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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

184 Colleges in the Plains States Region
31,555 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$69,790 Avg Early-Career Salary
Nursing is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #3 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual reviewed 184 schools in the Plains States Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of nursing. Combined, these schools handed out 31,555 degrees in nursing to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region The nursing program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Nursing rankings. For our Best Overall Nursing School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

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.

Nursing Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees in Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Nursing

The nursing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Nursing 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 nursing 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 Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
45 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$180,513 Median Starting Salary

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in nursing. 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 roughly 45 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine make $110,723 more than the average nursing grad.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
412 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.7% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Creighton University if you wish to pursue a degree in nursing. Located in the city of Omaha, Creighton is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #105 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Creighton is a great university overall.

There were approximately 412.00000000000006 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Creighton University earn $18,766 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Creighton University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,452 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.7% Growth in Graduates

Maryville University of Saint Louis is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Maryville U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #202 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Maryville U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1452 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Maryville University of Saint Louis make $23,323 more than the average nursing grad.

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

4
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4,027 Nursing Degrees Awarded
31.6% Growth in Graduates

Capella University is a great option for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Capella University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #145 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Capella University is a great university overall.

There were about 4027.0000000000005 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Capella University in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Capella University receive an earnings boost of about $22,179 above the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Capella University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
502 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 502 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center receive $15,898 more than the average nursing grad.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
414 Nursing Degrees Awarded
20.5% Growth in Graduates

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the 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 roughly 414 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities make $6,718 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

7
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
288 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$83,309 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small 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 schools nationwide means Iowa is a great university overall.

There were approximately 288 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Iowa get an earnings boost of around $13,519 over the average income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Iowa

8
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
297 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 297 nursing students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Kansas receive $28,574 more than the typical nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Kansas

9
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
324 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large 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 324 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $71,252.

More information about a degree in nursing from Saint Louis University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
76 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 76 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mount Marty in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Mount Marty University receive $48,895 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Mount Marty University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
168 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$82,176 Median Starting Salary

UND is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Grand Forks. A Best Colleges rank of #218 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UND is a great university overall.

There were approximately 168 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of North Dakota make $12,386 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of North Dakota

11
Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5,207 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$94,776 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 5207 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Walden University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Walden University earn $24,986 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Walden University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
275 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$89,088 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 275 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Winona State in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Winona State University receive $19,298 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Winona State University

13
Allen College crest
Allen College
Waterloo, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
207 Nursing Degrees Awarded
14.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 207 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Allen College in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Allen College receive $11,450 more than the standard nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Allen College

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
405 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$76,635 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 405 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Goldfarb School of Nursing in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College receive $6,845 more than the standard nursing student.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
285 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.5% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 285 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Missouri - Columbia make $7,352 more than the typical nursing graduate.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
403 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 402.99999999999994 nursing students who graduated with this degree at St. Scholastica in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $65,678 for their early career.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
789 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$62,297 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of St. Cloud, Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a private for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 10th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 789 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Minnesota in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients generally make around $62,297 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rasmussen University - Minnesota

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
189 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$65,537 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 189 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Nebraska Methodist College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career income of $65,537.

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

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
351 Nursing Degrees Awarded
29.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Kansas City, UMKC is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 351 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMKC in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Missouri - Kansas City receive an earnings boost of around $25,858 above the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Missouri - Kansas City

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
342 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$69,032 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 approximately 342 nursing students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota State in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, nursing degree recipients usually earn an average of $69,032 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from South Dakota State University

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$86,424 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 216 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Clarkson College in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Clarkson College earn a boost of approximately $16,634 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Clarkson College

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
284 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.3% Growth in Graduates

Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Mankato. This university ranks 13th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 284 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Minnesota State University - Mankato receive an earnings boost of about $11,200 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Minnesota State University - Mankato

23
Webster crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Nursing Degrees Awarded
25.0% Growth in Graduates

Webster is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #219 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Webster is a great university overall.

There were about 172 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Webster in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Webster University earn $81,665 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Webster University

24
CSB crest
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$65,506 Median Starting Salary

CSB is a small private not-for-profit college located in the medium-sized suburb of Saint Joseph. This college ranks 11th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 46 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSB in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients typically earn an average of $65,506 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from College of Saint Benedict

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

26
UMary crest
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND
27
St. Kate's crest
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN

 

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 Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region award.

Rank College Location
28 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
29 Luther College Decorah, IA
30 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
31 Bryan College of Health Sciences Lincoln, NE
32 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
33 Bethel University Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
34 Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN
35 Graceland University - Lamoni Lamoni, IA
36 Morningside College Sioux City, IA

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Minnesota 284 14,831
Missouri 283 6,440
Kansas 266 2,599
Iowa 264 2,901
Nebraska 238 1,885
North Dakota 210 975
South Dakota 204 1,013

View All Rankings >

One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Nursing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Nursing Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 25,853
Nursing Practice 1,262
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 1,089
Nursing Administration 878
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 710
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 481
Nurse Anesthetist 326
Nursing Science 224
Critical Care Nursing 182
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing 166

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
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
Dental Support Services 1,827

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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