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Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

98 Schools Ranked
$16,374 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,587 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.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 98 schools in the Plains States Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Grantham University

LIttle Rock, Arkansas
569 Total Awards
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,063 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Grantham University the best school in the Plains States Region for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This medium-sized public school is located in LIttle Rock, Arkansas, and it awarded 569 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Grantham University, expect to pay an average of $8,280 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $32,063 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Grantham University is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Grantham University

#2

Stephens College

Columbia, Missouri
92 Total Awards
$25,586 Average Tuition & Fees
$30,638 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Stephens College is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 92 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Stephens does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $25,586. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Stephens accumulate an average of $30,638 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Stephens 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 2020-2021 year, about 18% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Stephens College Report

#3

Ottawa University - Online

Ottawa, Kansas
74 Total Awards
$12,676 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,495 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Ottawa University - Online. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Ottawa University - Online is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Ottawa, Kansas. It awarded 74 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $12,676 to cover tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Online. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,495 in student loans.

Ottawa University - Online is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Ottawa University - Online Report

#4

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
353 Total Awards
$9,633 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,873 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Dakota State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Dakota State is a small public school situated in Madison, South Dakota. It awarded 353 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from South Dakota who attend Dakota State full time pay an average of $9,633 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,735. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,873 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Dakota State does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#5

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
592 Total Awards
$24,526 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,767 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 98 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Waldorf University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Forest City, Iowa, the small private for-profit school awarded 592 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Waldorf, expect to pay an average of $24,526 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,767 in student loans.

Waldorf 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 2020-2021 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Waldorf University

#6

Ottawa University - Kansas City

Overland Park, Kansas
80 Total Awards
$12,622 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,495 Avg Student Debt

Ottawa University - Kansas City landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Overland Park, Kansas, and it awarded 80 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Ottawa University - Kansas City, expect to pay an average of $12,622 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Ottawa University - Kansas City accumulate an average of $22,495 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Ottawa University - Kansas City is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Ottawa University - Kansas City

#7

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota
972 Total Awards
$10,130 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,541 Avg Student Debt

Bemidji State University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Bemidji State University is a public institution located in Bemidji, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 972 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Bemidji State University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $10,130. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bemidji State University accumulate an average of $19,541 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 Bemidji State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 56% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Bemidji State University

#8

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
5,092 Total Awards
$11,981 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,445 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, University of Missouri - Columbia did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of Missouri - Columbia is a large public school located in Columbia, Missouri that handed out 5,092 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $11,981 in tuition and fees if they attend Mizzou full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $31,970. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,445 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Mizzou does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

1,325 Total Awards
$12,092 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,087 Avg Student Debt

Missouri University of Science and Technology ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a medium-sized public school located in Rolla, Missouri that handed out 1,325 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $12,092 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $31,853. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,087 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Missouri University of Science and Technology. During the 2020-2021 year, about 44% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Missouri University of Science and Technology Report

#10

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
6,795 Total Awards
$10,133 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,682 Avg Student Debt

Iowa State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. This large public school is located in Ames, Iowa, and it awarded 6,795 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $10,133 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Iowa State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $26,617. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,682 in student loans.

Iowa State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Iowa State University Report

#11

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
8,508 Total Awards
$15,859 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,954 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UMN Twin Cities is a public institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,508 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $15,859 in tuition and fees if they attend UMN Twin Cities full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $35,099. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,954 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UMN Twin Cities does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
29 Total Awards
$16,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,167 Avg Student Debt

Ranken Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Saint Louis, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 29 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,960 to cover tuition and fees at Ranken Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Ranken Technical College accumulate an average of $26,167 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Ranken Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 70% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

University of Minnesota - Crookston

Crookston, Minnesota
435 Total Awards
$13,010 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,659 Avg Student Debt

University of Minnesota - Crookston landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This small public school is located in Crookston, Minnesota, and it awarded 435 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend UMN Crookston, expect to pay an average of $13,010 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UMN Crookston accumulate an average of $19,659 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UMN Crookston 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 fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska
4,494 Total Awards
$9,620 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,410 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Nebraska - Lincoln did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UNL is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 4,494 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNL is $9,620. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $26,750. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNL accumulate an average of $20,410 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at UNL, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota
1,483 Total Awards
$10,492 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,128 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Winona State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Winona State is a medium-sized public school situated in Winona, Minnesota. It awarded 1,483 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Minnesota who attend Winona State full time pay an average of $10,492 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,224. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Winona State accumulate an average of $21,128 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Winona State. In 2020-2021 about 53% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Winona State University

#16

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
2,117 Total Awards
$8,790 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,796 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Bellevue University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,117 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,790 to cover tuition and fees at Bellevue University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,796 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Bellevue University. In 2020-2021 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Bellevue University

#17

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
2,246 Total Awards
$9,411 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,029 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Iowa landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,246 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $9,411 in tuition and fees if they attend UNI full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $20,565. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNI accumulate an average of $19,029 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UNI. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 54% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Northern Iowa Report

#18

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
2,428 Total Awards
$60,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,233 Avg Student Debt

Washington University in St Louis came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. WUSTL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,428 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

WUSTL does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $60,590. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,233 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at WUSTL. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 13% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Washington University in St Louis

#19

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
6,115 Total Awards
$27,673 Avg Student Debt

Capella University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school handed out 6,115 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Capella University accumulate an average of $27,673 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, Capella University is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read More…

2,382 Total Awards
$10,792 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,418 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, North Dakota State University - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This fairly large public school is located in Fargo, North Dakota, and it awarded 2,382 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at North Dakota State University is $10,792. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,446. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from North Dakota State University accumulate an average of $21,418 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at North Dakota State University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

University of Minnesota - Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota
2,218 Total Awards
$14,126 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,484 Avg Student Debt

University of Minnesota - Duluth did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Duluth, Minnesota, and it awarded 2,218 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Minnesota who attend UMN Duluth full time pay an average of $14,126 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,516. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UMN Duluth accumulate an average of $21,484 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UMN Duluth. During the 2020-2021 year, about 46% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Minnesota - Duluth

#22

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,735 Total Awards
$9,684 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,393 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Metropolitan State University is a medium-sized public school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that handed out 1,735 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Metro State is $9,684. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Metro State accumulate an average of $19,393 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Metro State. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Metropolitan State University

#23

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska
1,445 Total Awards
$45,638 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,821 Avg Student Debt

Creighton University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Creighton is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Omaha, Nebraska. It awarded 1,445 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Creighton does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $45,638. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Creighton accumulate an average of $23,821 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Creighton does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 37% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Creighton University

2,628 Total Awards
$9,444 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,121 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Mankato ranked #24 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Mankato, Minnesota, the fairly large public school handed out 2,628 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Minnesota pay an average of $9,444 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Minnesota State Mankato. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,814. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,121 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Minnesota State Mankato 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, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#25

University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota
664 Total Awards
$20,900 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,402 Avg Student Debt

University of Mary ranked #25 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. UMary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Bismarck, North Dakota. It awarded 664 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

UMary does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $20,900. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,402 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UMary. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 31% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of Mary Report

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Bachelor’s 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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