Over 6,000 Graduates got started because they were referred by someone like you!

  • Refer Someone in Your Life for a Grant

    By referring someone to Rasmussen University, you are empowering them to pursue their education goals. Help them take that first step with the Pass the Torch Grant of up to $500.

    Step 1 of 2 - Submit Your Nominee:
    Please enter your Referee’s first name.
    Please enter your Referee’s last name.
    Please enter your Referee’s email address.
    Please enter your Referee’s phone number.
    Step 2 of 2 - Submit Your Information:
    Please enter your first name.
    Please enter your last name.
    Please enter your email address.
    Please select your campus.
    Please choose your preferred non-profit.

Four Easy Steps to Pass the Torch

Step 1

You refer someone who may be interested in earning their degree.

Step 2

We let them know they could receive the Pass the Torch Grant of up to $500.

Step 3

They can use that grant for 50+ degree programs at Rasmussen University.

Step 4

We donate $5 to the nonprofit of your choice.

Give Back to the Community

Your Referral Will Help a Charity of Your Choice

When you refer someone to Rasmussen, not only are you helping that person make their goals a reality, but you’re also supporting an inspiring cause. With each valid referral, we’ll donate $5 to one of nonprofits below, and you get to choose which one!

Thanks to over 12,000 referrals from empowering people like you, we’ve donated nearly $70,000 to 12 nonprofits since 2020.

Bigger Than the Trail
Bigger Than the Trail seeks to create awareness, community and support for those struggling with mental health through outdoor running initiatives. The organization provides educational support and treatment options, even to those who don’t run.
Make-A-Wish® Minnesota
Make-A-Wish® Minnesota’s mission is to create life-changing experiences and support for children with critical illnesses. Through wish-making, the organization inspires optimism, hope and strength for these children and their families.
Ruff Start Rescue®
Ruff Start Rescue® is dedicated to saving the lives of animals in need, and believes every animal deserves a safe and loving home. The organization improves animal welfare through adoption, education and providing resources for people and pets.

Spread the word, Pass the Torch

Who Do You Know That’s Ready to Take the Next Step

From friends or family members to colleagues or neighbors, your referral could change the life of a deserving person you know. If you can’t think of someone to refer, spread the word—maybe by sharing, you can inspire someone else to refer!

Submit Your Referral Now

Let others know how they can help grow the Rasmussen community!

Over 12%

of our current students were referred by someone like you.

Over 50%

of students and alum said they have referred someone to Rasmussen.

Nearly 1 in 6

graduates were referred in the last 5 years.

4,822 students

received a scholarship thanks to someone’s referral in 2022.

There’s no limit to passing the torch

Only You, Your Fellow Students and Alumni Can Refer

There’s no limit to the number of lives that could be changed by referrals from people like you. Any qualified person referred by a pending student, current student or alum could be eligible to receive the Pass the Torch Grant.

Refer Now

Joseph R., Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Student

“My brother, a Rasmussen University alum, highly recommended Rasmussen because of its knowledgeable and high-quality professors.”

Joseph R., Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Student

Terms and Conditions



Promotion Details Overview

  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • Anyone is allowed to enter their name and a referral's name to be considered for the donation, so long as it is a valid referral.
    • In order for your referral to be considered valid for the donation, you must provide correct name information with an accurate phone number and/or email for both you and your friend.
    • If you or your referral's information is found to be incorrect, your referral will be considered invalid and no donation will be made.
    • Entering only your information and not information for a referral will be considered invalid and no donation will be made.
  • Participants are allowed to submit more than one valid referral. For every valid referral, Rasmussen University will donate $5 to “Bigger Than the Trail,” “Make-A-Wish® Minnesota” or “Ruff Start Rescue®.”
  • Rasmussen University agrees to donate $5 for every valid referral up to $10,000.
  • This promotion is only valid from January 2 to March 31, 2024.
  • Donations will be provided from the University no later than June 30, 2024.
  • This promotion is not dependent on the referred individual speaking with anyone at Rasmussen University, starting school or taking any positive step toward enrolling in a program.
  • Your referral will be contacted no more than three times by Rasmussen University at the phone number or email address you provide and can opt out of contact at any time.

Rasmussen University “Pass the Torch” Grant Qualifications

  • Any Rasmussen University pending new student, current student or alum may refer someone to receive a grant of up to $500 by providing contact information for the prospective student.
  • The grant is available to new prospective students only who begin their program on or after February 7th, 2024. Students who previously attended Rasmussen University are not eligible for this grant.
  • In order to be eligible for the grant, new students must have been referred by a pending new student, a current student or a Rasmussen alum and must enroll at Rasmussen University for a February, April or May 2024 start date.
  • Professional Achievement Grant recipients are not eligible for the Pass the Torch Grant.
  • The Pass the Torch Grant may be combined with other grants offered by Rasmussen University with the exception of the Alumni Grant, the LPN Care Grant, and the Medical Assisting Inspire Grant.
  • Student must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible. A student who withdraws or graduates and re-enrolls may no longer be eligible for the grant.
  • Students with tuition rates at or lower than $248 per credit for full-time rates and $321 per credit for part-time rates are not eligible for any grants offered by the University unless specifically identified in the terms and conditions of the grant.
    • o Students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs on or after January 2, 2023, may be eligible for institutional grants regardless of program or course tuition rate provided they meet all other applicable terms and conditions for the grants.
    • o Students enrolling in the Nursing Post-Graduate Certificates in Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology, Simulations and Informatics or Nursing Leadership and Administration are not eligible for any grants or grants offered by the University.
  • Employees of APEI and APEI Educational Units, including Rasmussen College, LLC and their family members are not eligible to participate.
  • The grant is awarded quarterly for the first four quarters (up to $125 per quarter) for eligible new students and is non-renewable.
  • Referred student must meet Rasmussen University admissions acceptance standards.
  • Referral information will be verified by the Admissions Office before student will be awarded.

Grant Conditions

  • The grant award is non-transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent is allowed.
  • Rasmussen University reserves the right to add, discontinue or amend scholarship and grant programs at its discretion. Any student currently receiving scholarship or grant funds at the time of the amendment will be notified.
  • Rasmussen University and its agents assume no responsibility for damages, losses, or injury resulting from acceptance or use of the grant award. Taxes and fees, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
  • This grant is limited to a maximum amount of $500 applied at a rate of $125 per quarter for a maximum of 4 quarters. If the grant recipient transfers in credits from a previous college and has less than 4 quarters, the grant will terminate at the completion of the student’s program. Additionally, if the student enrolls in a program requiring less than 4 quarters of study, the grant will terminate at the completion of the program.
  • Students must meet all general college- and program-specific requirements, along with all applicable continuing academic, programmatic and credit load requirements. See your Rasmussen University catalog for a complete set of eligibility requirements and academic standards.
  • Students with tuition rates at or lower than $248 per credit for full-time rates and $321 per credit for part-time rates are not eligible for any grants or grants offered by the University unless specifically identified in the terms and conditions of the grant.
    • Students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs on or after January 2, 2023, may be eligible for institutional grants regardless of program or course tuition rate provided they meet all other applicable terms and conditions for the grants.
    • Students enrolled in the Nursing Post-Graduate Certificates in Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology, Simulations and Informatics or Nursing Leadership and Administration are not eligible for any grants or grants offered by the University.