Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Rockford, Illinois |
| Online | rockford.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Rockford University, located in Rockford, Illinois's third-largest city approximately 90 miles northwest of Chicago, operates as a private liberal arts institution on a wooded 150-acre campus. Founded in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, the institution became coeducational in 1958 and achieved university status in 2013. The university maintains its historic affiliation with the Presbyterian Church while operating as an independent institution, offering undergraduate programs across four academic colleges with particular strengths in nursing, business, education, and performing arts. Students reside in traditional residence halls or campus apartments, and the university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Regents, participating in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Rockford University is rated within the lower 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Rockford University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#763 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#493 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#38 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#28 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#103 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 850/1070 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| GPA | 3.25 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $500 |
| Room and Board | $10,940 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,460 |
| Total One Year Cost | $52,900 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 28% |
| Education | 27% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Rockford University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=148405 IPEDS survey data for Rockford University.
Current students may use the Rockford University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025