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2025 Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

192 Colleges in the Plains States Region
32,176 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$84,107 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 192 schools in the Plains States Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of nursing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 32,176 degrees in nursing annually.

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 20% 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
$189,790 Median Starting Salary

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is one of the best 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 approximately 37 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine earn a boost of about $105,683 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

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's difficult 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 #128 out of 2,152 schools 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. Nursing degree recipients from Creighton University receive an earnings boost of about $4,877 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Creighton University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN Program Name

With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
307 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat University of Iowa if you want to pursue a degree in nursing. Located in the small city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,152 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. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career wages of $82,796.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Iowa

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
986 Nursing Degrees Awarded
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the city of St. Cloud, Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a private for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #129 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a great university overall.

There were approximately 986 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career wages of $69,825.

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

5
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 medium-sized student population. This university ranks 7th out of 52 schools 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. After graduation, nursing degree recipients generally earn around $79,889 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Winona State University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
498 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$79,849 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 498 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, nursing degree recipients generally earn about $79,849 in the first five years of their career.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,386 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$103,399 Median Starting Salary

Maryville U is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. This university ranks 7th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 1386 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Maryville University of Saint Louis earn a boost of around $19,292 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN Program Name

At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
298 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$80,837 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Saint Louis, SLU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #243 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means SLU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 298 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career income of $80,837.

More information about a degree in nursing from Saint Louis University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
402 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$66,925 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 402 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Goldfarb School of Nursing in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program make around $66,925 in their early career salary.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
378 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$87,629 Median Starting Salary

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #45 out of 2,152 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 data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities receive $3,523 more than the average nursing grad.

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

11
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 about 265 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Clarkson College in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Clarkson College receive an earnings boost of approximately $10,575 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Clarkson College

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership Program Name

Get on track to lead with your online MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
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. This university ranks 3rd out of 12 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Dakota.

There were about 229 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 $46,535 more than the typical nursing grad.

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

13
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
292 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$89,611 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Lawrence, KU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #192 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means KU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 292 nursing students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Kansas get an earnings boost of about $5,504 above the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Kansas

14
Allen College crest
Allen College
Waterloo, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
179 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$78,359 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 179 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Allen College in the most recent data year. After graduation, nursing degree recipients typically earn around $78,359 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from Allen College

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
418 Nursing Degrees Awarded
18.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 13 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Dakota.

There were approximately 418 nursing students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $73,092 in their early career salary.

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

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program Name

Break into one of the most high-demand occupations in the nation with your online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
355 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$75,499 Median Starting Salary

St. Scholastica is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of Duluth. This college ranks 16th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 355 nursing students who graduated with this degree at St. Scholastica 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 income of $75,499.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
347 Nursing Degrees Awarded
17.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #131 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were about 347 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program make an average of $82,972 for their early career.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
275 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$89,929 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Kansas City, UMKC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 14th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 275 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMKC in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Missouri - Kansas City earn a boost of approximately $5,822 over the typical income of nursing majors.

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

19
St. Kate's crest
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
290 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

St. Kate's is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Saint Paul. This university ranks 9th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 290 nursing students who graduated with this degree at St. Kate's in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients usually make around $78,909 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in nursing from St Catherine University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nursing Education Program Name

Position the next generation of nurses for success with your online MSN in Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

20
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 11th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 367 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $77,188 in their early career salary.

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

21
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 approximately 259 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Nebraska Methodist College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career income of $74,566.

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

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Nursing Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

Rasmussen University - North Dakota is a fairly small private for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Fargo. A Best Colleges rank of #252 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Rasmussen University - North Dakota is a great university overall.

There were about 144 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - North Dakota 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 $69,825.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rasmussen University - North Dakota

23
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. A Best Colleges rank of #293 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Mount Marty is a great university overall.

There were approximately 79 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Mount Marty in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Mount Marty University earn $60,107 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Mount Marty University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety Program Name

Ensure a safer future for healthcare with your online MSN in Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$190,453 Median Starting Salary

SMU MN is a small private not-for-profit university located in the distant town of Winona. This university ranks 12th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 44 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SMU MN in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota get an earnings boost of about $106,347 over the typical income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
140 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

Bethel University Minnesota is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Paul. This university ranks 14th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 140 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Bethel University Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $75,479.

More information about a degree in nursing from Bethel University Minnesota

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

26
27
28
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO
29
30
31
32

33

34
35
36
CSB crest
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN
37
38

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
39 Neosho County Community College Chanute, KS
40 Research College of Nursing Kansas City, MO
41 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
42 MidAmerica Nazarene University Olathe, KS
43 Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN
44 College of Saint Mary Omaha, NE
45 Iowa State University Ames, IA
46 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN
47 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
48 Butler Community College El Dorado, KS
49 Century College White Bear Lake, MN
50 Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA
51 William Jewell College Liberty, MO
52 Northwest Technical College Bemidji, MN
53 Chamberlain University - Missouri St. Louis, MO
54 Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN
55 Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, SD
56 Ridgewater College Willmar, MN
57 Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
58 Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD
59 North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MN
60 Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN
61 Webster University Saint Louis, MO
62 Southeastern Community College West Burlington, IA
63 Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA
64 Hibbing Community College Hibbing, MN

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing colleges 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 26,256
Nursing Practice 1,314
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 1,134
Nursing Administration 966
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 619
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 560
Nurse Anesthetist 317
Nursing Science 244
Critical Care Nursing 174
Clinical Nurse Leader 150

View All Nursing Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 9,809
Allied Health Professions 5,472
Health & Medical Administrative Services 5,048
Mental & Social Health Services 3,718
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 3,218
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 2,794
Medicine 2,600
Public Health 2,372
Health Sciences & Services 1,932
Dental Support Services 1,828

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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