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2025 Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region

199 Colleges in the Plains States Region
82,181 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$57,704 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in health professions, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #2 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 199 schools in the Plains States Region to determine which ones were the best for health professions students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 82,181 degrees in health professions to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Health Professions School

Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region The health professions program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Health Professions rankings. We derive our Best Overall Health Professions School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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.

Health Professions Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Health Professions
Bachelor's Degrees in Health Professions
Master's Degrees in Health Professions
Doctor's Degrees in Health Professions

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Health Professions 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 health professions 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 Health Professions

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
464 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
8.8% Growth in Graduates

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in health professions. 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 about 464.00000000000006 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine get an earnings boost of approximately $28,474 above the average earnings of health professions majors.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,237 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
6.3% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Creighton University if you wish to pursue a degree in health professions. Located in the large city of Omaha, Creighton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #128 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Creighton is a great university overall.

There were about 1237 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from Creighton University receive $31,066 more than the typical health professions grad.

More information about a degree in health professions from Creighton University

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Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Healthcare Administration Program Name

Become a leader in healthcare by earning an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,421 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in health professions needs to look into Rasmussen University - Minnesota. Located in the small 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 schools nationwide means Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1421 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the health professions program report average early career earnings of $52,470.

More information about a degree in health professions from Rasmussen University - Minnesota

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,632 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$80,484 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Minnesota - Twin Cities if you want to pursue a degree in health professions. UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #45 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 1632 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities receive $22,780 more than the typical health professions graduate.

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

5
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,281 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

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 1281 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from University of Iowa receive $25,039 more than the average health professions graduate.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Iowa

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
402 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$66,925 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 402 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Goldfarb School of Nursing in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College earn $9,221 more than the standard health professions grad.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,198 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 1198 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center earn $26,324 more than the average health professions graduate.

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

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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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,653 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$100,372 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 approximately 1653 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from Maryville University of Saint Louis make $42,668 more than the typical health professions grad.

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

9
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,161 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$70,430 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large 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 about 1161 health professions students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions major at Saint Louis University earn $12,726 above the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Saint Louis University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
465 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
11.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the distant 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 about 465 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Winona State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health professions program at Winona State University earn $22,185 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Winona State University

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
403 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
17.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 403 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Clarkson College in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Clarkson College get an earnings boost of about $30,263 over the typical earnings of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Clarkson College

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Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Public Health Program Name

Make a meaningful impact and improve quality of life with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,539 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #131 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were about 1539 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from University of Missouri - Columbia get an earnings boost of around $3,495 over the average earnings of health professions graduates.

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

13
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,202 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
0.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 1202 health professions students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions program at University of Kansas make $22,420 above the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of Kansas

14
Allen College crest
Allen College
Waterloo, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
253 Health Professions 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 253.00000000000003 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Allen College in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from Allen College receive an earnings boost of about $20,655 above the typical income of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from Allen College

15
St. Kate's crest
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
842 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$68,669 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 842 health professions students who graduated with this degree at St. Kate's in the most recent year we have data available. Those health professions students who get their degree from St Catherine University make $10,965 more than the standard health professions graduate.

More information about a degree in health professions from St Catherine University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Health Sciences Program Name

Take your associate degree in an allied health field to the next level with this specialized transfer friendly online bachelor of science from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Health Sciences from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
195 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$52,470 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 195 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Rasmussen University - North Dakota in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the health professions program report average early career income of $52,470.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
89 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
5.6% 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 schools nationwide means Mount Marty is a great university overall.

There were approximately 89 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Mount Marty in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health professions program at Mount Marty University earn $86,510 more than the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health professions from Mount Marty University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of St. Louis Park, Herzing University - Minneapolis is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 227 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Herzing University - Minneapolis in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the health professions program earn an average of $45,648 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in health professions from Herzing University - Minneapolis

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
643 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
11.7% 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 643 health professions students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota State in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from South Dakota State University receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,037 above the average income of health professions graduates.

More information about a degree in health professions from South Dakota State University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Healthcare Management Program Name

Fit your healthcare career goals into your personal life when you earn a healthcare management master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Healthcare Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
761 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
23.5% Growth in Graduates

UND is a large public university located in the city of Grand Forks. This university ranks 3rd out of 12 schools for overall quality in the state of North Dakota.

There were approximately 761 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent year we have data available. Health Professions degree recipients from University of North Dakota get an earnings boost of about $31,864 over the average earnings of health professions majors.

More information about a degree in health professions from University of North Dakota

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
698 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$74,299 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 698 health professions students who graduated with this degree at St. Scholastica in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health professions program at The College of Saint Scholastica earn $16,595 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
423 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
19.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 423 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Nebraska Methodist College in the most recent data year. Those health professions students who get their degree from Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health earn $12,894 more than the average health professions student.

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

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
58 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$46,493 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Rapid City, National American University - Rapid City is a private for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 5th out of 13 schools for overall quality in the state of South Dakota.

Students who graduate with their degree from the health professions program report average early career income of $46,493.

More information about a degree in health professions from National American University - Rapid City

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Healthcare Administration Program Name

You've set your sights on a leadership role in the healthcare field. Southern New Hampshire University's master's in healthcare administration online is specifically geared to professionals like you, and we're ready to partner with you to reach your career goals.

More information about a degree in MS in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
622 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
13.2% Growth in Graduates

Minnesota State Mankato is a 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 622 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from Minnesota State University - Mankato receive an earnings boost of about $11,941 over the typical earnings of health professions majors.

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

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
792 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$89,716 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 792 health professions students who graduated with this degree at UMKC in the most recent data year. Health Professions degree recipients from University of Missouri - Kansas City earn a boost of around $32,012 above the typical earnings of health professions majors.

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

Rest of the Top Best Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region

26
27
28
29
30
31
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
32

33
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

34
35
36
37
38
39
CSB crest
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, 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 Health Professions Schools in the Plains States Region award.

Rank College Location
40 Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN
41 Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA
42 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
43 Neosho County Community College Chanute, KS
44 Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN
45 Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines, IA
46 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
47 Bryan College of Health Sciences Lincoln, NE
48 Research College of Nursing Kansas City, MO
49 Bellevue University Bellevue, NE
50 MidAmerica Nazarene University Olathe, KS
51 Hutchinson Community College Hutchinson, KS
52 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Winona, MN
53 Northwest Technical College Bemidji, MN
54 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
55 North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, ND
56 William Jewell College Liberty, MO
57 St Cloud Technical and Community College Saint Cloud, MN
58 Ridgewater College Willmar, MN
59 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
60 Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA
61 Chamberlain University - Missouri St. Louis, MO
62 Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE
63 University of Minnesota - Crookston Crookston, MN
64 Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE
65 Lake Superior College Duluth, MN
66 North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MN

Best Health Professions Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Kansas 38 5,776
Minnesota 38 24,554
Iowa 38 6,601
South Dakota 38 2,157
Missouri 38 15,328
Nebraska 36 4,554
North Dakota 35 2,077

View All Rankings >

Health Professions Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Nursing 32,176
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

View All Health Professions Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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