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Most Popular Online Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

108 Schools Ranked
$12,868 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$29,622 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Online Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 108 schools in the Plains States Region to see which online bachelor's degree programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
5,286 Total Awards
$36,933 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Capella University the most popular school in the Plains States Region for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school handed out 5,286 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $36,933 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Capella University is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Capella University

3,223 Total Awards
$5,430 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,547 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fort Hays State University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Fort Hays State University is a fairly large public school located in Hays, Kansas that handed out 3,223 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $5,430 in tuition and fees if they attend FHSU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,870. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from FHSU accumulate an average of $28,547 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 48% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Fort Hays State University

#3

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
2,348 Total Awards
$8,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,741 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Bellevue University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,348 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,310 to cover tuition and fees at Bellevue University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bellevue University accumulate an average of $29,741 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Bellevue University Report

#4

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
5,114 Total Awards
$11,475 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,927 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Missouri - Columbia. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. University of Missouri - Columbia is a large public school located in Columbia, Missouri that handed out 5,114 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mizzou is $11,475. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $30,450. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,927 in student loans. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#6

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
1,708 Total Awards
$8,853 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,592 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Park University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Parkville, Missouri, and it awarded 1,708 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,853 to cover tuition and fees at Park University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Park University accumulate an average of $26,592 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Park University

#7

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
1,840 Total Awards
$32,519 Avg Student Debt

Columbia College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,840 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,519 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 78% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#8

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
4,600 Total Awards
$11,166 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,985 Avg Student Debt

University of Kansas came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. KU is located in Lawrence, Kansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,600 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Kansas pay an average of $11,166 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend KU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,034. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from KU accumulate an average of $23,985 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 98% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Kansas Report

#9

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
1,084 Total Awards
$33,609 Average Tuition & Fees
$34,703 Avg Student Debt

Upper Iowa University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Upper Iowa University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Fayette, Iowa that handed out 1,084 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UIU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $33,609. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UIU accumulate an average of $34,703 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Upper Iowa University Report

#10

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
1,889 Total Awards
$27,834 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large public school handed out 1,889 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,834 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 60% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
3,967 Total Awards
$10,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

Kansas State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #11 on the list. K -State is located in Manhattan, Kansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,967 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Kansas who attend K -State full time pay an average of $10,420 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $26,491. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,965 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 70% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Kansas State University Report

#12

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
1,830 Total Awards
$8,715 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,121 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Southeast Missouri State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It awarded 1,830 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southeast Missouri State University is $8,715. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,285. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,121 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Southeast Missouri State University Report

#13

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota
1,012 Total Awards
$9,806 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,810 Avg Student Debt

Bemidji State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,012 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Bemidji State University, expect to pay an average of $9,806 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,810 in student loans. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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…

#14

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
662 Total Awards
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$33,932 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Grantham University is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Lenexa, Kansas. It awarded 662 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Grantham University is $8,280. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Grantham University accumulate an average of $33,932 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, Grantham University is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Grantham University Report

670 Total Awards
$6,720 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,044 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fayette, Missouri, and it awarded 670 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at CMU CGES is $6,720. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,044 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Report

#16

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,934 Total Awards
$9,394 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,492 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Metro State is a public institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,934 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Metro State is $9,394. 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 bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,492 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
2,550 Total Awards
$8,800 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,973 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the fairly large public school awarded 2,550 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Kansas who attend WSU full time pay an average of $8,800 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,165. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,973 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#18

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
1,725 Total Awards
$9,078 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,019 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Missouri did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 1,725 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UCM is $9,078. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,815. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UCM accumulate an average of $25,019 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
886 Total Awards
$27,166 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Maryville University of Saint Louis did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 886 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Maryville U does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $27,166. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Maryville U accumulate an average of $25,584 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 76% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Maryville University of Saint Louis Report

#20

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
914 Total Awards
$8,872 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,819 Avg Student Debt

Washburn University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Washburn University is located in Topeka, Kansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 914 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Kansas who attend Washburn University full time pay an average of $8,872 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,876. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,819 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Washburn University

#21

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
540 Total Awards
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,917 Avg Student Debt

Waldorf University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Forest City, Iowa, the small private for-profit school handed out 540 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

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. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,917 in student loans. Around 39% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Waldorf University

#22

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
364 Total Awards
$9,633 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,863 Avg Student Debt

Dakota State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Madison, South Dakota, the small public school awarded 364 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from South Dakota pay an average of $9,633 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Dakota State. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,735. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,863 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Southwestern College

Winfield, Kansas
428 Total Awards
$34,900 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,267 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Southwestern College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Winfield, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 428 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at SC is $34,900. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,267 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 30% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 51% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#24

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri
1,200 Total Awards
$8,852 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,189 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Missouri State University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Northwest is a medium-sized public school situated in Maryville, Missouri. It awarded 1,200 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $8,852 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northwest. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,919. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Northwest accumulate an average of $23,189 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 46% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northwest Missouri State University Report

#25

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, Minnesota
459 Total Awards
$9,482 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,598 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Southwest Minnesota State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Marshall, Minnesota, and it awarded 459 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Southwest Minnesota State University, expect to pay an average of $9,482 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,598 in student loans. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 20% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Southwest Minnesota State University

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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