What is Rasmussen University Known For?
Rasmussen University, formerly Rasmussen College, has provided flexible education options for working adults for over a century. The institution prides itself on meeting the evolving needs of diverse communities and creating well-rounded professionals prepared for in-demand careers.
Rasmussen University’s first campus opened in 1900 and has since opened additional locations in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Distance learning first became available at the institution in 2002, and Rasmussen University has been a leading pioneer in online education through its state-of-the-art Empowered Learning curriculum. This project-based structure emphasizes soft skills needed for employability in a modern market.
Rasmussen University boasts over 60 career-focused programs across 8 schools, with degrees and diploma options in business, design, education, health sciences, human services, justice studies, nursing, and technology.
Is it Legit?
Rasmussen University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE).
The institution features state licensing and approval as well. Rassmussen University is approved to accept Veteran’s Education Benefits by the Veteran’s Affairs State Approving Agencies in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Furthermore, the school is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education.
It is authorized to operate as a postsecondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Additionally, Rasmussen University boasts certificates of approval from the Kansas Board of Regents, is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and is approved by Minnesota to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Even further, Rasmussen University is authorized to operate by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Rasmussen University additionally possesses programmatic licensing. The school is approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), as well as by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Rasmussen University’s nursing programs are approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school also has approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) to operate.
Is Rasmussen University Worth It?
Rasmussen University boasts a unique educational structure that caters to students’ needs and employers’ demands through its Empowered Learning program style. The school emphasizes learning by doing and provides 14-day attendance windows, letting students excel on their terms.
Rasmussen University respects adults’ working schedules through their flexible distance learning requirements and project-based curriculum, fostering weekly class discussions and private consultations with instructors and a consistent circulation of ideas and feedback amongst students.
Rasmussen University bases its program style on employer demands, prioritizing transferable ‘soft skills’ as a foundation for all degree pathways and career-specific training. The institution establishes this teaching style on statistics, citing that 94% of recruiting professionals believe soft skills outweigh years of experience in candidates seeking leadership promotions and that 57% of business leaders consider soft skills more important than hard skills.
Rasmussen students and alums alike laud the institution’s Empowered Learning style, with a majority of alum feedback praising the institution’s flexibility, stating that the university enabled them to commit fully to their education and careers. Essentially, their Empowered Learning experience was integral to success, molding to their schedules while additionally fostering essential skills like time management and comfort with independence.
Rasmussen University vs. Community College
Rasmussen University boasts an unrivaled approach to flexibility in education, allowing students to save money and time by completing their education at their own pace, even transferring up to 67% of their credits through the institution’s Knowledge Credit program.
Rasmussen University’s Knowledge Credit program allows students to transfer college-level credit and complete self-directed assessments to bypass courses and gain credit for military training and professional certifications. Rasmussen University’s online degree programs are built for student success, with faculty and staff trained for online mentoring, so students won’t have to grapple with professors unfamiliar with online lecturing and discussions.
The school supports its students further through 24/7 technical support, career advising, and peer mentoring. Rasmussen University facilitates its students through a competency-based education model; instead of tests, papers, and one-size-fits-all schedules, students manage their own pace and create projects they’d see in the workplace.
By prioritizing skills like communication, critical thinking, digital fluency, diversity, teamwork, ethics, professional responsibility, and information literacy, Rasmussen graduates enter the workforce with skills vital to workplace leadership and success, equipped much further than the traditional community college graduate.
Acceptance Rate
Rassmussen University’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Cost Per Year
The average annual tuition for undergraduate programs at Rasmussen University is $11,241 per year, except for undergraduate nursing programs, which range from $16,884 to $17,091 per year. The average annual tuition for graduate students at Rasmussen University ranges from $5,535 to $7,020 per year.
Rasmussen University accepts federal financial aid in the form of loans and grants. They additionally take private loans and military benefits and offer students institutional financial aid, ensuring an affordable educational experience for all students.
School Catalog
A copy of the course catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Rasmussen University’s technical support, career advising, and peer mentoring online programs are available to students 24/7.
