Find Trade Colleges

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 analysis found Grantham University to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Plains States Region . Grantham University is located in LIttle Rock, Arkansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 569 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at Grantham University is $8,280. 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 bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,063 in student loans.

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

Full Grantham University Report

#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. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 92 students 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. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,638 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Stephens. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 18% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Stephens College

#3

Ottawa University - Online

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

Out of the 98 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Ottawa University - Online landed the # 3 spot on the list. Ottawa University - Online is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Ottawa, Kansas that handed out 74 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Ottawa University - Online, expect to pay an average of $12,676 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 $22,495 in student loans.

Since Ottawa University - Online is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#4

Dakota State University

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Dakota State University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Dakota State University is a small public school located in Madison, South Dakota that handed out 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,735. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,873 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Dakota State 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 72% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Dakota State University

#5

Waldorf University

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

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Waldorf University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in the Plains States Region . Waldorf is a small private for-profit school situated in Forest City, Iowa. It awarded 592 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Waldorf is $24,526. 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 Waldorf accumulate an average of $22,767 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Waldorf does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 69% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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 came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Ottawa University - Kansas City is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Overland Park, Kansas that handed out 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. 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 - Kansas City is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Ottawa University - Kansas City Report

#7

Bemidji State University

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

Bemidji State University 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 #7 on the list. This small public school is located in Bemidji, Minnesota, and it awarded 972 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $10,130 to cover tuition and fees at Bemidji State University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bemidji State University accumulate an average of $19,541 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Bemidji State University does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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

University of Missouri - Columbia ranked #8 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 5,092 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mizzou is $11,981. 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 66% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

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

Missouri University of Science and Technology landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Missouri University of Science and Technology is located in Rolla, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,325 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

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. Out-of-state students 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.

One thing to take note of is that Missouri University of Science and Technology does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Missouri University of Science and Technology

#10

Iowa State University

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

Iowa State University 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 #10 on the list. Iowa State University is a large public school located in Ames, Iowa that handed out 6,795 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $10,133 in tuition and fees if they attend Iowa State full time. 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.

One thing to take note of is that Iowa State does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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 located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 8,508 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

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

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UMN Twin Cities. In 2020-2021 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Report

#12

Ranken Technical College

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

Ranken Technical College 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 #12 on the list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 29 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree 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.

Ranken Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#13

University of Minnesota - Crookston

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

With a ranking of #13, University of Minnesota - Crookston did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small public school is located in Crookston, Minnesota, and it awarded 435 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

UMN Crookston does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,010. This amount may 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.

One thing to take note of is that UMN Crookston does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 57% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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

University of Nebraska - Lincoln ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. UNL is a public institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,494 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Nebraska pay an average of $9,620 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UNL. Out-of-state students pay an average of $26,750. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,410 in student loans.

UNL does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Nebraska - Lincoln Report

#15

Winona State University

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

Winona State University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Winona State is a medium-sized public school situated in Winona, Minnesota. It awarded 1,483 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $10,492 in tuition and fees if they attend Winona State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,224. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,128 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Winona State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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

Bellevue University 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 #16 on the list. Bellevue, Nebraska is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,117 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Bellevue University is $8,790. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,796 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Bellevue University 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 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Bellevue University Report

#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 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 #17 on the list. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,246 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNI is $9,411. Out-of-state students 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.

Online courses are available at UNI, 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, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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 ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,428 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $60,590 to cover tuition and fees at WUSTL. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,233 in loans while pursuing their degree.

WUSTL does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 13% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Washington University in St Louis

#19

Capella University

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

With a ranking of #19, Capella University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 6,115 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,673 in loans while pursuing their degree.

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

Read full report on Capella University

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

North Dakota State University - Main Campus landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. North Dakota State University is a fairly large public school situated in Fargo, North Dakota. 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,446. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,418 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at North Dakota State University. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class 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

With a ranking of #21, University of Minnesota - Duluth did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UMN Duluth is located in Duluth, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,218 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Minnesota pay an average of $14,126 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UMN Duluth. 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.

One thing to take note of is that UMN Duluth does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 46% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Minnesota - Duluth Report

#22

Metropolitan State University

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

Metropolitan State University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Metro State is a public institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,735 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Metro State does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $9,684. 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 $19,393 in student loans.

Metro State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 72% took at least some of their classes online.

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. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and 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. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,821 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Creighton does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 37% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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.

In-state students pay an average of $9,444 in tuition and fees if they attend Minnesota State Mankato full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,814. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Minnesota State Mankato accumulate an average of $21,121 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Minnesota State Mankato does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#25

University of Mary

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

University of Mary came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Bismarck, North Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 664 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $20,900 to cover tuition and fees at UMary. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,402 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at UMary, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 31% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class 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.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.