Computer Engineering at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen's Computer Engineering associate program in North Dakota posts strong numbers that challenge assumptions about for-profit institutions. Graduates earn $48,263 in their first year and see that grow to $56,172 by year four—a solid 16% increase that suggests the degree opens doors to legitimate technical roles rather than dead-end positions. The $23,635 in median debt translates to a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for a technical field.

The national context reveals something surprising: this program ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings among associate-level Computer Engineering programs nationwide. That's genuinely impressive performance. The 60th percentile ranking within North Dakota is less meaningful since this is the only program of its type in the state—there's simply no local competition for comparison. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, the program appears to serve students who might otherwise lack access to technical training that leads to middle-class earnings.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means outcomes could shift somewhat year to year, but the combination of reasonable debt, strong starting salaries, and continued earnings growth suggests this program delivers what it promises. For a student seeking technical training without committing to a four-year degree, these numbers indicate genuine career value.