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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 analysis found Grantham University to be the most popular school for trade school students in the Plains States Region . 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. During the early years of their career, Grantham University graduates make an average of $55,745 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read More…

#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 . Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school handed out 9,503 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Mizzou accumulate an average of $29,848 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $483 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Mizzou, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,901 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on University of Missouri - Columbia

#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. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school handed out 14,847 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $59,264 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Capella University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,758 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Full Capella University Report

#4

Highland Community College

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

Out of the 113 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Highland Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Highland Community College is a small public school situated in Highland, Kansas. It awarded 601 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,025 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Highland Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,417 during the early year of their career. 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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Washburn University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Washburn University is a medium-sized public school situated in Topeka, Kansas. It awarded 1,489 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,734 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Washburn University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,384 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Washburn University

#6

Waldorf University

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

Waldorf University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Waldorf is a small private for-profit school situated in Forest City, Iowa. It awarded 919 degrees 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.After graduating from Waldorf, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,483 during the early years of their career. 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 landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Island, Nebraska, and it awarded 2,601 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $8,313 in loans while pursuing their degree.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. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Read full report on Central Community College

#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 ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, the small private for-profit school handed out 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.After graduating from National American University - Rapid City, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,187 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients 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

With a ranking of #10, Century College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,113 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $18,493 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Century College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,997 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Century College Report

349 Total Awards
$7,297 Avg Student Debt

Allen County Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Iola, Kansas, the small public school handed out 349 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Allen Community College accumulate an average of $7,297 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Allen County Community College Report

#12

Bryan University

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

Bryan University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Bryan University is a very small private for-profit school located in Springfield, Missouri that handed out 83 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,085 in student loans.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. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bryan University Report

#13

Anoka Technical College

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

With a ranking of #13, Anoka Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Anoka, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 985 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Anoka Technical College accumulate an average of $16,129 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Anoka Technical College graduates make an average of $39,893 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. Rochester Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Rochester, Minnesota that handed out 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. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rochester Community and Technical College

#15

Bellevue University

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

With a ranking of #15, Bellevue University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 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. During the early years of their career, Bellevue University graduates make an average of $54,053 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Bellevue University Report

#16

Southeast Missouri State University

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

With a ranking of #16, Southeast Missouri State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,118 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University accumulate an average of $23,068 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $182, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large public school situated in Mankato, Minnesota. It awarded 3,728 degrees 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.

Read full report on Minnesota State University - Mankato

#17

Fort Hays State University

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

With a ranking of #17, Fort Hays State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This fairly large public school is located in Hays, Kansas, and it awarded 3,925 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $24,533 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $159, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, FHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,454 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Fort Hays State University

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

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Fenton, Missouri is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 203 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $19,478 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SLCHC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,904 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Read More…

#20

Wichita State University

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

With a ranking of #20, Wichita State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This fairly large public school is located in Wichita, Kansas, and it awarded 3,714 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,903 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $154, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,743 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Wichita State University

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

Eastern Iowa Community College District landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Davenport, Iowa, and it awarded 1,143 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges accumulate an average of $15,064 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,028 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Eastern Iowa Community College District Report

#22

State Fair Community College

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

With a ranking of #22, State Fair Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Sedalia, Missouri, the small public school handed out 750 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,232 in student loans. During the early years of their career, State Fair Community College graduates make an average of $41,167 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full State Fair Community College Report

#23

Northwest Technical College

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

Northwest Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #23 on the list. This very small public school is located in Bemidji, Minnesota, and it awarded 203 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,947 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,103 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% 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 located in Hutchinson, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,608 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $12,990 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hutchinson Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,555 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Hutchinson Community College Report

#24

Park University

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

Park University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read full report on Park University

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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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