Rockford University
Rockford University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rockford University at a Glance
Rockford University is a private university in Rockford, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary and changed its name to Rockford College in 1892, and to Rockford University in 2013.
1847
179 years old
1,181
72
76 acres
Identity
Is Rockford University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Rockford University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,794 — 2% above average — while paying $22,436/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Rockford University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Rockford University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #57 of 97 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #5 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #57 | Rockford University | 26 | $22,436 | $54,794 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rockford University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in IL.
Best Programs at Rockford University
The highest-earning program at Rockford University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Sciences, General at $28,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Rockford University earns $54,500, while a Social Sciences, General graduate earns $28,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,436/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,500 | $54,500 | $30,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,400 | $37,400 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,400 | $30,400 | $25,000 |
| Social Sciences, General | $28,200 | $28,200 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Rockford, IL
- Student Body
- 972 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,436
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,794
- Median Student Debt
- $22,274