College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best Grad Schools in the Plains States Region for Doctorate Degrees

61 Colleges
$75,829 Avg Salary

With all of the options you have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take when you want to pursue a grad degree. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our Best Doctor's Degree Colleges in the Plains States Region ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

Finding Your Best Grad School Match

After analyzing 61 grad schools in the Plains States Region , we came up with our list of those that offered the best doctorate degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best grad schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.

Early-Career Salaries Are Higher

One measure we use to determine the quality of a graduateschool is to look at the average salary of doctorate graduates during the early years of their career. While doctorate degree recipients from schools in the Plains States Region earn an average starting salary of $75,829, those from the top 20 school on this list made an average of $81,329.

Starting Salary  ( 59237 to 94676 )
$0
$117,060

Average Student Debt

Another factor that we look at to determine a school's ranking is the average debt load that graduate students take on while they are working on their doctorate degree. We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty doctorate recipients will have paying back their loans.

Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology

In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Doctorate Degree Schools ranking. Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.

Find out more about our graduate school ranking methodology

Customizing Your List of Rankings

Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
Master's Degrees Ranking Other Graduate Rankings
Are you more interested in the top doctorate degree schools in your area? Try narrowing this list by location. Also, you may want to check out our other college rankings.

Still not sure what graduate degree you wish to pursue? You may want to visit our Best Master's Degree Schools ranking.

Top Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

Learn more about these excellent grad schools below:

1
742 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$72,507 Average Early-Career Earnings

Washington University in St Louis tops this year’s ranking as the best grad school for doctorate degrees in the Plains States Region for overall quality. WUSTL is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 742 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $72,507 during the early years of their career.

Full Washington University in St Louis Report

2
496 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$77,573 Average Early-Career Earnings

Out of the 61 doctorate degree schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Iowa State University landed the #2 spot on the list. Located in Ames, Iowa, the large public school handed out 496 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $77,573 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Iowa State University

3
1,773 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$78,092 Average Early-Career Earnings

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. The school came in at #3 in the Plains States Region on this year’s best doctorate degree schools ranking. UMN Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,773 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from UMN Twin Cities make an average of $78,092 a year.

Learn More About University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

4
Mount Marty crest
Mount Marty University
Yankton, South Dakota
33 Doctorate Degrees Awarded

Out of the 61 doctorate degree schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Mount Marty University landed the #4 spot on the list. Yankton, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate degrees to 33 students in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Mount Marty University

5
118 Doctorate Degrees Awarded

Out of the 61 doctorate degree schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Missouri University of Science and Technology landed the #5 spot on the list. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a medium-sized public school situated in Rolla, Missouri. It awarded 118 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Learn More About Missouri University of Science and Technology

6
Creighton crest
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
858 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$84,902 Average Early-Career Earnings

Creighton University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #6. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and it awarded 858 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Creighton is $84,902 during the early years of their career.

Full Creighton University Report

7
208 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$72,484 Average Early-Career Earnings

The College of Saint Scholastica ranked #7 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 208 diplomas to qualifed doctorate degree students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from St. Scholastica make an average of $72,484 per year during the early years of their career.

Read full report on The College of Saint Scholastica

8
201 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$87,031 Average Early-Career Earnings

With a ranking of #8, Maryville University of Saint Louis did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 201 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from Maryville U make an average of $87,031 per year during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Maryville University of Saint Louis

9
30 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$104,299 Average Early-Career Earnings

National American University - Rapid City landed the #9 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. National American University - Rapid City is a small private for-profit school situated in Rapid City, South Dakota. It awarded 30 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from National American University - Rapid City go into careers with an average salary of $104,299 during the early years of their career.

Full National American University - Rapid City Report

10
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1,437 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$77,333 Average Early-Career Earnings

With a ranking of #10, Capella University did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school awarded 1,437 diplomas to qualifed doctorate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Capella University is $77,333 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Capella University

11
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
874 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$76,581 Average Early-Career Earnings

With a ranking of #11, University of Iowa did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the large public school handed out 874 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Iowa is $76,581 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Iowa

12
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
916 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$73,258 Average Early-Career Earnings

University of Kansas did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #12. KU is located in Lawrence, Kansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 916 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $73,258 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Kansas Report

13
76 Doctorate Degrees Awarded

Saint Ambrose University landed the #13 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. St. Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Davenport, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 76 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Saint Ambrose University

14
UMary crest
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
129 Doctorate Degrees Awarded

University of Mary came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 129 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full University of Mary Report

15
South Dakota State crest
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
136 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$110,688 Average Early-Career Earnings

With a ranking of #15, South Dakota State University did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Brookings, South Dakota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate degrees to 136 students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $110,688 during the early years of their career.

Full South Dakota State University Report

16
Winona State crest
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
29 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$103,580 Average Early-Career Earnings

Winona State University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Winona State University is a medium-sized public school located in Winona, Minnesota that handed out 29 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Winona State go into careers with an average salary of $103,580 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Winona State University

17
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri
47 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$65,843 Average Early-Career Earnings

Rockhurst University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Kansas City, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate degrees to 47 students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Rockhurst go into careers with an average salary of $65,843 during the early years of their career.

Full Rockhurst University Report

18
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
571 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$64,621 Average Early-Career Earnings

Saint Louis University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. SLU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 571 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from SLU make an average of $64,621 per year during the early years of their career.

Full Saint Louis University Report

19
K -State crest
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
339 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$72,427 Average Early-Career Earnings

Kansas State University landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. K -State is a public institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 339 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from K -State is $72,427 during the early years of their career.

Full Kansas State University Report

20
Dakota State crest
Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
14 Doctorate Degrees Awarded

Dakota State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #20. Dakota State is a public institution located in Madison, South Dakota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 14 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Dakota State University

21
403 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$56,792 Average Early-Career Earnings

University of Nebraska - Lincoln ranked #21 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the large public school handed out 403 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from UNL go into careers with an average salary of $56,792 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About University of Nebraska - Lincoln

22
792 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$65,192 Average Early-Career Earnings

University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #22 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This large public school is located in Columbia, Missouri, and it awarded 792 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $65,192 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

23
UND crest
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
181 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$60,715 Average Early-Career Earnings

University of North Dakota came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. University of North Dakota is a fairly large public school located in Grand Forks, North Dakota that handed out 181 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from UND make an average of $60,715 a year.

Learn More About University of North Dakota

24
211 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$105,603 Average Early-Career Earnings

North Dakota State University - Main Campus did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking, coming in at #24. North Dakota State University - Main Campus is a fairly large public school located in Fargo, North Dakota that handed out 211 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from North Dakota State University make an average of $105,603 per year during the early years of their career.

Learn More About North Dakota State University - Main Campus

25
149 Doctorate Degrees Awarded
$117,060 Average Early-Career Earnings

Missouri State University - Springfield ranked #25 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate degrees to 149 students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Missouri State go into careers with an average salary of $117,060 during the early years of their career.

Full Missouri State University - Springfield Report

Narrow Doctorate Degree Schools by State

View Best Doctorate Degree Schools Nationwide >

More Rankings >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options