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Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region

130 Schools Ranked
$43,395 Average Earnings
$25,414 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which healthcare program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Healthcare Degree Search has created its Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 130 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
7,475 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Capella University the most popular school in the Plains States Region for healthcare students working on their degree. Capella University is a large private for-profit school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 7,475 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,349 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Capella University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,758 during the early year of their career. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capella University

#3

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
1,443 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of Missouri - Columbia is a great place for healthcare students. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school awarded 1,443 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,797 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $398. Once they receive their degree, Mizzou graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,901 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

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#4

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
1,694 Total Awards
$59,828 Average Earnings
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Maryville University of Saint Louis. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Maryville U is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,694 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Maryville U accumulate an average of $25,584 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $452. Once they receive their degree, Maryville U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $59,828 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

#5

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
512 Total Awards
$44,384 Average Earnings
$22,201 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Washburn University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Washburn University is a public institution located in Topeka, Kansas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 512 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,201 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $187, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Washburn University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,384 during the early year of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Washburn University Report

1,304 Total Awards
$79,229 Average Earnings

A T Still University of Health Sciences came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. A T Still University of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution located in Kirksville, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,304 degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, A T Still University of Health Sciences graduates make an average of $79,229 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#7

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
454 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,781 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Grantham University is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in Lenexa, Kansas that handed out 454 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,781 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Grantham University graduates make an average of $55,745 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Read full report on Grantham University

#8

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
1,199 Total Awards
$50,693 Average Earnings
$23,985 Avg Student Debt

University of Kansas came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the large public school awarded 1,199 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,985 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $365 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, KU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,693 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full University of Kansas Report

#9

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
521 Total Awards
$45,743 Average Earnings
$26,875 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. WSU is a public institution located in Wichita, Kansas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 521 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,875 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $142. During the early years of their career, WSU graduates make an average of $45,743 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

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#10

Highland Community College

Highland, Kansas
344 Total Awards
$30,417 Average Earnings
$15,743 Avg Student Debt

Highland Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Highland Community College is a public institution located in Highland, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 344 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,743 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Highland Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,417 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Highland Community College Report

285 Total Awards
$39,784 Average Earnings
$25,044 Avg Student Debt

Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. CMU CGES is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Fayette, Missouri. It awarded 285 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,044 in student loans. During the early years of their career, CMU CGES graduates make an average of $39,784 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Full Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Report

#12

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
402 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$28,036 Avg Student Debt

Fort Hays State University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in Hays, Kansas, the fairly large public school handed out 402 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,036 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,454 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Full Fort Hays State University Report

#13

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota
166 Total Awards
$43,896 Average Earnings
$25,667 Avg Student Debt

Bemidji State University ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Bemidji State University is a small public school located in Bemidji, Minnesota that handed out 166 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,667 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Bemidji State University graduates make an average of $43,896 annually. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bemidji State University Report

#14

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
293 Total Awards
$41,823 Average Earnings
$25,019 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Central Missouri did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. UCM is a fairly large public school situated in Warrensburg, Missouri. It awarded 293 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,019 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $168.After graduating from UCM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,823 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

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#15

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
142 Total Awards
$45,288 Average Earnings
$34,092 Avg Student Debt

Upper Iowa University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 142 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UIU accumulate an average of $34,092 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from UIU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,288 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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#16

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
216 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$24,914 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Southeast Missouri State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It awarded 216 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,914 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $144. During the early years of their career, Southeast Missouri State University graduates make an average of $35,626 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on Southeast Missouri State University

#17

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, Minnesota
149 Total Awards
$51,103 Average Earnings
$23,786 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Technical College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. NTC is located in Bemidji, Minnesota and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 149 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from NTC accumulate an average of $23,786 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from NTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,103 during the early years of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northwest Technical College Report

#18

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
146 Total Awards
$40,927 Average Earnings
$31,707 Avg Student Debt

Columbia College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Columbia College Missouri is located in Columbia, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 146 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,707 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Columbia College Missouri graduates make an average of $40,927 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

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#19

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
420 Total Awards
$35,791 Average Earnings
$10,096 Avg Student Debt

Central Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Island, Nebraska, and it awarded 420 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,096 in student loans.After graduating from Central Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,791 during the early years of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Central Community College

#21

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
607 Total Awards
$40,997 Average Earnings
$22,112 Avg Student Debt

Century College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Century College is a public institution located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 607 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,112 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Century College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,997 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Century College Report

92 Total Awards
$8,921 Avg Student Debt

Allen County Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Allen Community College is located in Iola, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 92 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $8,921 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#23

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, Minnesota
81 Total Awards
$40,918 Average Earnings
$25,598 Avg Student Debt

Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Southwest Minnesota State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Marshall, Minnesota. It awarded 81 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,598 in student loans.After graduating from Southwest Minnesota State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,918 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Full Southwest Minnesota State University Report

#24

Bryan University

Springfield, Missouri
79 Total Awards
$25,844 Average Earnings
$28,561 Avg Student Debt

Bryan University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Bryan University is a very small private for-profit school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 79 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,561 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bryan University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,844 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read More…

435 Total Awards
$38,213 Average Earnings
$12,553 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota West Community and Technical College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Minnesota West is a small public school situated in Granite Falls, Minnesota. It awarded 435 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,553 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Minnesota West, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,213 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Read full report on Minnesota West Community and Technical College

View Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online healthcare schools ranking:

Rank School Location
27 Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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