New Survey Shows Risepoint-Supported Programs Continue To Deliver Value for Graduates

Washington DC, October 27, 2026 – Amid a national conversation about the cost, value, and career relevance of higher education – and as advances in AI fuel broader questions about the future of work – Risepoint commissioned Ipsos, for a fourth consecutive year, to survey graduates of Risepoint-supported programs, assessing their experiences and return on investment. The survey reveals program graduates experience significant financial and professional benefits – from salary gains and career advancement, to low debt levels and a short payback period. Risepoint is an education technology company that partners with regional universities to develop, launch, and grow their online programs in nursing and healthcare, 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. Recent graduates achieved sizable salary growth in the year following their degree completion (+18%), translating to just over $12,000 and the ability to pay back tuition in 1.8 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 1.8 years
• Nursing: 1-year salary increase of 15%; ability to pay back tuition in 1.9 years
• Business: 1-year salary increase of 19%; ability to pay back tuition in 1.4 years.

Meanwhile, those who graduated three years ago (between 33 and 47 months ago) see an even bigger jump in salary, 33% on average. These findings suggest more than a one-time boost in earnings following graduation. Rather, graduates appear on track for sustained salary growth over time, putting them on a different long-term earning trajectory.

Learners Sought Programs That Fit Their Lives – And Programs Delivered

The ability to continue working was, by far, the top reason for choosing online over on-campus degree programs (59%). Nine in 10 (89%) graduates were able to work full-time during their program, while the remainder held either part-time employment or a mix of the two, enabling them to bring in much-needed income while pursuing their degree.

Another 89% agree that, because of their online degree, they were able to continue living and working in their local communities. Meanwhile, two in three (65%) credit their degree with helping them make a positive impact, locally.

Majority Fund Their Degrees Without Loans

The financial impact of higher education remains under scrutiny, with student debt continuing to shape how prospective students evaluate educational investment. Against this backdrop, it is especially noteworthy that a majority (52%) 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 and savings (35%) or employer tuition assistance (14%) to fund their degrees.

Graduates See Strong Value and Career Growth – And Are Eager to Recommend Their Programs

Salary increases, the flexibility to continue working while pursuing a degree, and a relatively low debt burden post-degree contribute to high satisfaction among graduates of Risepoint-supported programs. Affordability (58%) and length of time required to complete the degree program (36%) are the most influential factors in graduates’ decisions when selecting universities. Reflecting these outcomes, 85% of graduates see their investment as ‘worth the investment.’

While cost and convenience matter, graduates are also motivated by the opportunity to advance professionally. Six in 10 (58%) report choosing their online degree program for potential career advancement opportunities within their current profession. For most, these expectations translate into results: 74% agree that their degree helped them advance in their career.

Strong satisfaction translates into trust and enthusiastic recommendations. Nine in 10 (91%) graduates of Risepoint-supported programs agree that the university where they earned their online degree is an institution they trust.

Moreover, graduates of Risepoint-supported programs are likely to 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. Notably, a majority (53%) give a rating of “10” on this measure, indicating they are “extremely” likely to recommend.

Conclusion: Consistent Results Reinforce the Value of Career-Focused Education

Taken together, this year's findings paint a clear picture: graduates of Risepoint-supported programs are realizing meaningful returns on their educational investment. From double-digit salary growth and career advancement to the ability to continue working while earning a degree and limited reliance on student loans, the results point to benefits that extend well beyond graduation. The consistency of these outcomes underscores the important role that accessible, career-focused degree programs can play in helping learners achieve their professional goals and build long-term success.

About the Study

From May 4 to June 7, 2026, graduates across Risepoint partner institutions were surveyed online by Ipsos Public Affairs. Respondents included in this analysis (n=8,565) were working full- or part-time before starting their degree program and are currently working full- or part-time. This includes graduates from key program areas: Education (n=3,156), Nursing (n=1,651), and Business (n=2,075).

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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