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Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

2023 Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

113 Schools Ranked
$43,986 Average Earnings
$27,381 Avg Student Debt

There are so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 113 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Grantham University

LIttle Rock, Arkansas
1,707 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,442 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Grantham University the most popular school in the Plains States Region for trade school students working on their degree. LIttle Rock, Arkansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,707 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $28,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Grantham University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,745 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Grantham University Report

#2

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
9,503 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$29,848 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Missouri - Columbia helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in the Plains States Region . Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 9,503 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,848 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $483 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mizzou graduates make an average of $46,901 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#3

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
14,847 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$59,264 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Capella University is a great place for trade school students. Capella University is a large private for-profit school situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It awarded 14,847 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $59,264 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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, 83% were women.

Read full report on Capella University

#4

Highland Community College

Highland, Kansas
601 Total Awards
$30,417 Average Earnings
$11,025 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Highland Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. This small public school is located in Highland, Kansas, and it awarded 601 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,025 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Highland Community College graduates make an average of $30,417 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full Highland Community College Report

#5

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
1,489 Total Awards
$44,384 Average Earnings
$25,734 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Washburn University is a great place for trade school students. Located in Topeka, Kansas, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,489 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Washburn University accumulate an average of $25,734 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 $207. During the early years of their career, Washburn University graduates make an average of $44,384 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Washburn University Report

#6

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
919 Total Awards
$52,483 Average Earnings
$21,278 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Waldorf University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Forest City, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 919 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,278 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Waldorf graduates make an average of $52,483 annually. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Waldorf University

#7

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
2,601 Total Awards
$35,791 Average Earnings
$8,313 Avg Student Debt

Central Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #7 on the list. Central Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Grand Island, Nebraska that handed out 2,601 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,313 in student loans.After graduating from Central Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,791 during the early years of their career. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Central Community College Report

#8

National American University - Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota
332 Total Awards
$42,187 Average Earnings
$27,065 Avg Student Debt

National American University - Rapid City came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. National American University - Rapid City is a small private for-profit school situated in Rapid City, South Dakota. It awarded 332 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from National American University - Rapid City accumulate an average of $27,065 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, National American University - Rapid City graduates make an average of $42,187 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on National American University - Rapid City

#10

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
2,113 Total Awards
$40,997 Average Earnings
$18,493 Avg Student Debt

Century College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Century College is a medium-sized public school situated in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It awarded 2,113 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Century College accumulate an average of $18,493 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Century College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,997 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Century College Report

349 Total Awards
$7,297 Avg Student Debt

Allen County Community College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Iola, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 349 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,297 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

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#12

Bryan University

Springfield, Missouri
83 Total Awards
$25,844 Average Earnings
$23,085 Avg Student Debt

Bryan University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This very small private for-profit school is located in Springfield, Missouri, and it awarded 83 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Bryan University accumulate an average of $23,085 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Bryan University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,844 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full Bryan University Report

#13

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, Minnesota
985 Total Awards
$39,893 Average Earnings
$16,129 Avg Student Debt

Anoka Technical College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Anoka, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 985 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,129 in student loans.After graduating from Anoka Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,893 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Anoka Technical College

929 Total Awards
$41,604 Average Earnings
$17,278 Avg Student Debt

Rochester Community and Technical College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Rochester Community and Technical College is a small public school situated in Rochester, Minnesota. It awarded 929 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Rochester Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $17,278 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Rochester Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $41,604 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Rochester Community and Technical College Report

#15

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
3,235 Total Awards
$54,053 Average Earnings
$32,622 Avg Student Debt

Bellevue University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Bellevue, Nebraska, and it awarded 3,235 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Bellevue University accumulate an average of $32,622 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Bellevue University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,053 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read full report on Bellevue University

#16

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
2,118 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$23,068 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,118 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,068 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $182. Once they receive their degree, Southeast Missouri State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,626 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

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3,728 Total Awards
$46,060 Average Earnings
$22,957 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Mankato, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,728 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,957 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $180 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Minnesota State Mankato graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,060 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#17

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
3,925 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$24,533 Avg Student Debt

Fort Hays State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #17 on the list. FHSU is a fairly large public school situated in Hays, Kansas. It awarded 3,925 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,533 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $159. Once they receive their degree, FHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,454 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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203 Total Awards
$36,904 Average Earnings
$19,478 Avg Student Debt

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Fenton, Missouri, the very small private for-profit school awarded 203 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $19,478 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from SLCHC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,904 during the early years of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

#20

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
3,714 Total Awards
$45,743 Average Earnings
$27,903 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. WSU is located in Wichita, Kansas and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,714 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $27,903 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $154 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,743 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,143 Total Awards
$35,028 Average Earnings
$15,064 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Iowa Community College District ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is located in Davenport, Iowa and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,143 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,064 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,028 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Eastern Iowa Community College District

#22

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
750 Total Awards
$41,167 Average Earnings
$15,232 Avg Student Debt

State Fair Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Sedalia, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 750 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,232 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from State Fair Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,167 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read More…

#23

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, Minnesota
203 Total Awards
$51,103 Average Earnings
$14,947 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Technical College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. NTC is a public institution located in Bemidji, Minnesota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 203 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,947 in student loans.After graduating from NTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,103 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northwest Technical College

#24

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas
1,608 Total Awards
$38,555 Average Earnings
$12,990 Avg Student Debt

Hutchinson Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #24 on the list. Hutchinson Community College is a public institution located in Hutchinson, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,608 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,990 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Hutchinson Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,555 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Hutchinson Community College

#24

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
2,461 Total Awards
$46,849 Average Earnings
$26,692 Avg Student Debt

Park University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Park University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Parkville, Missouri. It awarded 2,461 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,692 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Park University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,849 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

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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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