Admissions

First-Time College Students

Adding school to an already-full schedule can seem daunting, but we’ve worked hard to make it easier. We’ve designed flexible, skills-based programs that are schedule-friendly while still delivering the competitive edge necessary to succeed.

Online Application

Contact an admissions representative to start your online application. With no application fee for most programs, you can fill out your basic information online in minutes.

Entrance Placement Exam

This helps prepare you to succeed. Students may be exempt from this step depending upon the program and transfer credit; your admissions representative will help determine if you must complete this step.

Financial Aid

Once your FAFSA paperwork has been processed, your admissions representative will review financial aid options and tuition costs.

Enrollment Documents

Your admissions representative will send enrollment documents to sign, have you complete a background check (if necessary) and collect any previous college transcripts.1 Once enrolled, your admissions representative will walk through your academic plan and schedule.

Online Orientation

Before you begin your coursework, all incoming students are automatically enrolled into an online orientation course.

Transfer Students

We believe you should earn credit for the coursework you’ve already completed. In fact, in 2012 we accepted more than 225,000 transfer credits, saving our students $95 million.1 Our seamless transfer policies work to maximize your credits, helping you save money and graduate as fast as possible.

Online Application

Contact an admissions representative to start your online application. With no application fee for most programs, you can fill out your basic information online in minutes.

Entrance Placement Exam

This helps prepare you to succeed. Students may be exempt from this step depending upon the program and transfer credit; your admissions representative will help determine if you must complete this step.

Financial Aid

Once your FAFSA paperwork has been processed, your admissions representative will review financial aid options and tuition costs.

Transfer Credit Information

If you have prior college credit, you may be able to transfer it toward your education. For an overview of how we handle transfer credits, check out our Transfer Policy page.

Enrollment Documents

Your admissions representative will send enrollment documents to sign, have you complete a background check (if necessary) and collect any previous college transcripts.1 Once enrolled, your admissions representative will walk through your academic plan and schedule.

Online Orientation

Before you begin your coursework, all incoming students are automatically enrolled into an online orientation course.

Nursing Students

Nursing is one of the most in-demand jobs on the market. And we’re here to help you pursue your nursing career sooner. You won’t have to wait to start or advance your education with us—many of our Nursing programs have four starts a year and no wait list for qualified candidates.

Nursing Information Session

The first step toward beginning the Nursing program at Rasmussen University is to attend one of our required information sessions. Please view our Nursing Information Session page to see available dates/times by campus.

Entrance Exam

Upon receiving a qualifying score from your entrance exam, your admissions representative will help you submit required immunizations and CPR certification, as well as set up a physical exam.

Online Application

Contact an admissions representative to start your online application. With no application fee for most programs, you can fill out your basic information online in minutes.

Entrance Placement Exam

This helps prepare you to succeed. Students may be exempt from this step depending upon the program and transfer credit; your admissions representative will help determine if you must complete this step.

Financial Aid

Once your FAFSA paperwork has been processed, your admissions representative will review financial aid options and tuition costs.

Enrollment Documents

Your admissions representative will send enrollment documents to sign, have you complete a background check (if necessary) and collect any previous college transcripts.1 Once enrolled, your admissions representative will walk through your academic plan and schedule.

Online Orientation

Before you begin your coursework, all incoming students are automatically enrolled into an online orientation course.

Military Students

Military service is a major achievement, but today’s competitive job market often requires an education related to your field. To honor military service, our programs teach you the skills to integrate seamlessly into the workforce and start the next chapter of your professional life. Financial aid experts are also available to help military students leverage military benefits and support your enrollment process.

GI Bill®

Rasmussen University is approved for Veteran’s Education Benefits by the Veterans Affairs State Approving Agencies in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Information about VA Education Benefits at Rasmussen University can be found at https://guides.rasmussen.edu/militaryEducationBenefits/.

Online Application

Contact an admissions representative to start your online application. With no application fee for most programs, you can fill out your basic information online in minutes.

