Rasmussen University Transition

Evolving for a New Generation of Higher Education

In October 2020, Rasmussen College, a pioneer in career-focused education for more than 120 years, became Rasmussen University. This transition addresses the shifts we have made as an institution throughout the last decade to help define a new generation of higher education—an evolution that reflects the rapidly changing market we navigate, the innovative programs and workforce-ready education we offer and the breadth of students we serve.

This country and its diverse citizenry are asking for change in higher education. They deserve nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners of their field. Becoming Rasmussen University answers these needs. Our goal is to meet every student where they are in their educational journey, which is why our portfolio of career-focused programs spans from certificates to graduate degrees and everything in between. This change to Rasmussen University solidifies our commitment to workforce preparation and having a wide-reaching impact—for all, not just the few.

We will continue teaching the hard skills our students need to qualify for in-demand careers, as well as the soft skills needed to succeed in those careers. As Rasmussen University, students will receive the same affordable options, personalized and flexible experiences, student support and career services that we have become known for. The University is designed to lift and support our students every step of the way, from their first credential to their last.

Staying True to Our Mission

Since opening our doors in 1900 as Rasmussen Practical School of Business, evolving to meet the educational needs of every student has always been our priority. Our students and community members will continue to experience the benefits of a student-centered, future-facing institution, without sacrificing what drew them to our institution in the first place. Learn more about our rich history and mission of empowering students through academic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

The transition to Rasmussen University is a big change, and we know you will have questions, which is why we collected some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you don't see your question, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Why did Rasmussen College become a University?

This is our institution’s next step toward a vibrant future. Diverse learners are seeking nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners in their field. Employers are seeking graduates who possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Rasmussen University answers these unmet needs and helps define a new generation of higher education—one that focuses on providing dynamic curriculum, competency-based education, simulated work experience and alliances with employers—for all, not just the few.


Will my program of interest continue to be offered?

Yes. Program offerings did not change as a result of becoming Rasmussen University.


Will my program of interest continue to be offered in the same format?

Yes. Students should not experience any significant changes due to the transition. Students will continue to receive hands-on skills development and relevant curriculum delivered through distinct and adaptive classroom experiences.


Will my program of interest continue to be flexible with time to completion?

Yes. Our goal is to meet every student where they are in their educational journey—from their first credential to their last. You can expect to continue to receive a personalized and flexible learning experience at Rasmussen University.


Will Rasmussen University continue to offer Diploma and Associate's degree programs?

Yes. Program offerings did not change as a result of becoming Rasmussen University. You can still pursue a higher education Diploma and/or Associate’s degree at Rasmussen University.


How will this affect tuition?

We will continue to provide affordable tuition options to all students as Rasmussen University. Tuition will not be impacted as a result of the name change.


Will financial aid be impacted?

No. Financial aid will continue to be processed the same as it has been.


Will there still be physical campuses?

Yes. Campuses and locations remain the same after the name change. Campus buildings will receive updated signage as part of the transition. Updates to signage will begin in Spring 2021, with all campus signage updates complete by mid-2022.


Will this affect the enrollment process/entry requirements?

No. Students will not need to re-apply or re-enroll due to the name change.


Whom should I ask if I have more questions?

Please connect with an admissions advisor.

Why did Rasmussen College become a University?

This is our institution’s next step toward a vibrant future. Diverse learners are seeking nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners in their field. Employers are seeking graduates who possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Rasmussen University answers these unmet needs and helps define a new generation of higher education—one that focuses on providing dynamic curriculum, competency-based education, simulated work experience and alliances with employers—for all, not just the few.


Will my class format change?

No. Students should not experience significant change due to the name change. You can expect the same personalized and flexible learning experience through online and on-campus options.


Will class sizes change?

No. Class sizes will remain as they have been.


Will my program still be offered by Rasmussen University?

Yes. Program offerings did not change as a result of becoming Rasmussen University. If you have additional questions about your program, please contact your student advisor.


Will my program of interest continue to be flexible?

Yes. Our goal is to meet every student where they are in their educational journey—from their first credential to their last. You can expect to continue to receive a personalized and flexible learning experience at Rasmussen University.


Will I still receive one-on-one support and a personalized education?

Yes. Student success has been and always will be at the core of our mission. You will continue to receive flexible, affordable, career-focused education and access to comprehensive student support and career services.


Will more Bachelor's and Master's programs be offered by Rasmussen University?

We are planning to—and excited to—expand at the graduate level, including doctoral degrees. Current students looking to advance their skills and careers will benefit from expanded offerings in healthcare-, business-, technology- and social services–related programs and graduate education, delivered online and on campus by practitioners in the field.


Will Rasmussen University still offer Diploma and Associate's degree programs?

Yes. Program offerings did not change as a result of becoming Rasmussen University. You can still pursue a higher education Diploma and/or Associate’s degree at Rasmussen University.


Will there still be physical campuses?

Yes. Campuses and locations remain the same after the name change. Campus buildings will receive updated signage as part of the transition. Updates to signage will begin in Spring 2021, with all campus signage updates complete by mid-2022.


Will financial aid be impacted?

No. Financial aid will continue to be processed the same as it has been.


Whom was consulted during the decision-making process regarding the transition to Rasmussen University?

Rasmussen engaged key audiences such as prospective students, current students and alumni through one-on-one interviews, focus groups and surveys to better understand their perception of a college versus a university—as well as what they value about Rasmussen and an overall higher education experience. Rasmussen leadership also did extensive marketplace research and consulted with the University’s Board of Directors as well as other key industry stakeholders.


