Nursing at Rockford University

Rockford, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
71
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,940/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #743 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $726K $724K $647K
Earnings Multiple 4.9x 4.9x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 71 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$149,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$92,264
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,980
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,490
6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $70,940/yr, roughly in line with the $75,273 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 4.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $70,940 far exceeding the $26,980 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #743 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Rockford University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $70,940 to $75,490 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Rockford University

A 57% admission rate makes Rockford University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 956 students in Rockford, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 42% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $92,264 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rockford University →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Rockford University?
At 71/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Rockford University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →