Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Rockford University #869 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $59,145, placing Rockford University in the 39.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Rockford University #982 for mobility among nonprofit four-year institutions. ---
Azimuth ranks Rockford University #869 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private master's university in Rockford, IL, Rockford University enrolls roughly 972 undergraduates. Retention is 65.3% and the six-year graduation rate is 47.2%, reflecting solid completion outcomes for a regional institution. Rockford University draws strength from its focus on health-related fields and strong outcomes for the students it serves. 48.4% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 41.8% are first-generation college students, positioning the university as an access-oriented institution. Graduates earn about $8,325 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Rockford University in the 83.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Rockford University #740 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The composite reflects a balanced profile across access and affordability. Rockford University sits in the 43.9 percentile for access and the 47.4 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions, demonstrating competitive positioning on both fronts. For students seeking a smaller, values-driven institution with a health-sciences emphasis and outcomes that outperform peer expectations, Rockford University offers a meaningful alternative to larger regional universities.
Rockford University's published cost of attendance is $49,169. Net price by income band shows meaningful variation: low-income families pay approximately $20,877, middle-income families pay around $22,987, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,097. Azimuth ranks Rockford University #750 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry; net price and sticker price can differ substantially, and understanding that gap matters when comparing institutions. Rockford University participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and individual aid packages vary within each income band shown above. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,274, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $22,982; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures. See the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For the typical graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,145, median federal debt of $22,274 projects to a monthly payment of about $252 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Rockford University is a good fit for students seeking a private nonprofit college experience in Rockford, IL, particularly those interested in health-related fields. The university's program mix is concentrated in Health, which accounts for 15% of degrees. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $59,145, placing Rockford University in the 39.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They also earn about $8,325 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 83.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university enrolls a significant share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 48.4% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 41.8% are first-generation. Published cost of attendance is $27,097, and median federal student debt at graduation is $22,274. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 92.9% admit rate makes the application process selective, and the program mix favors health fields over other disciplines. Students whose interests align with those areas and who can navigate the application process will find a clear pathway to stable careers.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Rockford University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Rockford University's published cost of attendance is $49,169. Net price by income band shows meaningful variation: low-income families pay approximately $20,877, middle-income families pay around $22,987, and higher-income families pay approximately $27,097.
Azimuth ranks Rockford University #750 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry; [net price and sticker price can differ substantially](/analysis/is-college-worth-it-part-1-the-net-price-illusion/), and understanding that gap matters when comparing institutions.
Rockford University participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and individual aid packages vary within each income band shown above.
Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,274, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $22,982; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures. See the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For the typical graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,145, median federal debt of $22,274 projects to a monthly payment of about $252 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Rockford University earn median 4-year earnings of $59,145, placing Rockford University in the 39.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Rockford University #740 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The earnings pattern reflects Rockford University's concentration in health-related fields. Nursing is the largest program with 48 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $70,537.
Business Administration enrolls 30 graduates with median 4-year earnings of $63,331, while The Teacher Education program graduates 28 students earning $46,780. Kinesiology and Psychology, General round out the institution's primary degree offerings.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
48 graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations
30 graduates
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
28 graduates
Biology, General
7 graduates
Psychology, General
20 graduates
Rockford University's program mix is anchored in health sciences and professional fields, reflecting the institution's focus on career-ready undergraduate education. Nursing is the largest program with 48 graduates, followed by Business Administration, Teacher Education, Kinesiology, and Psychology, General.
Across 0 ranked programs serving roughly 233 students annually, the institution concentrates in Business (15%), Education (15%), and Arts (7%). The strongest earnings outcomes cluster in health and applied professional fields.
Nursing graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $70,537 with 48 graduates, while Business Administration delivers $63,331 for 30 graduates. Teacher Education rounds out the top earners at $46,780 for 28 graduates.
These programs reflect Rockford University's positioning as a health-sciences-focused private institution where direct-to-workforce pathways dominate and graduates enter stable, in-demand career fields immediately after enrollment. The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) framework shows that health and applied professional fields align with sustained national labor-market demand.
Rockford University's concentration in these sectors positions graduates for consistent hiring and wage stability across regional and national job markets.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Champlain College Similar quality tier (#25950 ranked) | VT | 83% | $58,386 | #25950 | Compare |
Universidad Adventista De Las Antillas Similar quality tier (#25951 ranked) | PR | 100% | $28,465 | #25951 | Compare |
Desales University Similar quality tier (#25953 ranked) | PA | 77% | $61,295 | #25953 | Compare |
Campbell University Similar quality tier (#25943 ranked) | NC | 87% | $54,886 | #25943 | Compare |
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor Similar quality tier (#25937 ranked) | TX | 96% | $56,132 | #25937 | Compare |
