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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region

362 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. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 362 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#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 located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,475 degrees to qualified students.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Full Capella University Report

#3

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
1,737 Total Awards
$50,445 Average Earnings
$21,399 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. UMN Twin Cities is a public institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,737 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMN Twin Cities accumulate an average of $21,399 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 $257.After graduating from UMN Twin Cities, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,445 during the early years of their career. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Report

#4

Maryville University of Saint Louis

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

Out of the 362 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Maryville University of Saint Louis landed the # 4 spot on the 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. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $452, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Maryville U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,828 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

#5

University of Missouri - Columbia

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of Missouri - Columbia is a great place for healthcare students. This large public school is located in Columbia, Missouri, and it awarded 1,443 degrees 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. During the early years of their career, Mizzou graduates make an average of $46,901 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

Read full report on University of Missouri - Columbia

#6

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
1,283 Total Awards
$41,281 Average Earnings
$30,701 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Minnesota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,283 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Minnesota accumulate an average of $30,701 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Minnesota graduates make an average of $41,281 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Read More…

#7

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
1,208 Total Awards
$50,430 Average Earnings
$23,563 Avg Student Debt

University of Iowa ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the large public school handed out 1,208 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,563 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $379 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Iowa graduates make an average of $50,430 annually. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

University of Kansas

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

University of Kansas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the large public school awarded 1,199 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,985 in student loans. 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. During the early years of their career, KU graduates make an average of $50,693 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Kansas

#9

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
1,175 Total Awards
$51,202 Average Earnings
$25,051 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. SLU is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 1,175 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,051 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $511. Once they receive their degree, SLU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,202 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

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#10

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska
1,159 Total Awards
$58,756 Average Earnings
$25,325 Avg Student Debt

Creighton University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,159 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Creighton accumulate an average of $25,325 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $518, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Creighton graduates make an average of $58,756 annually. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Creighton University

1,109 Total Awards
$84,128 Average Earnings
$20,903 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska Medical Center came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. UNMC is located in Omaha, Nebraska and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,109 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UNMC accumulate an average of $20,903 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $236 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNMC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $84,128 during the early year of their career. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Nebraska Medical Center

1,304 Total Awards
$79,229 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #12, A T Still University of Health Sciences did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Kirksville, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,304 students in 2020-2021.

After graduating from A T Still University of Health Sciences, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $79,229 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read More…

#13

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
953 Total Awards
$53,926 Average Earnings
$32,729 Avg Student Debt

St Catherine University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 953 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,729 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $266 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, St. Kate’s graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,926 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full St Catherine University Report

#14

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
855 Total Awards
$57,524 Average Earnings
$27,022 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #14 on the list. University of Missouri - Kansas City is a fairly large public school located in Kansas City, Missouri that handed out 855 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,022 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $184 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UMKC graduates make an average of $57,524 annually. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Report

802 Total Awards
$37,576 Average Earnings
$16,577 Avg Student Debt

Des Moines Area Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. DMACC is a public institution located in Ankeny, Iowa. The school has a large population, and it awarded 802 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,577 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $64 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DMACC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,576 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Des Moines Area Community College Report

797 Total Awards
$40,673 Average Earnings
$17,570 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the small public school handed out 797 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WSU Tech accumulate an average of $17,570 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WSU Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,673 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Read More…

#17

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
755 Total Awards
$48,161 Average Earnings
$26,040 Avg Student Debt

University of South Dakota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, the medium-sized public school handed out 755 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from USD accumulate an average of $26,040 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 $156. Once they receive their degree, USD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,161 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Full University of South Dakota Report

#18

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas
752 Total Awards
$38,555 Average Earnings
$18,967 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Hutchinson Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Hutchinson, Kansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 752 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,967 in student loans.After graduating from Hutchinson Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,555 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Hutchinson Community College Report

#19

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, Minnesota
745 Total Awards
$48,635 Average Earnings
$30,536 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, The College of Saint Scholastica did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. St. Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution located in Duluth, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 745 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,536 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $314, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from St. Scholastica, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,635 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The College of Saint Scholastica Report

728 Total Awards
$31,155 Average Earnings
$14,142 Avg Student Debt

Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution located in Sioux City, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 728 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,142 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,155 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Full Western Iowa Tech Community College Report

#21

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
696 Total Awards
$29,979 Average Earnings
$18,769 Avg Student Debt

Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region list. Ozarks Technical Community College is a fairly large public school located in Springfield, Missouri that handed out 696 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,769 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, OTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,979 during the early year of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Ozarks Technical Community College Report

#22

Missouri State University - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
612 Total Awards
$40,472 Average Earnings
$25,043 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #22 on the list. Missouri State is a public institution located in Springfield, Missouri. The school has a large population, and it awarded 612 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,043 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Missouri State graduates make an average of $40,472 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
611 Total Awards
$42,711 Average Earnings
$16,311 Avg Student Debt

Johnson County Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Johnson County Community College is a fairly large public school located in Overland Park, Kansas that handed out 611 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,311 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, JCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,711 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read More…

#24

Century College

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

Century College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 607 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Century College accumulate an average of $22,112 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

Read More…

606 Total Awards
$40,914 Average Earnings

Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport is a small private not-for-profit school located in Davenport, Iowa that handed out 606 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,914 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Read More…

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
#27

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#28

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
#29

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
#31

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
#32

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
#34

Butler Community College

El Dorado, Kansas
#36

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
#37

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#38

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
#40

Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis, Missouri
#41

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa
#42

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

Rochester, Minnesota
#43

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#43

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
#45

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, Nebraska
#46

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City, Kansas
#47

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota
#49

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

View Most Popular Healthcare Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN
52 Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN
53 Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA
54 Logan University Chesterfield, MO
55 University of Mary Bismarck, ND

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
56 Cox College Springfield, MO
57 Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN
58 Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
59 Highland Community College Highland, KS
60 Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, MO
60 University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Saint Louis, MO
62 Clarkson College Omaha, NE
63 Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health Omaha, NE
63 Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Kansas City, MO
65 Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA
66 Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MN
67 Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN
68 Concorde Career Colleges Kansas City, MO
69 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
70 Lake Superior College Duluth, MN
71 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
71 Eastern Iowa Community College District Davenport, IA
73 Salina Area Technical College Salina, KS

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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