Plains Colleges: Costs & Outcomes (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

Colleges in the Plains region: median public in-state tuition $10,428 (+89.2% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $53,388 (-1.8% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 92.9% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $15,000 (+13.0% vs U.S.) 863,658 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 497 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 863,658 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $10,428 (+89.2% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $53,388 (-1.8% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 92.9% (+4.9 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $16,635 (+66.9% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $15,000 (+13.0% vs U.S. $13,271); regional median $15,000. Debt rank: #3 nationally of 5 (lower debt = better rank)
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 53.2%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 74.5%
  • Student debt rank: #3 nationally of 5 (lower debt = better rank)

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Overview

Higher education across the Plains Census region spans public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. About 863,658 students enrolled at reporting campuses, with median public in-state tuition near $10,428. This regional profile aggregates College Scorecard outcomes—costs, debt, completion, earnings, and top institutions—against national benchmarks.

Plains vs national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
Plains (region)$10,428$16,635$15,00053.2%863,658
United States$5,512$9,969$13,27150.3%14,468,221

Earnings & employment outcomes: Plains vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
Plains$53,38892.9%74.5%4.5%—78.6%0.42
United States$54,38488.0%76.4%5.0%—73.7%0.41

States in Plains

Member states in this Census region (by enrollment).

Peer comparison table
State In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
Plains$10,428$16,635$15,00053.2%863,658$53,38892.9%
Minnesota$6,249$13,322$14,75058.0%228,926$58,68093.4%
Missouri$7,584$12,954$16,75053.0%208,336$48,99191.3%
Iowa$6,525$11,272$14,74563.0%134,174$55,28694.0%
Kansas$4,260$9,905$10,50047.0%130,768$52,64491.8%
Nebraska$5,400$11,632$19,50052.0%89,523$54,12493.8%
North Dakota$6,051$11,358$18,44243.0%36,454$54,67393.6%
South Dakota$8,294$15,911$23,25043.0%35,477$51,92694.5%
United States$5,512$9,969$13,27150.3%14,468,221$54,38488.0%

Outcomes by sector in Plains

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private for-profit4$42,50080.3%37.5%8.1%—54.3%
Private nonprofit119$54,18892.8%73.6%4.0%—77.9%
Public54$52,32693.2%76.8%5.1%—80.5%

Top 10 colleges in Plains by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 94.3%, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 89.6%, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 88.1%, Grinnell College

    Grinnell College

    Private nonprofit · 1,729 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 87.1%, Macalester College

    Macalester College

    Private nonprofit · 2,131 enrolled · Saint Paul

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 85.3%, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 84.0%, St Olaf College

    St Olaf College

    Private nonprofit · 3,093 enrolled · Northfield

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 83.4%, Creighton University

    Creighton University

    Private nonprofit · 4,348 enrolled · Omaha

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 79.5%, Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis University

    Private nonprofit · 7,267 enrolled · Saint Louis

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 77.1%, College of Saint Benedict

    College of Saint Benedict

    Private nonprofit · 1,370 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Graduation Rate, 76.6%, Gustavus Adolphus College

    Gustavus Adolphus College

    Private nonprofit · 1,878 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Plains by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 97.2%, Saint Johns University

    Saint Johns University

    Private nonprofit · 1,395 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 96.8%, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Public · 938 enrolled · Omaha

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 96.6%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 96.6%, College of Saint Benedict

    College of Saint Benedict

    Private nonprofit · 1,370 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 96.5%, Clarkson College

    Clarkson College

    Private nonprofit · 622 enrolled · Omaha

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 96.5%, Wartburg College

    Wartburg College

    Private nonprofit · 1,452 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 96.3%, Winona State University

    Winona State University

    Public · 5,144 enrolled · Winona

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 96.0%, Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 553 enrolled · Lincoln

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 96.0%, Bethel College-North Newton

    Bethel College-North Newton

    Private nonprofit · 504 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 95.9%, University of Minnesota-Duluth

    University of Minnesota-Duluth

    Public · 7,336 enrolled · Duluth

Top 10 most selective colleges in Plains (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 12.0%, College of the Ozarks

    College of the Ozarks

    Private nonprofit · 1,444 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 12.1%, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 14.5%, Grinnell College

    Grinnell College

    Private nonprofit · 1,729 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 20.4%, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 22.8%, Crown College

    Crown College

    Private nonprofit · 796 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 28.5%, Macalester College

    Macalester College

    Private nonprofit · 2,131 enrolled · Saint Paul

  7. Rank 7, Admission Rate, 37.0%, Dickinson State University

    Dickinson State University

    Public · 1,090 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Admission Rate, 38.4%, William Jewell College

    William Jewell College

    Private nonprofit · 924 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Admission Rate, 39.0%, Bethany Lutheran College

