Marketing at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen's marketing program shows one of the steepest earnings trajectories in the data, with graduates nearly doubling their income by year four—but that strong growth has to compensate for a shaky start. First-year earnings of $41,377 trail not just North Dakota's median ($48,329) but also fall below the national average, placing graduates in the 29th percentile nationally. Within North Dakota's small field of six marketing programs, this ranks near the middle, but it's telling that every other major program in the state—from UND to NDSU—shows higher initial earnings.

The bigger concern is the debt burden. At $37,530, graduates here carry 54% more debt than the typical marketing major nationally, making this one of the most expensive marketing programs relative to peers. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which creates real cash flow pressure in those early career years when they're earning the least. The rapid earnings growth to $58,760 by year four helps close the gap, but it doesn't erase the fact that graduates start further behind their peers at other North Dakota schools.

For families prioritizing immediate job market outcomes, the other state universities offer better starting positions with less debt. Rasmussen's program may work for students with specific circumstances or those who can minimize borrowing, but the typical graduate faces a steeper financial climb than necessary given the in-state alternatives.