When did we “officially” become Rasmussen University?

Rasmussen College became Rasmussen University effective October 14, 2020. Updates to external signage will begin in Spring 2021, with all building signage updates complete by mid–2022.


Will our email address or logins change?

No, rasmussen.edu email addresses will remain the same.


What will my diploma say when I graduate?

Effective October 2020, diplomas awarded for November graduates and beyond will read “Rasmussen University." Students who graduated prior to October 2020 may request a replacement diploma with Rasmussen University identified. The current fee is $23 per replacement diploma, collected prior to a diploma order being placed. Replacement diplomas show the date the degree/certification was awarded and will bear the signatures of the current Rasmussen University administration. Requests can be made by calling 952-230-3092.


What will my transcripts say?

As of October 14, 2020, all transcripts read Rasmussen University. From now on, if you order a transcript, it will reflect Rasmussen University. The date of the name change will be noted on the back of the official transcript.


Can I still wear my Rasmussen College gear on campus?

Yes. You can wear Rasmussen College apparel on campus. Students and alumni can order new, Rasmussen University apparel, now available on RasMall.


As a Nursing or Health Sciences student, do I need to order new scrubs?

Nursing and Heath Sciences students will still be allowed to wear their existing scrubs through the completion of their program. If you would like to purchase Rasmussen University scrubs, they will be available for purchase starting February 22, 2021, through the existing Suite Styles site.


I'm enrolled and ready to start. Can I order scrubs now?

Rasmussen University scrubs will be available for purchase for students starting in Nursing and Health Sciences programs beginning February 22, 2021, through the existing Suite Styles site.


Whom should I ask if I have more questions?

Questions can be directed to your student advisor or campus director.

Why did Rasmussen College become a University?

This is our institution’s next step toward a vibrant future. Diverse learners are seeking nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners in their field. Employers are seeking graduates who possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Rasmussen University answers these unmet needs and helps define a new generation of higher education—one that focuses on providing dynamic curriculum, competency-based education, simulated work experience and alliances with employers—for all, not just the few.


Whom was consulted during the decision-making process regarding the transition to Rasmussen University?

Rasmussen engaged key audiences such as prospective students, current students and alumni through one-on-one interviews, focus groups and surveys to better understand their perception of a college versus a university—as well as what they value about Rasmussen and an overall higher education experience. Rasmussen leadership also did extensive marketplace research and consulted with the University’s Board of Directors as well as other key industry stakeholders.


Should I change my resume and/or LinkedIn profile to reflect the name change?

Updating your resume and/or LinkedIn is a personal choice. However, it is always best to present the most updated information to your audience. Please consider updating your platforms to reflect “Rasmussen University (formerly known as Rasmussen College)” for one year after the name change.


Do I have the option to replace my Rasmussen College diploma with the new Rasmussen University name?

Yes. Graduates of Rasmussen College may request a replacement diploma with Rasmussen University identified. The current fee is $23 per replacement diploma, which is collected prior to a diploma order being placed. Replacement diplomas will measure 8-1/2″ x 11″ in size. Replacement diplomas show the date the degree/certification was awarded and will bear the signatures of the current Rasmussen University administration. Requests can be made by calling 952-230-3092. Rasmussen University diplomas are now the standard as of October 2020. Graduates on or after that date will be graduates of Rasmussen University.


If I need to order new transcripts, what will my transcripts say?

As of October 14, 2020, all transcripts read Rasmussen University. That means if a student or alum chooses to order a transcript, their transcript will say Rasmussen University. The new name effective date will be noted on the back of the transcript.


How will this impact my educational records in the case of an employer background check?

The name change will not impact your academic record; however, all requests for official transcripts will be fulfilled on Rasmussen University transcript paper, effective since October 2020.


Does the name change devalue my Rasmussen College degree?

No. All degrees received from Rasmussen College are valid and will remain valid upon completion of this transition.


Whom should I ask if I have more questions?

Alumni may contact Career Services for more information and to ask questions about how the name change impacts their specific situation.

Why did Rasmussen College become a University?

This is our institution’s next step toward a vibrant future. Diverse learners are seeking nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners in their field. Employers are seeking graduates who possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Rasmussen University answers these unmet needs and helps define a new generation of higher education—one that focuses on providing dynamic curriculum, competency-based education, simulated work experience and alliances with employers—for all, not just the few.


How does the name change affect my alliance with Rasmussen?

Existing alliances will not be affected.


Will we still be able to use local campuses for free meeting space?

Yes. Our campus communities are our communities. We are dedicated to community enrichment and serving the public good which includes dedicating time to local volunteer opportunities, hosting a virtual career fair that is free to the public and donating meeting space to local organizations. You are welcome to use our campuses for free meeting space now and in the future.


Should I expect anything different from Rasmussen University graduates?

Graduates from our institution will continue to be workforce ready after learning the hard skills to qualify for in-demand careers and the soft skills needed to succeed in them. Our flexible learning options will continue to allow students to build on their existing experience. Our practitioner-taught courses and simulated work experiences will ensure our graduates continue to be ready to fill roles in high-demand career fields.


Will we need to sign new contracts?

Contracts between the “business and/or community member” and the entities of Rasmussen College, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and Rasmussen, Inc. have previously been assigned to Rasmussen College, LLC or Rasmussen, LLC. As such, these contracts will not need to be redone (as long as the agreement is up to date) because the legal entity name is not changing; only a new trade name is being used.


Whom should I ask if I have more questions?

Business and community members who have questions or are seeking more information about the name change can contact the local campus director or your point of contact at the institution.