New Survey Reveals Strong Gains For Graduates Of Risepoint-Supported Programs

Washington DC, October 2, 2024--Amidst the important national conversation about the cost and value of higher education, Risepoint commissioned Ipsos to measure the experience and return on investment for graduates of Risepoint-enabled programs. The survey reveals that graduates excel in salary gains, career advancement, low debt levels, quick repayment, and overall degree satisfaction. This is the second 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 average substantial salary gains within just one year of earning their degrees. In fact, recent grads – those who earned their degree in the last 9-23 months – show a 19% increase in salary one year after degree completion[1]. This works out to an average of $12,900 and offers these grads the ability to payback their tuition in just 1.6 years, on average[2]. Importantly, this pattern holds true across key program verticals – education, nursing, and business.

• Education: 1-year salary increase of 16%; ability to payback tuition in 1.85 years
• Nursing: 1-year salary increase of 19%; ability to payback tuition in 1.41 years
• Business: 1-year salary increase of 20%; ability to payback tuition in 1.24 years

Meanwhile, those who graduated roughly three years ago – between 33 and 47 months ago – see a salary increase of 30%, or $19,300 on average.

Notably, 93% of recent grads overall reported their salary remained the same (59%) or increased (34%) while in their program. Foregone income is often overlooked in the discussion about the cost of higher education.

Majority Fund Their Degrees Without Loans

Student loans and debt are a huge piece of the higher ed conversation these days. However, loans make up less than half of degree program funding among graduates of Risepiont-supported programs – 40%, representing $8,800, on average, among graduates overall. Moreover, 52% of grads did not take on any student loan debt.

Often, graduates of Risepoint-supported programs leveraged their own income or savings (36%) and employer tuition assistance (14%) to fund their degrees.

Graduates Overwhelmingly Affirm The Value Of Their Degrees

Given the bump in salary that graduates of Risepoint-supported programs receive – and the relatively low debt burden incurred – it comes as little surprise that graduate satisfaction is high. Affordability (55%) and length of time required to complete the degree program (36%) are paramount in graduates’ decisions to go with their chosen universities. Overwhelmingly (84%), 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. Nearly six in 10 (56%) report choosing their online degree program for potential career advancement opportunities. Even more – seven in 10 (69%) – agree that their degree helped them do just that.

Perhaps the ultimate sign of satisfaction, graduates of Risepoint-supported programs overwhelmingly would recommend their degree programs to friends or colleagues. Eight in 10 (78%) give a rating of “8,” “9,” or “10” on a 0-to-10 likelihood to recommend scale. What’s more, a majority (56%) give a rating of “10” on this measure, the highest rating. 

About the Study

From April 23 to May 13, 2024, a total of n=2,633 graduates across Risepoint partner institutions were surveyed online by Ipsos Public Affairs. Respondents were working either full- or part-time since starting their degree program and included graduates in key verticals: Education (n=695), Nursing (n=615), Business (n=773). 

About Ipsos

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing over 18,000 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. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com

[1] Salary gains = post-graduation salary – salary before program among graduates who have completed their program in the last 9-23 months (n=848), and between 33 and 47 months ago (n=458).

[2] Payback = tuition divided by salary gains among those completing their program in the last 9-23 months (n=848).