell compared to alternatives.