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Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

81 Schools Ranked
$5,434 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,521 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 81 schools in the Plains States Region to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
98 Total Awards
$4,924 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,198 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ozarks Technical Community College to be the most popular school for teaching students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Plains States Region . Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 98 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,924 in tuition and fees if they attend OTC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,028. Associate Degree recipients from OTC accumulate an average of $19,198 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at OTC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 43% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#2

Butler Community College

El Dorado, Kansas
68 Total Awards
$4,176 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,517 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 81 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Butler Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Butler CC is a medium-sized public school situated in El Dorado, Kansas. It awarded 68 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Kansas who attend Butler CC full time pay an average of $4,176 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,976. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,517 in student loans. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Butler CC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 35% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Butler Community College Report

#3

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska
66 Total Awards
$3,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,887 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Northeast Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in the Plains States Region . Located in Norfolk, Nebraska, the medium-sized public school handed out 66 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northeast is $3,750. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,010. On average, associate degree students take out $13,887 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Northeast, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 35% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northeast Community College Report

57 Total Awards
$16,587 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City is a great place for teaching students working on their associate degree. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 57 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $16,587 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

MCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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.

Read full report on Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City

#5

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, Missouri
49 Total Awards
$6,030 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,466 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Jefferson College is a great place for teaching students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Hillsboro, Missouri, and it awarded 49 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,030 in tuition and fees if they attend JeffCo full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,740. On average, associate degree students take out $15,466 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

JeffCo does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Jefferson College Report

#6

Mineral Area College

Park Hills, Missouri
48 Total Awards
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,081 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Mineral Area College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Park Hills, Missouri, and it awarded 48 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Missouri who attend MAC full time pay an average of $5,200 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,760. On average, associate degree students take out $15,081 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MAC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Mineral Area College Report

#7

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly, Missouri
46 Total Awards
$6,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,707 Avg Student Debt

Moberly Area Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Moberly, Missouri, the small public school awarded 46 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MACC is $6,150. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,860. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,707 in student loans. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at MACC. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Moberly Area Community College

#8

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
43 Total Awards
$4,680 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,832 Avg Student Debt

State Fair Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Sedalia, Missouri, the small public school handed out 43 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Missouri who attend State Fair Community College full time pay an average of $4,680 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,168. On average, associate degree students take out $17,832 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at State Fair Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 72% took at least some of their classes online.

Full State Fair Community College Report

#9

Three Rivers College

Poplar Bluff, Missouri
42 Total Awards
$6,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,201 Avg Student Debt

Three Rivers College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the small public school handed out 42 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $6,510 to cover tuition and fees at Three Rivers College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $17,201 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Three Rivers College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#10

Crowder College

Neosho, Missouri
36 Total Awards
$5,088 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,664 Avg Student Debt

Crowder College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Neosho, Missouri is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 36 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Crowder College is $5,088. 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 Crowder College accumulate an average of $12,664 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Crowder College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

Highland Community College

Highland, Kansas
33 Total Awards
$3,570 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,743 Avg Student Debt

Highland Community College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Highland Community College is a small public school located in Highland, Kansas that handed out 33 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $3,570 to cover tuition and fees at Highland Community College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $15,743 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Highland Community College 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 2019-2020 about 51% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Highland Community College

#12

Normandale Community College

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

Normandale Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Normandale Community College is located in Bloomington, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 32 associate degrees to qualified students.

Normandale Community College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,789. This amount may 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 $20,674 in student loans. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Normandale Community College. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Normandale Community College

#13

East Central College

Union, Missouri
29 Total Awards
$4,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,037 Avg Student Debt

East Central College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. East Central College is a public institution located in Union, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 29 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at East Central College is $4,392. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,168. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,037 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at East Central College. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on East Central College

#14

St Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri
28 Total Awards
$5,190 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,948 Avg Student Debt

St Charles Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Cottleville, Missouri, and it awarded 28 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $5,190 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,900. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,948 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

SCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on St Charles Community College

#14

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

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

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the small private for-profit school handed out 28 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

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. On average, associate degree students take out $27,551 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Rasmussen University - Minnesota does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

#16

Missouri State University - West Plains

West Plains, Missouri
26 Total Awards
$4,800 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,491 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - West Plains ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in West Plains, Missouri, the small public school awarded 26 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,800 in tuition and fees if they attend Missouri State West Plains full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,880. On average, associate degree students take out $16,491 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Missouri State West Plains. In fact, around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Western Nebraska Community College

Scottsbluff, Nebraska
21 Total Awards
$2,976 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, Western Nebraska Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 21 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Nebraska pay an average of $2,976 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend WNCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $3,072. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since WNCC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Western Nebraska Community College

#18

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
17 Total Awards
$6,052 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,969 Avg Student Debt

Northland Community and Technical College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 17 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Northland Community and Technical College is $6,052. 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 Northland Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $20,969 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Northland Community and Technical College. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Northland Community and Technical College Report

16 Total Awards
$5,906 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,611 Avg Student Debt

Minneapolis Community and Technical College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It awarded 16 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Minneapolis Community and Technical College is $5,906. 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 $26,611 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri
16 Total Awards
$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,303 Avg Student Debt

North Central Missouri College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. North Central Missouri College is a small public school located in Trenton, Missouri that handed out 16 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $5,910 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend NCMC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,020. On average, associate degree students take out $17,303 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NCMC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 65% took at least some of their classes online.

Full North Central Missouri College Report

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

With a ranking of #21, Alexandria Technical & Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. ATCC is located in Alexandria, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 15 associate degrees to qualified students.

ATCC does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,910. This amount may 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 $15,116 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Online courses are available at ATCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Alexandria Technical & Community College Report

#22

Inver Hills Community College

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

Inver Hills Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This small public school is located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and it awarded 14 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at IHCC is $5,809. 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 IHCC accumulate an average of $22,611 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Inver Hills Community College

#23

Itasca Community College

Grand Rapids, Minnesota
13 Total Awards
$5,788 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,457 Avg Student Debt

Itasca Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. Itasca Community College is a public institution located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 13 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Itasca Community College is $5,788. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,086. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,457 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Itasca Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 46% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

Barton County Community College

Great Bend, Kansas
13 Total Awards
$3,776 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,125 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Barton County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Barton County Community College is a small public school located in Great Bend, Kansas that handed out 13 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Barton Community College is $3,776. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,544. On average, associate degree students take out $16,125 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Online courses are available at Barton Community College, 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, 78% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Barton County Community College Report

#25

Dodge City Community College

Dodge City, Kansas
12 Total Awards
$4,470 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,121 Avg Student Debt

Dodge City Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list. This small public school is located in Dodge City, Kansas, and it awarded 12 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Kansas pay an average of $4,470 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Dodge City Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,830. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,121 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Dodge City Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

View Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

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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