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2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region

247 Schools Ranked
$43,395 Average Earnings
$25,414 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 Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 247 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones were the most popular programs 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:

#2

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
1,463 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 247 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Capella University landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school handed out 1,463 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,349 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Capella University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,758 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

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#3

Concordia University, Nebraska

Seward, Nebraska
1,009 Total Awards
$45,364 Average Earnings
$24,880 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Concordia University, Nebraska. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Seward, Nebraska, and it awarded 1,009 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,880 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Concordia University, Nebraska graduates make an average of $45,364 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Concordia University, Nebraska

#4

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
975 Total Awards
$50,445 Average Earnings
$21,399 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 247 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities landed the # 4 spot on the list. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large public school handed out 975 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,399 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $257 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMN Twin Cities, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,445 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Report

915 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$28,036 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 247 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Fort Hays State University landed the # 5 spot on the list. FHSU is located in Hays, Kansas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 915 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $28,036 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $165. Once they receive their degree, FHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,454 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Fort Hays State University Report

#6

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri
850 Total Awards
$37,439 Average Earnings
$23,189 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Missouri State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in Maryville, Missouri, the medium-sized public school awarded 850 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,189 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $200. During the early years of their career, Northwest graduates make an average of $37,439 annually. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
849 Total Awards
$45,255 Average Earnings
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

Kansas State University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region list. K -State is a public institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 849 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,965 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $273, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from K -State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,255 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

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796 Total Awards
$40,472 Average Earnings
$25,043 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - Springfield landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Missouri State is a public institution located in Springfield, Missouri. The school has a large population, and it awarded 796 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Missouri State accumulate an average of $25,043 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $168.After graduating from Missouri State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,472 during the early years of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas
752 Total Awards
$40,991 Average Earnings
$22,476 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Emporia State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. ESU is a medium-sized public school situated in Emporia, Kansas. It awarded 752 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from ESU accumulate an average of $22,476 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $162. Once they receive their degree, ESU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,991 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

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#10

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
714 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Columbia came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Mizzou is a public institution located in Columbia, Missouri. The school has a large population, and it awarded 714 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,797 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $398 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mizzou graduates make an average of $46,901 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

#11

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
674 Total Awards
$40,810 Average Earnings
$22,939 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Iowa landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and it awarded 674 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,939 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $172, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,810 during the early year of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

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635 Total Awards
$46,060 Average Earnings
$24,437 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Mankato came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Minnesota State University - Mankato is a fairly large public school located in Mankato, Minnesota that handed out 635 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,437 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $133. During the early years of their career, Minnesota State Mankato graduates make an average of $46,060 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Read full report on Minnesota State University - Mankato

618 Total Awards
$56,065 Average Earnings
$29,703 Avg Student Debt

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in Winona, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 618 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SMU MN accumulate an average of $29,703 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, SMU MN graduates make an average of $56,065 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Read full report on Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

#14

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
591 Total Awards
$41,823 Average Earnings
$25,019 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Missouri did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #14 on the list. Warrensburg, Missouri is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 591 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,019 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UCM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,823 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

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#15

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
549 Total Awards
$45,753 Average Earnings
$27,595 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. UMSL is a fairly large public school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 549 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMSL accumulate an average of $27,595 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $120, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMSL graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,753 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Report

#16

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska
547 Total Awards
$44,380 Average Earnings
$21,763 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska - Lincoln landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. UNL is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 547 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,763 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $298.After graduating from UNL, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,380 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
528 Total Awards
$50,693 Average Earnings
$23,985 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, University of Kansas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the large public school awarded 528 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,985 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $365 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, KU graduates make an average of $50,693 annually. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Kansas

#18

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
491 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$24,914 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #18 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and it awarded 491 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,914 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $144, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Southeast Missouri State University graduates make an average of $35,626 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southeast Missouri State University Report

#19

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
489 Total Awards
$45,743 Average Earnings
$26,875 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region list. Wichita State University is a fairly large public school located in Wichita, Kansas that handed out 489 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WSU accumulate an average of $26,875 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $142.After graduating from WSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,743 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

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487 Total Awards
$43,015 Average Earnings
$22,890 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska at Omaha landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Omaha, Nebraska is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 487 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNOMAHA accumulate an average of $22,890 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $158 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNOMAHA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,015 during the early years of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri
476 Total Awards
$41,243 Average Earnings
$30,304 Avg Student Debt

Lindenwood University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region list. Lindenwood University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Charles, Missouri. It awarded 476 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,304 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $202. During the early years of their career, Lindenwood University graduates make an average of $41,243 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Lindenwood University Report

#22

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota
449 Total Awards
$51,318 Average Earnings
$30,777 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Saint Paul landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 449 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Concordia University, Saint Paul accumulate an average of $30,777 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Saint Paul graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,318 during the early year of their career. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, Nebraska
448 Total Awards
$39,814 Average Earnings
$22,258 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska at Kearney came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Kearney, Nebraska, and it awarded 448 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,258 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $153. Once they receive their degree, UNK graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,814 during the early year of their career. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Nebraska at Kearney

#24

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
447 Total Awards
$48,142 Average Earnings
$23,598 Avg Student Debt

Iowa State University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This large public school is located in Ames, Iowa, and it awarded 447 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,598 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $257, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Iowa State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,142 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Iowa State University Report

#25

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
431 Total Awards
$41,688 Average Earnings
$21,816 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Pittsburg State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 431 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Pitt State accumulate an average of $21,816 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Pitt State graduates make an average of $41,688 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

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Not only did these schools make the top 38 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#27

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
#28

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
#29

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
#30

William Woods University

Fulton, Missouri
#31

Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#32

Wayne State College

Wayne, Nebraska
#33

Morningside College

Sioux City, Iowa
#34

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota
#35

Doane University

Crete, Nebraska
#36

Valley City State University

Valley City, North Dakota
#37

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa
#38

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska

View Most Popular Teaching Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
39 Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MN
40 Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, MO
41 Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA
42 University of St Thomas Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
43 Bethel University Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
44 The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN
45 Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Fayette, MO
46 University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MO
47 North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND
48 Webster University Saint Louis, MO
49 University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD
50 Baker University Baldwin City, KS

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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