    Bethany Lutheran College

    Private nonprofit · 669 enrolled · Mankato

  10. Rank 10, Admission Rate, 42.6%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Plains by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $110,302, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $97,731, Waldorf University

    Waldorf University

    Private nonprofit · 1,827 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $90,514, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $88,877, Walden University

    Walden University

    Private for-profit · 9,136 enrolled · Minneapolis

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $88,132, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $86,085, Capella University

    Capella University

    Private for-profit · 18,364 enrolled · Minneapolis

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $85,964, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Public · 938 enrolled · Omaha

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $85,830, Bemidji State University

    Bemidji State University

    Public · 3,139 enrolled · Bemidji

  9. Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $85,672, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  10. Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $85,400, University of Missouri-Columbia

    University of Missouri-Columbia

    Public · 23,929 enrolled · Columbia

Top 10 colleges in Plains by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $185,551, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $125,384, University of Kansas

    University of Kansas

    Public · 21,217 enrolled · Lawrence

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $125,175, North Dakota State University-Main Campus

    North Dakota State University-Main Campus

    Public · 9,471 enrolled · Fargo

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $123,676, University of Iowa

    University of Iowa

    Public · 22,264 enrolled · Iowa City

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $122,912, St Olaf College

    St Olaf College

    Private nonprofit · 3,093 enrolled · Northfield

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $122,169, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $119,781, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  8. Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $116,221, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Public · 19,178 enrolled · Lincoln

  9. Rank 9, Early-Career Earnings, $114,504, University of Nebraska at Omaha

    University of Nebraska at Omaha

    Public · 11,488 enrolled · Omaha

  10. Rank 10, Early-Career Earnings, $112,696, University of Missouri-Columbia

    University of Missouri-Columbia

    Public · 23,929 enrolled · Columbia

Top 10 colleges in Plains by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $78,073, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $70,417, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Public · 938 enrolled · Omaha

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $69,295, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Public · 5,521 enrolled · Rolla

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $66,305, Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 553 enrolled · Lincoln

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $63,090, Creighton University

    Creighton University

    Private nonprofit · 4,348 enrolled · Omaha

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $62,863, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $62,412, University of St Thomas

    University of St Thomas

    Private nonprofit · 6,245 enrolled · Saint Paul

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $62,339, Clarkson College

    Clarkson College

    Private nonprofit · 622 enrolled · Omaha

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $62,332, The College of Saint Scholastica

    The College of Saint Scholastica

    Private nonprofit · 1,765 enrolled · Duluth

  10. Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $61,371, Rockhurst University

    Rockhurst University

    Private nonprofit · 1,580 enrolled · Kansas City

Top 10 colleges in Plains by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $81,347, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $75,241, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Public · 5,521 enrolled · Rolla

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $72,465, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Public · 938 enrolled · Omaha

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $70,906, University of St Thomas

    University of St Thomas

    Private nonprofit · 6,245 enrolled · Saint Paul

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $70,720, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $69,364, Creighton University

    Creighton University

    Private nonprofit · 4,348 enrolled · Omaha

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $68,170, Saint Johns University

    Saint Johns University

    Private nonprofit · 1,395 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $68,149, Drake University

    Drake University

    Private nonprofit · 2,543 enrolled · Des Moines

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $66,316, Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis University

    Private nonprofit · 7,267 enrolled · Saint Louis

  10. Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $66,297, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

Top 10 colleges in Plains by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $86,182, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $82,957, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Public · 5,521 enrolled · Rolla

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $76,833, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Public · 938 enrolled · Omaha

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $76,786, Saint Johns University

    Saint Johns University

    Private nonprofit · 1,395 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $75,525, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $73,911, Creighton University

    Creighton University

    Private nonprofit · 4,348 enrolled · Omaha

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $73,739, University of St Thomas

    University of St Thomas

    Private nonprofit · 6,245 enrolled · Saint Paul

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $72,257, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $71,901, Drake University

    Drake University

    Private nonprofit · 2,543 enrolled · Des Moines

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $70,845, Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Bryan College of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 553 enrolled · Lincoln

Top 10 colleges in Plains by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $482,012, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

    University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

    Private nonprofit · 337 enrolled · Saint Louis

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $300,146, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $297,370, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Public · 5,521 enrolled · Rolla

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $288,549, Chamberlain University-Missouri

    Chamberlain University-Missouri

    Private for-profit · 284 enrolled · St. Louis

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $248,740, University of Minnesota-Rochester

    University of Minnesota-Rochester

    Public · 568 enrolled · Rochester

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $234,359, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $233,570, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $227,996, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

    Private nonprofit · 1,073 enrolled · Winona

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $224,764, Clarkson College

    Clarkson College

    Private nonprofit · 622 enrolled · Omaha

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $215,674, University of Minnesota-Crookston

    University of Minnesota-Crookston

    Public · 1,729 enrolled

Top 10 most affordable colleges in Plains (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $8,837, University of Minnesota-Morris

