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2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region

22 Ranked Colleges
4,909 Degrees Awarded
$15,500 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master's in the Plains States Region

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

Registered Nursing is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 3rd of all the majors we analyze. In 2019-2020, 259,493 degrees were awarded to students with this major.

Across the Plains States region, there were 24,654 registered nursing graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 4,909 registered nursing graduates with average earnings and debt of $53,438 and $39,783 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region” ranking analyzed 22 colleges that offered a degree in registered nursing. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality registered nursing programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the registered nursing program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region master’s degree registered nursing students.

Top 22 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Registered Nursing in the Plains States Region

#1

Walden University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#5 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Walden University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. Walden University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4,106 masters’s registered nursing degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree registered nursing students list, Walden University has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Walden University are $10,716.

Read more about Registered Nursing at Walden University

#2

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#6 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Capella University landed the #2 spot on the list. This large school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 52 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Capella University, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Capella University are $14,767.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at Capella University

#3

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, Nebraska
#13 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Nebraska Wesleyan University. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region. Lincoln, Nebraska is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s registered nursing degrees to 21 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at NWU, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Nebraska Wesleyan University are $5,186.

Read more about Registered Nursing at NWU

#4

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Dakota landed the #4 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and it awarded 90 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

UND did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UND are $18,326.

Full University of North Dakota Registered Nursing Report

#5

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
#8 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend South Dakota State University. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. South Dakota State is a fairly large public school situated in Brookings, South Dakota. It awarded 45 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree registered nursing students list, South Dakota State has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at South Dakota State University are $16,743.

Full South Dakota State University Registered Nursing Report

#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s registered nursing degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree registered nursing students list, Missouri State has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Missouri State are $12,042, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Registered Nursing at Missouri State University - Springfield

#7

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
#1 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, Saint Louis University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. SLU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 92 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree registered nursing students list, SLU has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Louis University are $22,074, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at Saint Louis University

#8

Research College of Nursing

Kansas City, Missouri
#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, Research College of Nursing did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. This small school is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and it awarded 34 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Research College of Nursing also made our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at Research College of Nursing are $10,520, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Registered Nursing at Research College of Nursing

#15 in overall quality

MidAmerica Nazarene University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Olathe, Kansas, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 35 degrees to qualified masters’s registered nursing students in 2019-2020.

MNU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at MNU are $11,965, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Registered Nursing at MidAmerica Nazarene University

#10

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
#12 in overall quality

Webster University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking. Webster University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 76 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Webster did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Webster are $13,500, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at Webster University

#11

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#10 in overall quality

St Catherine University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 54 diplomas to qualified masters’s registered nursing students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at St. Kate’s, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at St Catherine University are $17,400, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Registered Nursing at St. Kate’s

#12

University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, Kansas
#16 in overall quality

University of Saint Mary ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. University of St. Mary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Leavenworth, Kansas. It awarded 11 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

University of St. Mary also made our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #16. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of St. Mary are $11,124.

Full University of Saint Mary Registered Nursing Report

#17 in overall quality

Minnesota State University - Moorhead landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking. MSU Moorhead is a medium-sized public school situated in Moorhead, Minnesota. It awarded 16 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

MSU Moorhead not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at MSU Moorhead are $9,900, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full MSU Moorhead Registered Nursing Report

#14

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, Lindenwood University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. Lindenwood University is a medium-sized school located in Saint Charles, Missouri that handed out 15 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Lindenwood University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Lindenwood University are $9,550, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Lindenwood University Registered Nursing Report

#15

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, Missouri
#21 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Southwest Baptist University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. Southwest Baptist University is a small school located in Bolivar, Missouri that handed out 6 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Southwest Baptist University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Southwest Baptist University are $5,423, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Registered Nursing at Southwest Baptist University

#3 in overall quality

University of Nebraska Medical Center did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #16. This small school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and it awarded 56 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

UNMC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNMC are $26,961, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at UNMC

#17

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
#20 in overall quality

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 9 masters’s registered nursing degrees to qualified students.

Southeast Missouri State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Southeast Missouri State University are $10,792, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Southeast Missouri State University Registered Nursing Report

#18

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#4 in overall quality

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #18. This large school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 62 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UMN Twin Cities, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities are $28,845.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

#19

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
#6 in overall quality

University of Missouri - Kansas City did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #19. Kansas City, Missouri is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s registered nursing degrees to 80 students in 2019-2020.

UMKC also made our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #6. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Missouri - Kansas City are $26,699.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Registered Nursing Report

#20

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
#22 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, Rasmussen University - Minnesota did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. St. Cloud, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out masters’s registered nursing degrees to 10 students in 2019-2020.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota also took the #22 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Minnesota are $9,745.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at Rasmussen University - Minnesota

#9 in overall quality

University of Missouri - Columbia ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region list. Mizzou is a large public school situated in Columbia, Missouri. It awarded 9 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Mizzou, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Mizzou are $27,193, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Mizzou Registered Nursing Report

#22

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#19 in overall quality

Metropolitan State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #22. Metro State is a medium-sized school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that handed out 21 masters’s registered nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Metro State also made our “Best Registered Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #19. Average graduate tuition and fees at Metropolitan State University are $17,552, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Registered Nursing at Metropolitan State University

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Notes and References

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%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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