Entrance Placement Exam

This helps prepare you to succeed. Students may be exempt from this step depending upon the program and transfer credit; your admissions representative will help determine if you must complete this step.

Financial Aid

Once your FAFSA paperwork has been processed, your admissions representative will review financial aid options and tuition costs.

Transfer Credit Information

If you have prior college credit, you may be able to transfer it toward your education. For an overview of how we handle transfer credits, check out our Transfer Policy page.

Enrollment Documents

Your admissions representative will send enrollment documents to sign, have you complete a background check (if necessary) and collect any previous college transcripts.1 Once enrolled, your admissions representative will walk through your academic plan and schedule.

Online Orientation

Before you begin your coursework, all incoming students are automatically enrolled into an online orientation course.

How much is tuition?

A good place to start is our tuition estimator found on the Tuition page. For more specific inquiries, speak with an admissions representative.

What are my financial aid options?

Our Tuition page outlines some financial aid options for those who qualify. As part of the enrollment process, your admissions representative will walk you through an overview of financial aid and what type of aid may be specifically suited to you. 97% of Rasmussen University's full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid.2

One important step toward financial aid is filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

FAFSA Form Information

1. Go to studentaid.gov and create an FSA ID
2. Gather required documents (Visit our Tuition page for more information)
3. Fill in personal information
4. Fill in tax information using IRS Data Retrieval Tool
5. Save your FAFSA application
6. Sign and submit the FAFSA

For more information about available funding for those who qualify, contact an admissions representative.

Will financial aid cover my tuition?

You’ll find an overview of financial aid on our Tuition page. For more specific questions, speak with your admissions representative.

What is a Transfer of Credit?

Transfer of credit is credit for previously completed college courses you have taken. For questions, review our Transfer Policy page or reach out to an admissions representative who can guide you on collecting the required information needed to take this step.

What is the Rasmussen University School Code for FAFSA?

To look up a school code, visit the online FAFSA website. Connect with an admissions representative if you are unsure on what code to use. Codes are dependent on location and program.

Is Rasmussen an accredited college?

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency. For more information about other accreditation within certain programs, visit our Degrees page.

What will my class schedule be?

As a student, you will work with your admissions representative and an academic advisor to create your class schedule. For a high-level view on courses in a specific program, visit the course catalog.

What does a full-time schedule look like?

As a student, you will work with an admissions representative and an academic advisor to create a schedule that works best for you. Class schedules vary by program and credits per course.

What are online classes like?

In general, online classes follow a weekly format, including watching video lectures, reviewing assigned material, answering online discussion questions and completing weekly assignments. Online classes allow flexible, affordable options while still providing the high-quality education you need. To learn more about online courses, visit our Online Degrees page.

Am I able to test out of classes?

For information on testing out of classes, visit our Transfer Policy page.

What kind of computer hardware do I need?

To help ensure success, Rasmussen University has minimum computer requirements. You can find technical requirements listed in the class description of the course catalog. To learn more of the minimum technical requirements, visit the course catalog.

When do classes start and end?

You’ll find a calendar outlining important academic dates, including start/end days, in the course catalog’s academic calendar.

What hours are day/night classes?

Class schedules and times vary by campus. View our Locations page to find information on all of our campuses.

Will there be days I need to be on campus for my online classes?

Each program varies and courses carry different requirements. Take a look at the Rasmussen University course catalog for additional details and course information.

How long will it take me to finish my degree?

Each program varies and courses carry different requirements. Visit our Degrees page and find additional information on all of our programs, including completion times and learning options.

What steps do I need to take to enroll?

Each program varies and courses carry different requirements. Take a look at our Steps to Your Enrollment to get started, or contact an admissions representative who can help you through the enrollment process.

Are there immunization requirements for incoming Nursing students?

All enrollment requirements, including immunizations, are reviewed in our nursing information sessions. Please view our Nursing Information Session page to see available dates/times by campus.

Do I need a laptop?

