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2024 Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region

214 Colleges in the Plains States Region
81,887 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$50,339 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in health professions, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #2 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 214 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 81,887 degrees in health professions during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Health Professions School

Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region The health professions program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Health Professions rankings. We derive our Best Overall Health Professions School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Health Professions Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Health Professions
Bachelor's Degrees in Health Professions
Master's Degrees in Health Professions
Doctor's Degrees in Health Professions

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Health Professions in the Plains States Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the health professions degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Plains States Region Schools in Health Professions

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,304 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
13.7% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat A T Still University of Health Sciences if you want to pursue a degree in health professions. A T Still University of Health Sciences is a small private not-for-profit university located in the remote town of Kirksville.

There were about 1304 health professions students who graduated with this degree at A T Still University of Health Sciences in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from A T Still University of Health Sciences get an earnings boost of approximately $28,470 over the average earnings of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from A T Still University of Health Sciences

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
423 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$103,226 Median Starting Salary

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is a good choice for students interested in a degree in health professions. Located in the midsize city of Rochester, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were about 423 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine get an earnings boost of about $52,887 above the typical earnings of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
443 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$62,617 Median Starting Salary

Washington University in St Louis is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in health professions. WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 443 health professions students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions major at Washington University in St Louis make $12,277 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Washington University in St Louis

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
606 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
4.0% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport if you wish to pursue a degree in health professions. Located in the medium-sized city of Davenport, Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were about 606 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the health professions program report average early career income of $40,914.

More information about a degree in health professions from Palmer College of Chiropractic - Davenport

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,109 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$84,128 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Omaha, UNMC is a public university with a small student population.

There were roughly 1109 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health professions major at University of Nebraska Medical Center earn $33,789 more than the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Nebraska Medical Center

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,737 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
7.1% Growth in Graduates

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1736.9999999999998 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities earn $17,059 more than the typical health professions graduate.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,159 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
3.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Omaha, Creighton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #105 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Creighton is a great university overall.

There were about 1159 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from Creighton University make $28,451 more than the standard health professions grad.

More information about a degree in health professions from Creighton University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,694 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
6.0% Growth in Graduates

Maryville U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. This university ranks 5th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were roughly 1694 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from Maryville University of Saint Louis receive an earnings boost of around $30,168 above the typical earnings of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Maryville University of Saint Louis

9
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7,475 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
31.8% Growth in Graduates

Capella University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the large city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 4th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 7475 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Capella University in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from Capella University earn a boost of about $17,055 above the average income of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Capella University

10
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,208 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
2.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #84 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Iowa is a great university overall.

There were about 1208 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from University of Iowa make $27,643 more than the standard health professions student.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Iowa

11
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,199 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$73,833 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lawrence, KU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means KU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1199 health professions students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from University of Kansas earn a boost of about $23,494 above the typical earnings of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Kansas

12
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,175 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$54,876 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Saint Louis, SLU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 1175 health professions students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Saint Louis University receive an earnings boost of around $4,537 over the typical earnings of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from Saint Louis University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
582 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$63,641 Median Starting Salary

UND is a large public university located in the city of Grand Forks. This university ranks 1st out of 12 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Dakota.

There were approximately 582 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from University of North Dakota earn a boost of about $13,302 over the average income of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of North Dakota

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
232 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$36,337 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Bloomington, NWHSU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were roughly 232 health professions students who graduated with this degree at NWHSU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the health professions program state that they receive average early career wages of $36,337.

More information about a degree in health professions from Northwestern Health Sciences University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
405 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$76,635 Median Starting Salary

Goldfarb School of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of Saint Louis.

There were about 405 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Goldfarb School of Nursing in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health professions degree program at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College get $26,296 more than the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

16
Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6,458 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$68,114 Median Starting Salary

Walden University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the city of Minneapolis.

There were approximately 6458 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Walden University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions major at Walden University get $17,775 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health professions from Walden University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
745 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
2.8% Growth in Graduates

St. Scholastica is a small private not-for-profit college located in the small city of Duluth. This college ranks 8th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 745.0000000000001 health professions students who graduated with this degree at St. Scholastica in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from The College of Saint Scholastica earn $8,258 more than the typical health professions student.

More information about a degree in health professions from The College of Saint Scholastica

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
432 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$68,161 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Des Moines, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were roughly 432 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center earn a boost of around $17,822 over the typical income of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
7.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the remote town of Yankton, Mount Marty is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 13 schools for overall quality in the state of South Dakota.

There were roughly 84 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mount Marty in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from Mount Marty University receive $68,345 more than the average health professions graduate.

More information about a degree in health professions from Mount Marty University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,443 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #124 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1443 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from University of Missouri - Columbia get an earnings boost of around $13,124 above the average earnings of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Missouri - Columbia

20
Logan University crest
Logan University
Chesterfield, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
358 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
2.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Chesterfield, Logan University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 358 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Logan University in the most recent data year. After graduating, health professions degree recipients generally make an average of $41,712 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in health professions from Logan University

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
411 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
2.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Winona, Winona State is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 17th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 411 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Winona State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions degree program at Winona State University make $38,749 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health professions from Winona State University

22
Allen College crest
Allen College
Waterloo, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
276 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
15.6% Growth in Graduates

Allen College is a fairly small private not-for-profit college located in the small city of Waterloo.

There were about 276 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Allen College in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from Allen College make $14,152 more than the standard health professions graduate.

More information about a degree in health professions from Allen College

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
341 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$56,311 Median Starting Salary

Nebraska Methodist College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of Omaha.

There were approximately 341 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Nebraska Methodist College in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions program at Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health earn $5,972 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
568 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$75,934 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 13 schools for overall quality in the state of South Dakota.

There were about 568 health professions students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota State in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from South Dakota State University get an earnings boost of approximately $25,595 above the typical income of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from South Dakota State University

Rest of the Top Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region

26
27
St. Kate's crest
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
28
29
UMary crest
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND
30
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO
31
32

 

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region award.

Rank College Location
33 University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MO
34 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
35 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
36 Bethel University Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
37 College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, MN
38 Century College White Bear Lake, MN
39 Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Kansas City, MO
40 Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN
41 Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA
42 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NE

Best Health Professions Colleges by State

Explore the best health professions schools for a specific state in the Plains States Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Kansas 38 5,776
Minnesota 38 24,554
Iowa 38 6,601
South Dakota 38 2,157
Missouri 38 15,328
Nebraska 36 4,554
North Dakota 35 2,077

View All Rankings >

Health Professions Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Nursing 31,555
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 9,568
Health & Medical Administrative Services 5,567
Allied Health Professions 5,332
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 3,675
Mental & Social Health Services 3,496
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 2,856
Public Health 2,527
Medicine 2,453
Health Sciences & Services 1,945

View All Health Professions Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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