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Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region

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

154 Schools Ranked
$12,161 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$29,622 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. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 154 schools in the Plains States Region to see which bachelor's degree programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
545 Total Awards
$11,475 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,927 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Missouri - Columbia to be the most popular school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Plains States Region . Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school awarded 545 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $11,475 in tuition and fees if they attend Mizzou full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $30,450. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Mizzou accumulate an average of $21,927 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Online courses are available at Mizzou, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#2

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
400 Total Awards
$10,596 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of North Dakota is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This fairly large public school is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and it awarded 400 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Dakota pay an average of $10,596 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UND. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,037. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,584 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 32% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UND. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of North Dakota

#3

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
352 Total Awards
$36,933 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 154 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Capella University landed the # 3 spot on the list. This large private for-profit school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 352 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Capella University accumulate an average of $36,933 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

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

Full Capella University Report

332 Total Awards
$9,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,437 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Minnesota State University - Mankato is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Mankato, Minnesota, the fairly large public school awarded 332 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Minnesota who attend Minnesota State Mankato full time pay an average of $9,146 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,200. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,437 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Online courses are available at Minnesota State Mankato, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Minnesota State University - Mankato

#5

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
260 Total Awards
$9,432 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,445 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 154 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of South Dakota landed the # 5 spot on the list. Vermillion, South Dakota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 260 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from South Dakota pay an average of $9,432 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend USD. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,942. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from USD accumulate an average of $25,445 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at USD, 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, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of South Dakota

#6

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
290 Total Awards
$8,800 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,973 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. WSU is a public institution located in Wichita, Kansas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 290 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $8,800 in tuition and fees if they attend WSU full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,165. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from WSU accumulate an average of $26,973 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WSU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Wichita State University Report

#7

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
335 Total Awards
$9,078 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,019 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Missouri landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. UCM is located in Warrensburg, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 335 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $9,078 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UCM. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,815. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,019 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UCM. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#8

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
230 Total Awards
$48,824 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,201 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Saint Louis University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. SLU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 230 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at SLU is $48,824. 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 $25,201 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SLU does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 83% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Saint Louis University

#9

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
179 Total Awards
$15,254 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,575 Avg Student Debt

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. This large public school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 179 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Minnesota pay an average of $15,254 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UMN Twin Cities. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $33,818. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,575 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UMN Twin Cities. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#10

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
146 Total Awards
$10,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

Kansas State University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. K -State is a public institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 146 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

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. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,965 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 15% of those degree recipients were women.

K -State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Kansas State University

#10

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
166 Total Awards
$7,744 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,816 Avg Student Debt

Pittsburg State University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Pitt State is a medium-sized public school situated in Pittsburg, Kansas. It awarded 166 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pitt State is $7,744. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,088. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,816 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 19% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Pitt State does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 46% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Pittsburg State University Report

#12

University of Minnesota - Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota
129 Total Awards
$13,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,977 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, University of Minnesota - Rochester did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UMN Rochester is a public institution located in Rochester, Minnesota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 129 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,032 to cover tuition and fees at UMN Rochester. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,977 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at UMN Rochester, 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, 93% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#13

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
180 Total Awards
$8,715 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,121 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 180 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southeast Missouri State University is $8,715. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,285. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,121 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Southeast Missouri State University does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

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#14

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
247 Total Awards
$9,634 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,598 Avg Student Debt

Iowa State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in Ames, Iowa, the large public school awarded 247 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Iowa State full time pay an average of $9,634 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,446. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,598 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 32% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Iowa State does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 96% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#15

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
202 Total Awards
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$33,932 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Grantham University is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in Lenexa, Kansas that handed out 202 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

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 $33,932 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

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

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#17

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
103 Total Awards
$11,271 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,022 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #17 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and it awarded 103 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Missouri who attend UMKC full time pay an average of $11,271 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $28,023. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,022 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at UMKC, 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, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Missouri - Kansas City

#18

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
160 Total Awards
$8,872 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,819 Avg Student Debt

Washburn University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Topeka, Kansas, the medium-sized public school awarded 160 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $8,872 in tuition and fees if they attend Washburn University full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,876. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,819 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Washburn University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Washburn University

#18

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
170 Total Awards
$9,170 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,953 Avg Student Debt

Saint Cloud State University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Plains States Region list. Saint Cloud, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 170 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Minnesota pay an average of $9,170 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend St. Cloud State University. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,010. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,953 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since St. Cloud State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 39% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#20

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
148 Total Awards
$5,430 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,547 Avg Student Debt

Fort Hays State University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This fairly large public school is located in Hays, Kansas, and it awarded 148 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Kansas pay an average of $5,430 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend FHSU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,870. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,547 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

One thing to take note of is that FHSU does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Fort Hays State University

171 Total Awards
$10,401 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,435 Avg Student Debt

North Dakota State University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. North Dakota State University is located in Fargo, North Dakota and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 171 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from North Dakota who attend North Dakota State University full time pay an average of $10,401 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,876. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,435 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

One thing to take note of is that North Dakota State University does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

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92 Total Awards
$11,941 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,903 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska Medical Center landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. UNMC is a small public school situated in Omaha, Nebraska. It awarded 92 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNMC is $11,941. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $31,111. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNMC accumulate an average of $20,903 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at UNMC, 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, 17% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of Nebraska Medical Center Report

#23

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
264 Total Awards
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,917 Avg Student Debt

Waldorf University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Waldorf is located in Forest City, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 264 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Waldorf does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $23,666. 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 $27,917 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.

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. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Waldorf University Report

#24

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
81 Total Awards
$11,166 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,985 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, University of Kansas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the large public school awarded 81 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Kansas who attend KU full time pay an average of $11,166 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $28,034. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from KU accumulate an average of $23,985 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that KU does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#25

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
97 Total Awards
$9,053 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,939 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Iowa landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. UNI is a medium-sized public school situated in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It awarded 97 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend UNI full time pay an average of $9,053 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,753. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNI accumulate an average of $22,939 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 13% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UNI does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of Northern Iowa Report

View Most Popular Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular trade school schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO
27 Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN
28 Creighton University Omaha, NE
28 National American University - Rapid City Rapid City, SD
30 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NE
30 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO

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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