Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen's undergraduate teaching certificate in Fargo produces middle-of-the-road results, landing exactly at the national earnings median of $28,038 while coming in slightly above the state's 50th percentile. For North Dakota, where only four schools offer this certificate, that 60th percentile placement suggests modest competitive advantage—though with all programs clustered around the same median, the differences are minimal.

The debt picture tells a more complicated story. While the $12,358 borrowing sits below both national and state medians, that 75th percentile ranking indicates that three-quarters of similar programs nationwide manage to get students through with even less debt. Combined with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, this suggests the program serves a population that may be particularly debt-sensitive. The 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, but parents should recognize that $28,000 in first-year earnings leaves little financial breathing room while making loan payments.

For families considering this certificate as a stepping stone to teaching, the key question is whether it accelerates licensing or simply adds debt. In North Dakota's tight education job market, that first-year salary reflects entry-level teaching assistant or paraprofessional work—not full teacher pay. If this certificate shortens the path to full licensure and better earnings, it could work. If it's a detour that delays a bachelor's degree, the modest debt load may still represent a poor trade.