Campus hours may vary depending on the location but are generally available Mondays through Thursdays, 8 AM to 8 PM, Fridays, 8 AM to 4 PM, and Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Billing and Coding
Healthcare and Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
Technology
- Cyber Security
- IT Support
- Project Management
Campus Locations
Ocala, FL 4755 SW 46th Ct. Ocala, FL 34474
Tampa, FL 8661 Citizens Dr. New Port Richey, FL 34654
Tampa, FL 4042 Park Oaks Blvd., Ste 100 Tampa, FL 33610
Tampa, FL 11600 College Blvd., Ste 100 Overland, FL 66210
Rockford, IL 6000 E State St., 44th Floor Rockford, IL 61108
Topeka, KS 620 SW Governor View Topeka, KS 66606
Minneapolis, MN 3629 95th Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55014
Minneapolis, MN 4400 W 78th St. 6 Bloomington, MN 55435
Minneapolis, MN 8301 93rd Ave. N Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Minneapolis, MN 3500 Federal Dr. Eagan, MN 55122
St. Paul, MN 8565 Eagle Point Cir. Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Minneapolis, MN 130 Saint Andrews Dr. Mankato, MN 55042
Fargo, ND 1250 29th Ave. S Moorhead, MN 56560
St. Cloud, MN 226 Park Ave. S St. Cloud, MN 56301
Bismark, ND 1701 E Century Ave. Bismark, ND 58503
Fargo, ND 4012 19th Ave. S Fargo, ND 58103
Green Bay, WI 904 S Taylor St., Ste 100 Green Bay, WI 54303
Wausau, WI 1101 Westwood Dr. Wausau, WI 54401
Financial Aid Services
There are several ways to pay for educational expenses. The website features a tool to estimate costs based on programs and credits. Rasmussen College advisors help people fill out their FAFSA and identify any grants they qualify for. Some may be eligible for the Change A Life or Future Nurses of Wisconsin Scholarships. Military personnel receive a 10% tuition discount.
Student Services
Program Managers guide applicants through the process of getting set up at Rasmussen College. Staff experts help navigate the application, the placement exam, and financial aid. Specialists will apply transfer credits so that attendees can save time and money. All new enrollees must complete an orientation course.
Career Services
Multiple self-service resources are available. These include things like JobConnect and OptimalResume. The school also provides career planning webinars, tutorials, web advising, and virtual job fairs. Additionally, Rasmussen College has a YouTube channel filled with informational videos.
Alumni Services
Graduates enjoy a number of benefits at Rasmussen College. The Alumni Association is free and gives access to perks. Members can take advantage of job databases and mock interview sessions, as well as tools for networking. Former students may also use digital library materials.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Rasmussen University – Ocala has a nearly flawless reputation for its initial enrollment process, which is consistently praised for being stress-free, efficient, and exceptionally supportive. The feedback is dominated by positive personal experiences with the Admissions and Advising teams, with very few criticisms of the academic programs themselves.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Personalized Admissions Support The overwhelming majority of reviews focus on the Admissions staff, who are described as professional, kind, and genuinely caring. Admissions Representatives and Senior Admissions Managers are repeatedly cited as the reason for a positive start to students’ academic journeys.
Motivating Enrollment Experience Advisors are universally praised for their clear, detailed communication and motivating energy. They are credited with making the complicated enrollment process “smooth and easy,” providing study materials, and offering constant encouragement (“cheering for you from the start”). Students noted staff members’ exceptional support when making the decision to return to school, describing the application process as “a breeze.”
Strong Program Structure The core academic programs receive specific positive mentions, particularly the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. Students state that the program is “exactly what I had hoped for and more,” and what you would expect from a “well-structured program.” Students in the PTA program express gratitude for the numerous resources provided to help them successfully meet the program requirements.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Direct Program Criticism The reviews are heavily concentrated on the admissions experience, resulting in virtually no direct criticism of the academic instruction, facilities, or campus life at Rasmussen University – Ocala. The only non-praise elements involve procedural logistics, such as a student’s advisor changing partway through their process.
Contrasting Previous School Experiences Some students mention that their previous experience at other institutions was difficult, involving receiving “the run around” for other programs, which highlights how positively they view the organized and efficient process at Rasmussen.
Momentum
The momentum is strongly positive and sustained. The most recent reviews (within the last few weeks and months) continue to laud the admissions and advising staff. This indicates that the university’s front-line enrollment experience is consistently excellent and is the key driver of the high overall rating. The school owner frequently responds to reviews, demonstrating strong engagement with the student body.