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Rockford University

Rockford, IL·Private nonprofit·956 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

57%
Accept
956
Students
$23,066
Net Price
38%
Grad Rate
$47,800
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Rockford University is a private nonprofit institution located in Rockford, Illinois with approximately 956 undergraduate students enrolled. Rockford University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 57%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,066 per year. The graduation rate is 38%, and the typical graduate earns $47,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 38% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning fewer than 4 in 10 students who start actually finish, and that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $15,000, and graduates earn a median of $47,800 a decade out, which is a reasonable return for a small private school at $23,066/year after aid. Worth considering if you're drawn to a tight-knit campus and have a clear plan to stay on track — but ask hard questions about what academic and financial support they offer to help students actually make it to graduation.

Founded
1847
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions25%
Business & Marketing18%
Education14%
Social Sciences7%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Psychology3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jane AddamsEllen Gates Starr

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite984
Reading 75th %ile535
Math 75th %ile535

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,300
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,300
Avg Net Price
$23,066
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants42%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
38%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White41%
Black15%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (956 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Rockford University

5050 E State St

Rockford, IL 61108-2311

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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