Students are required to have personal laptops for classroom and online learning experiences, and for any other educational activity. Having the accessibility of a laptop allows students to stay connected with their classmates and faculty throughout their courses. Technology requirements for student laptops for all programs are listed below.

Please read this information carefully, as you must ensure that your computer is properly configured.

Please note that some courses require the use of software that is not compatible with Mac^®3 computers. If you use a Mac^®, you may need to attend a campus, use a PC or run the software in Windows^®4 emulation mode to complete some required course activities and assignments.

What computer functions are required?

Basic Computer Requirements

A fully functional Windows^® computer or Mac^® computer capable of running a Windows^® virtual machine is required. Additionally, a high-speed/broadband internet connection is strongly recommended.

• Chromebooks, Android devices, tablets and mobile phones have limited compatibility with educational platforms and do not meet the minimum technological requirements, either in software or hardware, and cannot be supported by the IT Help Desk.

Additional Technical Requirements

Web Browser Requirements

The following web browsers are formally supported and tested:

Other:

• Java^®,10 if required
• Adobe Reader^®11
• Wired headset or wired earbuds, if needed; wireless devices are not permitted
• Webcam for virtual lectures and exams, as applicable
• Cookies* enabled on browsers

*A cookie is a small file that is placed on your computer by the server. Cookies are a very common internet technology used by many websites, such as Amazon^®12 or eBay ^®13. Your browser has a setting that allows you to control whether you allow cookies or not. Since cookies are so common, your browser probably already has cookies enabled. If you are unsure whether your browser is set up properly, please contact Classroom IT Support at 833-606-1909.

What plug-ins and software are required?

Required Plug-Ins and Software

• Acrobat Reader^®19: Your courses may include .pdf files, which require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Acrobat is not installed on your computer, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/.
• Microsoft^® Office: Your courses may require the use of Microsoft^® Office (such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.). If you do not have Microsoft^® Office, please call Classroom IT Support at 833-606-1909.
• Anti-Virus Software: It is highly recommended that you obtain anti-virus software to protect your computer and files.
• Audio Equipment: Certain programs, courses or assessments may include team projects, Live Classrooms, or media-based projects that would require access to a microphone. Additionally, some programs utilize remote testing software that requires access to a wired headset with a microphone. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you have access to a wired headset and microphone for all programs and coursework (built-in microphones are sufficient).

What are the computer requirements for Design programs?

School of Design Computer Requirements

What are the computer requirements for Technology programs?

School of Technology Computer Requirements

What platforms should students become familiar with?

Every student is expected to be proficient and responsible with the technology required for their education; this includes:

• Blackboard^®20 Learn (Learning Management System)
• Rasmussen e-mail: Enrolled students are given a Rasmussen student e-mail address. This is the official e-mail address used to communicate with students. This is the e-mail address that students will use to communicate with faculty and staff. Students should check their Rasmussen e-mail at least daily.
  • E-mail services should only be used for academic communications. Students’ use of e-mail should not interfere with others’ use of the systems and network. E-mail use shall comply with all federal and state laws and all educational unit policies.
• IT Help Desk: While students are welcome and encouraged to contact the IT services available through their campuses for assistance, issues that cannot be resolved locally are escalated to the support team that manages the learning management system. This team can be reached by phone or email:
  • For assistance, contact Classroom IT Support at 833-606-1909 or [email protected]
• Student Portal: Students are required to utilize the Student Portal throughout their program. It will be used to post vital information, send reminders and access the Student Account Center. It is the responsibility of the student to access the Student Portal to:
  • Access their courses in Blackboard Learn
  • Access course resources, including the library and tutoring support
  • View the academic calendar
  • Read news postings, including Campus Closure alerts
  • Access career services information
  • 24/7 tech support and troubleshooting the learning management system (Blackboard^®)
  • Access the Student Account Center to:
    • Access unofficial transcripts
    • Update personal contact information
    • View the student ledger and pay tuition