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2023 Best Value Colleges for Health Professions (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

197 Ranked Colleges
81,887 Degrees Awarded
$7,500 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

With 977,800 degrees handed out in 2020-2021, health professions is the 2nd most popular major in the United States. In 2019-2020, health professions graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $47,927 and had an average of $20,846 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Plains States region, there were 81,887 health professions graduates with average earnings and debt of $50,339 and $25,248 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 197 colleges that offer a degree in health professions. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent health professions programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the health professions program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Health Professions Schools

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Health Professions (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

1
WUSTL crest
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri

Out of the 197 schools in the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Washington University in St Louis landed the #1 spot on the list. WUSTL is a fairly large school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 443 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

WUSTL also made our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #1. The estimated yearly cost for WUSTL is $1,556 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read full report on Health Professions at WUSTL

2

Out of the 197 schools in the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities landed the #2 spot on the list. UMN Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,737 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

UMN Twin Cities also took the #6 spot in our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $7,698 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UMN Twin Cities.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Health Professions Report

3

Out of the 197 schools in the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Crookston landed the #3 spot on the list. This small school is located in Crookston, Minnesota, and it awarded 55 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

UMN Crookston also claimed a top spot on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. It costs about $5,893 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UMN Crookston.

Read full report on Health Professions at UMN Crookston

4

Out of the 197 schools in the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Iowa State University landed the #4 spot on the list. Iowa State is a large public school situated in Ames, Iowa. It awarded 243 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

Iowa State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $9,766 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Iowa State University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Health Professions at Iowa State

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Duluth. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Minnesota - Duluth is a medium-sized school located in Duluth, Minnesota that handed out 103 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, UMN Duluth is in the top on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Minnesota - Duluth is $7,843 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Health Professions at UMN Duluth

6

Metropolitan Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. This fairly large school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and it awarded 259 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Metropolitan Community College is $3,325 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 5.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full MCC Health Professions Report

7
UND crest
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota

University of North Dakota landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 582 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

UND also made our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #16. The estimated yearly cost for University of North Dakota is $12,394 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Health Professions at UND

8
Truman State crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, Missouri

Truman State University landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Kirksville, Missouri, and it awarded 178 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Truman State University is $7,208 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 88%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Health Professions at Truman State University

9
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Iowa is a large public school situated in Iowa City, Iowa. It awarded 1,208 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

Iowa not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $13,554 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of Iowa.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Health Professions at University of Iowa

10
UMSL crest
University of Missouri - St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri

University of Missouri - St Louis ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, this fairly large public school handed out 301 degrees to qualified ’s health professions students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for University of Missouri - St Louis is $9,991 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Health Professions at UMSL

11

University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Missouri - Columbia is located in Columbia, Missouri and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,443 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k list, Mizzou has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Missouri - Columbia is $11,005 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Health Professions at University of Missouri - Columbia

12
SCC crest
St Charles Community College
Cottleville, Missouri

With a ranking of #12, St Charles Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. St Charles Community College is a public institution located in Cottleville, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 155 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend SCC is $2,107 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Health Professions at SCC

13

University of Minnesota - Rochester ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Minnesota - Rochester is a public institution located in Rochester, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 129 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for University of Minnesota - Rochester is $7,537 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Health Professions at University of Minnesota - Rochester

14
Hutchinson Community College crest
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, Kansas

Hutchinson Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This medium-sized school is located in Hutchinson, Kansas, and it awarded 752 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $4,975 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Hutchinson Community College.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Health Professions at Hutchinson Community College

15

North Dakota State University - Main Campus landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Fargo, North Dakota, and it awarded 468 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

North Dakota State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $11,835 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend North Dakota State University - Main Campus.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full North Dakota State University - Main Campus Health Professions Report

16
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, Nebraska

With a ranking of #16, Central Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Central Community College is located in Grand Island, Nebraska and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 420 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Central Community College is $6,498 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Central Community College Health Professions Report

17

St Cloud Technical and Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, this small public school awarded 270 degrees to qualified ’s health professions students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend St Cloud Technical and Community College is $7,459 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Health Professions at St Cloud Technical and Community College

18

Southeast Community College Area came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Southeast Community College Area is a public institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 418 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Southeast Community College Area is $4,293 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Health Professions at Southeast Community College

19
Saint Louis Community College crest
Saint Louis Community College
Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, this fairly large public school awarded 433 degrees to qualified ’s health professions students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,179 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Saint Louis Community College.

Read full report on Health Professions at Saint Louis Community College

20

North Dakota State College of Science did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #20. North Dakota State College of Science is a small public school situated in Wahpeton, North Dakota. It awarded 148 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,812 for Plains States Region Health Professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend North Dakota State College of Science.

Read more about Health Professions at North Dakota State College of Science

21
Northeast crest
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, Nebraska

With a ranking of #21, Northeast Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Northeast Community College is located in Norfolk, Nebraska and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 188 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $6,320 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Northeast.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 5.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Health Professions at Northeast

22

Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution located in Sioux City, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 728 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,071 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Read full report on Health Professions at Western Iowa Tech Community College

23
Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, Missouri

Crowder College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Crowder College is located in Neosho, Missouri and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 183 ’s health professions degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Crowder College is $4,045 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Crowder College Health Professions Report

24

Minnesota State University - Mankato landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large school located in Mankato, Minnesota that handed out 540 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, Minnesota State Mankato is in the top on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our “Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Minnesota State University - Mankato is $11,692 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Health Professions at Minnesota State University - Mankato

25
Logan University crest
Logan University
Chesterfield, Missouri

Logan University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Chesterfield, Missouri, and it awarded 358 ’s health professions degrees in 2020-2021.

Logan University excels when it comes to health professions quality. It’s in the top [COLLEGE_QUALITY_PECTENTILE_ALL_LEVES]% of all schools in this category. It costs about $9,525 for plains states region health professions students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Logan University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Logan University Health Professions Report

Rest of the Best 30 in Best Value Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k

Not only did these schools make the top 30 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

26
Winona State crest
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
27
Southeastern Community College crest
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, Iowa
28
LATI crest
Lake Area Technical Institute
Watertown, South Dakota
29
UNI crest
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
30

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Health Sciences & Services
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Optometry
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Public Health
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Somatic Bodywork & Therapeutic Services
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Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants
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Chiropractic
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Dentistry
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Dental Support Services
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Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services
Best Value Colleges for Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science
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Medicine
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Mental & Social Health Services
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Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences
Best Value Colleges for Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions
Best Value Colleges for Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Dietetics & Clinical Nutrition Services
Best Value Colleges for Dietetics & Clinical Nutrition Services (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Alternative Medicine & Systems
Best Value Colleges for Alternative Medicine & Systems (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Nursing
Best Value Colleges for Nursing (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

Other Health Professions
Best Value Colleges for Other Health Professions (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

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