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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

95 Schools Ranked
$12,716 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,521 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which trade school 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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 95 schools in the Plains States Region to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,165 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Waldorf University to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Plains States Region .

If you want to attend Waldorf, expect to pay an average of $23,666 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Waldorf accumulate an average of $22,165 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Waldorf. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#2

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, North Dakota
$4,926 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,120 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Bismarck State College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at BSC is $4,926. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,930. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,120 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since BSC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Bismarck State College Report

#3

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$16,164 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,083 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Ranken Technical College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Ranken Technical College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $16,164. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $15,083 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Ranken Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 66% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Ranken Technical College Report

#4

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
$40,480 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 95 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Rockhurst University landed the # 4 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Rockhurst is $40,480. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Rockhurst does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,116 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Alexandria Technical & Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,910 to cover tuition and fees at ATCC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,116 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that ATCC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 48% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Alexandria Technical & Community College

#6

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
$35,532 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,223 Avg Student Debt

St Catherine University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you want to attend St. Kate’s, expect to pay an average of $35,532 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $36,223 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at St. Kate’s. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on St Catherine University

#7

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, Minnesota
$23,863 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,479 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Dunwoody College of Technology did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $23,863 to cover tuition and fees at Dunwoody College of Technology. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $20,479 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Dunwoody College of Technology does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 92% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Dunwoody College of Technology

#8

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, North Dakota
$5,646 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,451 Avg Student Debt

North Dakota State College of Science did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at North Dakota State College of Science is $5,646. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,606. Associate Degree recipients from North Dakota State College of Science accumulate an average of $16,451 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

North Dakota State College of Science does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full North Dakota State College of Science Report

#9

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,724 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Lake Area Technical Institute did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree.

If you want to attend LATI, expect to pay an average of $6,718 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $16,724 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at LATI, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Lake Area Technical Institute

#10

Rasmussen University - North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota
$11,847 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,566 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - North Dakota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #10 on the list.

If you want to attend Rasmussen University - North Dakota, expect to pay an average of $11,847 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,566 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Rasmussen University - North Dakota, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - North Dakota

#11

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,480 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list.

Southeast Tech does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $7,650. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Southeast Tech accumulate an average of $20,480 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southeast Tech. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Southeast Technical College

#12

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,551 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #12 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,558. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,551 in student loans.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

$5,372 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,180 Avg Student Debt

Rochester Community and Technical College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs.

Rochester Community and Technical College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,372. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Rochester Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $22,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Rochester Community and Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Rochester Community and Technical College

#14

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
$10,420 Average Tuition & Fees

Kansas State University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs.

In-state students pay an average of $10,420 in tuition and fees if they attend K -State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $26,491.

K -State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 70% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Kansas State University

#15

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, Minnesota
$6,075 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,723 Avg Student Debt

Anoka Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list.

If you want to attend Anoka Technical College, expect to pay an average of $6,075 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Anoka Technical College accumulate an average of $24,723 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Anoka Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Anoka Technical College Report

#16

Flint Hills Technical College

Emporia, Kansas
$7,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,869 Avg Student Debt

Flint Hills Technical College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs.

Flint Hills Technical College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $7,032. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $14,869 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Flint Hills Technical College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Flint Hills Technical College Report

#17

Rasmussen University - Kansas

Topeka, Kansas
$13,639 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,566 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Kansas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,639 to cover tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Kansas. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Kansas accumulate an average of $27,566 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Rasmussen University - Kansas is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Kansas

#18

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
$2,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,979 Avg Student Debt

Johnson County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list.

Students from Kansas who attend JCCC full time pay an average of $2,688 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,352. Associate Degree recipients from JCCC accumulate an average of $15,979 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at JCCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 84% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Johnson County Community College Report

#19

Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota
$5,914 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,453 Avg Student Debt

Ridgewater College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Ridgewater College is $5,914. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Ridgewater College accumulate an average of $20,453 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Ridgewater College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Ridgewater College Report

$6,540 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,567 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Northwest Iowa Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $6,540 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northwest Iowa Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,840. On average, associate degree students take out $16,567 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northwest Iowa Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
$9,299 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,354 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, South Dakota State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree.

In-state students pay an average of $9,299 in tuition and fees if they attend South Dakota State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,809. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,354 in student loans.

Online courses are available at South Dakota State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$7,095 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,443 Avg Student Debt

State Technical College of Missouri did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $7,095 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend STC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,780. On average, associate degree students take out $13,443 in loans while pursuing their degree.

STC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 21% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on State Technical College of Missouri

#23

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
$5,874 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,104 Avg Student Debt

St Cloud Technical and Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs.

St Cloud Technical and Community College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,874. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,104 in student loans.

Online courses are available at St Cloud Technical and Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on St Cloud Technical and Community College

#24

Newman University

Wichita, Kansas
$34,460 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,774 Avg Student Debt

Newman University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average tuition and fees at Newman University is $34,460. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Newman University accumulate an average of $24,774 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Newman University does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#25

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, South Dakota
$7,524 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,633 Avg Student Debt

Mitchell Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #25 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Mitchell Tech is $7,524. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,633 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Mitchell Tech. During the 2019-2020 year, about 27% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

View Best Associate Degree Trade Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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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