Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rasmussen University-Wisconsin
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin's nursing program delivers solid value with exceptionally manageable debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.52, graduates can expect to earn nearly twice their student debt in their first year—a remarkably favorable position that ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. The $39,232 median debt is higher than the state average, but the strong earning potential more than compensates.
Earnings-wise, this program performs respectably, landing at the 50th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Wisconsin. The $74,861 starting salary is essentially on par with the national median and notably above Wisconsin's state median of $72,463. While it doesn't crack the top tier of Wisconsin nursing programs, it's competitive with established names like UW-Madison and the Herzing locations.
The 10% earnings growth over four years to $82,469 shows solid career progression, and with 57% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working families well. For parents concerned about debt burden, this program stands out—your child would graduate with very manageable debt levels while entering a stable, well-paying field. The combination of reasonable debt and solid earnings makes this a practical choice for nursing education.
Where Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rasmussen University-Wisconsin graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | $74,861 | $82,469 | $39,232 | 0.52 |
| Ottawa University-Milwaukee | $76,207 | — | $34,747 | 0.46 |
| Herzing University-Kenosha | $75,774 | $70,560 | $43,985 | 0.58 |
| Herzing University-Brookfield | $75,774 | $70,560 | $43,985 | 0.58 |
| Herzing University-Madison | $75,774 | $70,560 | $43,985 | 0.58 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $75,513 | $73,330 | $25,000 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Milwaukee Brookfield | — | $76,207 | $34,747 |
| Herzing University-Kenosha Kenosha | $13,420 | $75,774 | $43,985 |
| Herzing University-Brookfield Brookfield | $13,420 | $75,774 | $43,985 |
| Herzing University-Madison Madison | $13,420 | $75,774 | $43,985 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $75,513 | $25,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rasmussen University-Wisconsin, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 917 graduates with reported earnings and 1025 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.