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Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

126 Schools Ranked
$11,914 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,521 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 126 schools in the Plains States Region to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
$5,515 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,645 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Anoka-Ramsey Community College to be the best school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Plains States Region .

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,515 to cover tuition and fees at Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $23,645 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#2

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, North Dakota
$4,926 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,120 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Bismarck State College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Plains States Region .

Full-time students from North Dakota pay an average of $4,926 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BSC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,930. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,120 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that BSC does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#3

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,165 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Waldorf University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average tuition and fees at Waldorf is $23,666. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $22,165 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Waldorf. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#4

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$16,164 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,083 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Ranken Technical College is a great place for students working on their associate degree.

The average tuition and fees at Ranken Technical College is $16,164. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Ranken Technical College accumulate an average of $15,083 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Ranken Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 66% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Ranken Technical College Report

#5

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
$29,271 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 126 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Columbia College landed the # 5 spot on the list.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,271 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Columbia College Missouri does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 78% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#6

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
$2,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,979 Avg Student Debt

Johnson County Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Students from Kansas who attend JCCC full time pay an average of $2,688 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,352. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,979 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since JCCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Johnson County Community College Report

#7

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
$40,480 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Rockhurst University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Rockhurst does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $40,480. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Rockhurst does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 75% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Rockhurst University Report

#8

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
$5,789 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,674 Avg Student Debt

Normandale Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

The average tuition and fees at Normandale Community College is $5,789. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,674 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Normandale Community College. In 2019-2020 about 92% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Normandale Community College

#9

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
$8,853 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,208 Avg Student Debt

Park University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list.

If you want to attend Park University, expect to pay an average of $8,853 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,208 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Park University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Park University Report

#10

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,551 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Rasmussen University - Minnesota did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

If you want to attend Rasmussen University - Minnesota, expect to pay an average of $13,558 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Minnesota accumulate an average of $27,551 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Rasmussen University - Minnesota Report

#11

Crown College

Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
$28,110 Average Tuition & Fees

Crown College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $28,110 to cover tuition and fees at Crown. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Crown. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, Minnesota
$23,863 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,479 Avg Student Debt

Dunwoody College of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list.

If you want to attend Dunwoody College of Technology, expect to pay an average of $23,863 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Dunwoody College of Technology accumulate an average of $20,479 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Dunwoody College of Technology. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 92% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Dunwoody College of Technology Report

#13

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
$5,874 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,104 Avg Student Debt

St Cloud Technical and Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list.

St Cloud Technical and Community College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,874. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from St Cloud Technical and Community College accumulate an average of $20,104 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

St Cloud Technical and Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
$9,299 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,354 Avg Student Debt

South Dakota State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $9,299 in tuition and fees if they attend South Dakota State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,809. On average, associate degree students take out $17,354 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at South Dakota State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 81% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full South Dakota State University Report

#15

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,724 Avg Student Debt

Lake Area Technical Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at LATI is $6,718. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from LATI accumulate an average of $16,724 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at LATI. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,116 Avg Student Debt

Alexandria Technical & Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

The average tuition and fees at ATCC is $5,910. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from ATCC accumulate an average of $15,116 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that ATCC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Alexandria Technical & Community College Report

#17

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
$35,532 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,223 Avg Student Debt

St Catherine University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you want to attend St. Kate’s, expect to pay an average of $35,532 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $36,223 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at St. Kate’s. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full St Catherine University Report

$5,372 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,180 Avg Student Debt

Rochester Community and Technical College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

Rochester Community and Technical College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,372. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Rochester Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $22,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Rochester Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Rochester Community and Technical College

$6,540 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,567 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Iowa Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

In-state students pay an average of $6,540 in tuition and fees if they attend Northwest Iowa Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,840. On average, associate degree students take out $16,567 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Northwest Iowa Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#20

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,480 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Technical College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $7,650 to cover tuition and fees at Southeast Tech. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,480 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southeast Tech. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southeast Technical College

#21

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
$4,882 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,520 Avg Student Debt

North Hennepin Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average tuition and fees at North Hennepin Community College is $4,882. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,520 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that North Hennepin Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#22

Metropolitan Community College

Omaha, Nebraska
$3,195 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,886 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Full-time students from Nebraska pay an average of $3,195 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,680. Associate Degree recipients from MCC accumulate an average of $13,886 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Metropolitan Community College Report

#23

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
$9,633 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,139 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Dakota State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their associate degree.

Full-time students from South Dakota pay an average of $9,633 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Dakota State. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,735. Associate Degree recipients from Dakota State accumulate an average of $27,139 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Dakota State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Dakota State University Report

#24

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
$5,907 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,559 Avg Student Debt

Century College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,907 to cover tuition and fees at Century College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,559 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Century College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Century College

#25

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
$5,809 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,611 Avg Student Debt

Inver Hills Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree programs.

If you want to attend IHCC, expect to pay an average of $5,809 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,611 in student loans.

Online courses are available at IHCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Inver Hills Community College

View Best Associate Degree Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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