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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

184 Colleges in the Plains States Region
32,176 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$68,971 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 32,176 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
37 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$180,513 Median Starting Salary

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Located in the city of Rochester, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 37 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine receive $111,541 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
437 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Creighton University if you want to pursue a degree in nursing. Located in the large 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 roughly 437 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Creighton University get $19,585 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Creighton University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,386 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$93,113 Median Starting Salary

Maryville University of Saint Louis is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Maryville U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large 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 about 1386 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Maryville University of Saint Louis earn $24,142 more than the typical nursing graduate.

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

4
5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
498 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$85,688 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 498 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Nebraska Medical Center make $16,717 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
378 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$76,508 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 378 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities earn $7,537 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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
307 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 307 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Iowa get an earnings boost of around $14,337 over the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Iowa

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
292 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$98,364 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 approximately 292 nursing students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at University of Kansas make $29,393 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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
298 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$71,252 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 298 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Saint Louis University make $2,281 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Saint Louis University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.8% 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Dakota.

There were roughly 79 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 earn $49,713 more than the typical nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Mount Marty University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
229 Nursing Degrees Awarded
26.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 229 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of North Dakota get $13,205 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

11
12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
301 Nursing Degrees Awarded
8.6% 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 301 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 $20,117 more than the average nursing grad.

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
179 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$81,240 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 179 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 make $12,269 more than the typical nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Allen College

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
402 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 roughly 402 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 make $7,664 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
347 Nursing Degrees Awarded
17.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 roughly 347 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Missouri - Columbia make $8,171 more than the standard nursing graduate.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
355 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$65,678 Median Starting Salary

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 roughly 355 nursing students who graduated with this degree at St. Scholastica in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make about $65,678 in the first couple years of their career.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
986 Nursing Degrees Awarded
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 986 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Minnesota in the most recent data year. After graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn about $62,297 in their early careers.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
259 Nursing Degrees Awarded
27.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 259 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 state that they receive average early career wages 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
275 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$95,648 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 275 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMKC in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Missouri - Kansas City earn $26,677 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
418 Nursing Degrees Awarded
18.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the remote 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 418 nursing students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients usually earn about $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
265 Nursing Degrees Awarded
18.5% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 265 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Clarkson College in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Clarkson College make $17,453 more than the standard nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Clarkson College

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
367 Nursing Degrees Awarded
22.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 367 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Minnesota State University - Mankato earn $12,018 more than the typical nursing graduate.

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
119 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$151,455 Median Starting Salary

Webster is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the 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 119 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Webster in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Webster University make $82,484 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Webster University

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Nursing Degrees Awarded
8.0% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 50 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSB in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, nursing degree recipients usually make an average of $65,506 at the beginning of their careers.

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

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.

RankCollegeLocation
28Missouri State University - SpringfieldSpringfield, MO
29Luther CollegeDecorah, IA
30University of Missouri - St LouisSaint Louis, MO
31Bryan College of Health SciencesLincoln, NE
32North Dakota State University - Main CampusFargo, ND
33Bethel University MinnesotaSaint Paul, MN
34Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis, MN
35Graceland University - LamoniLamoni, IA
36Morningside CollegeSioux City, IA

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Minnesota28414,831
Missouri2836,440
Kansas2662,599
Iowa2642,901
Nebraska2381,885
North Dakota210975
South Dakota2041,013

View All Rankings >

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

Nursing Concentrations

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing26,256
Nursing Practice1,314
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing1,134
Nursing Administration966
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing619
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing560
Nurse Anesthetist317
Nursing Science244
Critical Care Nursing174
Clinical Nurse Leader150

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants9,809
Allied Health Professions5,472
Health & Medical Administrative Services5,048
Mental & Social Health Services3,718
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services3,218
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions2,794
Medicine2,600
Public Health2,372
Health Sciences & Services1,932
Dental Support Services1,828

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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