    University of Minnesota-Morris

    Public · 936 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $6,100, College of the Ozarks

    College of the Ozarks

    Private nonprofit · 1,444 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $13,744, University of Minnesota-Rochester

    University of Minnesota-Rochester

    Public · 568 enrolled · Rochester

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $12,212, University of Minnesota-Crookston

    University of Minnesota-Crookston

    Public · 1,729 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $11,456, Mayville State University

    Mayville State University

    Public · 733 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $9,922, Harris-Stowe State University

    Harris-Stowe State University

    Public · 960 enrolled · Saint Louis

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $16,778, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $10,566, Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

    Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

    Private nonprofit · 632 enrolled · Springfield

  9. Rank 9, Net Price, $15,280, Washburn University

    Washburn University

    Public · 4,562 enrolled · Topeka

  10. Rank 10, Net Price, $11,890, Valley City State University

    Valley City State University

    Public · 958 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Plains by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 96.5%, Carleton College

    Carleton College

    Private nonprofit · 2,086 enrolled · Northfield

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 95.0%, Washington University in St Louis

    Washington University in St Louis

    Private nonprofit · 7,857 enrolled · St. Louis

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 94.2%, Creighton University

    Creighton University

    Private nonprofit · 4,348 enrolled · Omaha

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 92.7%, University of Missouri-Columbia

    University of Missouri-Columbia

    Public · 23,929 enrolled · Columbia

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 92.6%, Grinnell College

    Grinnell College

    Private nonprofit · 1,729 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 92.3%, Macalester College

    Macalester College

    Private nonprofit · 2,131 enrolled · Saint Paul

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 92.2%, St Olaf College

    St Olaf College

    Private nonprofit · 3,093 enrolled · Northfield

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 91.1%, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Public · 31,855 enrolled · Minneapolis

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 90.4%, University of Iowa

    University of Iowa

    Public · 22,264 enrolled · Iowa City

  10. Rank 10, First-Year Retention, 90.2%, College of the Ozarks

    College of the Ozarks

    Private nonprofit · 1,444 enrolled

In-state tuition: Plains vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Plains median in-state tuition is $10,428, +89.2% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Plains vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Plains is $15,000 (+13.0% vs U.S. median $13,271). Regional median: $15,000. Rank: #3 nationally of 5 (lower debt = better rank).

Median earnings (10 years out): Plains vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Plains center around $53,388 (-1.8% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: Plains vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 92.9% at the median Plains campus (+4.9 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

Plains median public in-state tuition is $10,428, about +89.2% vs the national median.

Median graduate debt is $15,000 (+13.0% above the U.S. median of $13,271). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Student debt rank: #3 nationally of 5 (lower debt = better rank) (1 = lowest median debt).

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Plains are $53,388, about -1.8% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,384).

The median campus reports 92.9% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 88.0% (+4.9 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 74.5% vs a U.S. median of 76.4%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 4.5% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 78.6% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Saint Johns University (97.2%), University of Nebraska Medical Center (96.8%), Mount Marty University (96.6%), College of Saint Benedict (96.6%), Clarkson College (96.5%), Wartburg College (96.5%), Winona State University (96.3%), Bryan College of Health Sciences (96.0%), Bethel College-North Newton (96.0%), University of Minnesota-Duluth (95.9%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within Plains, sector medians diverge: Private for-profit median 10-yr earnings $42,500 (4 campuses); Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $54,188 (119 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $52,326 (54 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Plains is 53.2% (national institution average about 50.3%).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in the Plains region?

The Plains regional profile aggregates 497 campuses and about 863,658 reported enrollment across member states.

What does college cost in the Plains region?

Regional median in-state tuition is $10,428 and median net price is $16,635 (+89.2% vs U.S. tuition median). National medians are $5,512 and $9,969.

What do graduates earn in the Plains region?

Median 10-year earnings across Plains campuses is $53,388 vs $54,384 nationally.

What is typical student debt in the Plains region?

Regional median completer debt is $15,000 vs $13,271 nationally.

Which states are in the Plains region?

Member states in this Census region include Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota.

How many public vs. private colleges are in the Plains region?

Among reporting campuses: 54 public, 119 private nonprofit, and 4 private for-profit.

What are the top colleges in the Plains region?

Standouts in regional Top 10 lists include Washington University in St Louis and Washington University in St Louis.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in the Plains region?

Among 497 campuses in the Plains region, 2 historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs, IPEDS HBCU flag), including Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University; 15 tribal colleges (IPEDS TRIBAL flag), including Haskell Indian Nations University, Nebraska Indian Community College, and Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College; 20 campuses with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard demographics—a common Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) eligibility proxy; examples include Marshalltown Community College, Bethany College, and Dodge City Community College; 125 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (28), United Methodist (14), Evangelical Lutheran Church (12).

Sources & related