Ipsos/Risepoint ROI Survey
Washington, DC, October 7, 2025 – As debates over higher education costs meet an uncertain job market, Risepoint commissioned Ipsos to measure the experience and return on investment for graduates of Risepoint-enabled programs. The survey reveals graduates experiencing significant financial and professional benefits – from salary gains and career advancement, to low debt levels and quick repayment. This is the third year in a row that Risepoint (formerly Academic Partnerships) has commissioned this study. Risepoint is an education technology company that partners with regional universities to develop, launch, and grow their online programs in nursing, teaching, business, and other high-demand sectors.
Programs Deliver Double-Digit Salary Increases And A Short Payback Period
Graduates of Risepoint-supported programs average substantial salary gains within just one year of earning their degrees. In fact, recent graduates – those who earned their degree in the last 9-23 months – show a 19% increase in salary one year after degree completion . This works out to just over $13,000 and the ability to pay back tuition in 1.5 years, on average. Importantly, this pattern holds true across key programs – education, nursing, and business.
- Education: 1-year salary increase of 15%; ability to pay back tuition in 1.80 years
- Nursing: 1-year salary increase of 21%; ability to pay back tuition in 1.26 years
- Business: 1-year salary increase of 20%; ability to pay back tuition in 1.38 years
Meanwhile, Those who graduated three years ago (between 33 and 47 months ago) see an even bigger jump in salary, 34% on average.
Graduates Credit Their Online Degree With Allowing Them To Work And Stay Local
The ability to continue working was, by far, the top reason for choosing online over on-campus degree programs (57%). Fully 90% of graduates were able to work full-time during their program, while the remainder report either part-time employment or a mix of the two, enabling them to bring in much-needed income while pursuing their degree. Another 92% agree that, because of their online degree, they were able to continue living and working in their local communities – something seen as “extremely important” by 65% of graduates.
Majority Fund Their Degrees Without Loans
The conversation surrounding student debt and loans is far from over, remaining a complex issue with significant economic implications for students. It is especially noteworthy that a majority (53%) of graduates of Risepoint-supported programs did not take on any student debt. In fact, loans make up less than half of degree program funding (40%). Often, graduates of Risepoint-supported programs are able to leverage their own income or savings (35%) and employer tuition assistance (15%) to fund their degrees.
Degree Programs Offer Value and Growth, and Graduates Are Likely To Recommend
Salary increases, the ability to continue working while earning one’s degree, and a relatively low debt burden post-degree add up to high satisfaction levels among graduates of Risepoint-supported programs. Affordability (62%) and length of time required to complete the degree program (39%) are paramount in graduates’ decisions to go with their chosen universities. Overwhelmingly (86%), graduates see their investment as being worthwhile.
Meanwhile, the appeal of Risepoint-supported degree programs goes beyond dollars and cents and calendar months. Professional development and career growth are key factors to graduates when deciding on a degree program. Six in 10 (58%) report choosing their online degree program for potential career advancement opportunities. Even more – seven in 10 (72%) – agree that their degree helped them advance in their career.
With strong satisfaction comes trust and glowing recommendations. Nine in 10 (92%) graduates of Risepoint-supported programs agree that the university where they earned their online degree is an institution they trust. Moreover, they are likely to recommend their degree programs to friends or colleagues. Eight in 10 (80%) give a rating of “8,” “9,” or “10” on a 0-to-10 likelihood to recommend scale. In fact, a majority (56%) give a rating of “10” on this measure, the highest rating of “extremely” likely to recommend.
About the Study
From May 9 – June 2, 2025, a total of n=4,470 graduates across Risepoint partner institutions were surveyed online by Ipsos Public Affairs. Respondents were working full- or part-time before starting their degree program and are currently working full- or part-time, including graduates in key programs: Education (n=1406), Nursing (n=832), Business (n=1487).
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
“Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
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