Rasmussen College to Become Rasmussen University

Minneapolis (Jan. 15, 2020)—Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today announced plans to become Rasmussen University, effective October 2020. The transition from College to University defines a new generation of higher education—one that focuses on competency-based education, technology and transferrable workplace skills. The change was voted on and approved by the Rasmussen College Board of Directors in August 2019.

“Becoming Rasmussen University is our institution’s next step toward an even more vibrant future,” said Rasmussen College president Dr. Trenda Boyum-Breen. “It illustrates our unwavering commitment both to our communities and employers and to the innovative educational practices we create for students to thrive in today’s world.”

Addressing an Unmet Need in the University Environment

Higher education as a whole has experienced a sea change over the past decade. Diverse learners are seeking nimble, innovative, career-relevant programs that are led by educators who are top practitioners in their field. Employers are looking for graduates who possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Rasmussen University will answer these unmet needs by focusing on dynamic curriculum, competency-based education, simulated work experience and alliances with employer partners. This innovative career preparatory model enables students to build on their existing experiences and differentiate themselves as graduates ready to fill roles in high-demand career fields. 

“Adult learner success has been, and always will be, at the core of our mission,” said Boyum-Breen. “We believe the power of education lies in preparing learners for the next phase of their careers, especially as employers face a shortage of qualified candidates in many industries.”

New Name, Same Mission

“As a pioneer in higher education, Rasmussen College’s guiding principles of being student-centered and future-facing have been in place for nearly 120 years,” said Boyum-Breen. The transition to university status honors this legacy and elevates a new generation of higher education for the many, not the few.

Rasmussen College has been and will always be focused on delivering personalized and flexible educational opportunities for all learners. The school firmly believes in promoting access and removing barriers by offering flexible, affordable, career-focused education to any student seeking a certificate, graduate program or any of the many degrees in between.

The College’s Flex Choice^® learning options combine traditional coursework and credit for prior learning, online self-directed assessments and competency-based education (CBE) so students can take control of their education and receive credit by demonstrating what they know and what they can do. New and prospective students, along with current students looking to advance their skills and careers, will benefit from Rasmussen University’s expanded offerings in healthcare, business, technology and social services-related programs including graduate education with plans to enter the doctoral education space in the near future.

“This transition is more than a name change,” said Boyum-Breen. “It is an opportunity to provide students with more options to positively influence their educational journey, including the cost and time to completion.” 

Seamless Transition for Students

Students will experience limited changes due to the transition. They will not need to re-apply or re-enroll in the University. Students enrolled and graduating after October 2020 will receive their diplomas and transcripts from Rasmussen University. 

For more information about Rasmussen University and the transition, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/Rasmussen-university-transition.