# Best Colleges in Plains

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By Region
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-plains

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in the Plains region

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

The Plains region is home to a diverse array of colleges, each offering unique opportunities for students. As families consider their options, understanding the factors that contribute to success after graduation is crucial. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these institutions is $60,551, a number that can guide decisions about future investments in education.

What sets the strongest schools apart in this region are their outcomes related to earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. Schools like Washington University in St. Louis stand out not just for their high earnings of $86,182 but also for their impressive 94% graduation rate. As you explore the list below, keep these metrics in mind to help gauge which institutions may align best with your goals and values.

For example, Washington University in St. Louis and Missouri University of Science and Technology illustrate the range of choices available. While Washington University boasts higher average earnings at $86,182 compared to Missouri's $82,957, the graduation rates tell a different story: 94% versus only 64%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs families must consider between financial outcomes and completion rates as they navigate their college options.

## Key Findings

- Washington University in St. Louis graduates earn an average of $86,182.
- The graduation rate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is 85%.
- Missouri University of Science and Technology students have an average debt of $23,250.
- Carleton College's net price is $25,407, compared to Grinnell College's $17,648.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Washington University in St Louis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/washington-university-in-st-louis) | St. Louis, MO | 94% | $86,182 | $21,786 | $17,500 | 0.2x |
| 2 | [Carleton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carleton-college) | Northfield, MN | 90% | $75,525 | $25,407 | $16,750 | 0.22x |
| 3 | [Grinnell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grinnell-college) | Grinnell, IA | 88% | $62,830 | $17,648 | $17,500 | 0.28x |
| 4 | [Truman State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/truman-state-university) | Kirksville, MO | 68% | $56,280 | $12,780 | $21,000 | 0.37x |
| 5 | [Saint Johns University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-johns-university) | Collegeville, MN | 76% | $76,786 | $25,672 | $27,000 | 0.35x |
| 6 | [Missouri University of Science and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology) | Rolla, MO | 64% | $82,957 | $16,298 | $23,250 | 0.28x |
| 7 | [University of Iowa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-iowa) | Iowa City, IA | 74% | $64,762 | $22,531 | $22,500 | 0.35x |
| 8 | [Macalester College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/macalester-college) | Saint Paul, MN | 89% | $63,878 | $32,149 | $23,000 | 0.36x |
| 9 | [University of Northern Iowa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northern-iowa) | Cedar Falls, IA | 68% | $55,177 | $15,901 | $19,691 | 0.36x |
| 10 | [University of North Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-dakota) | Grand Forks, ND | 62% | $63,552 | $18,551 | $22,057 | 0.35x |
| 11 | [Fort Hays State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-hays-state-university) | Hays, KS | 48% | $48,928 | $12,569 | $21,000 | 0.43x |
| 12 | [William Jewell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-jewell-college) | Liberty, MO | 64% | $59,268 | $17,562 | $24,498 | 0.41x |
| 13 | [Gustavus Adolphus College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gustavus-adolphus-college) | Saint Peter, MN | 76% | $65,607 | $22,900 | $26,774 | 0.41x |
| 14 | [Pittsburg State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pittsburg-state-university) | Pittsburg, KS | 57% | $50,579 | $15,784 | $18,969 | 0.38x |
| 15 | [University of Kansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-kansas) | Lawrence, KS | 69% | $61,945 | $18,059 | $21,000 | 0.34x |
| 16 | [Minot State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minot-state-university) | Minot, ND | 46% | $51,759 | $12,703 | $19,609 | 0.38x |
| 17 | [Bismarck State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bismarck-state-college) | Bismarck, ND | 48% | $54,277 | $10,270 | $11,533 | 0.21x |
| 18 | [Williston State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williston-state-college) | Williston, ND | 41% | $44,017 | $5,932 | $10,099 | 0.23x |
| 19 | [Wichita State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wichita-state-university) | Wichita, KS | 51% | $51,532 | $13,194 | $20,500 | 0.4x |
| 20 | [University of Central Missouri](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-missouri) | Warrensburg, MO | 52% | $49,560 | $14,462 | $21,000 | 0.42x |
| 21 | [Mayville State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mayville-state-university) | Mayville, ND | 40% | $47,828 | $11,456 | $18,585 | 0.39x |
| 22 | [Rockhurst University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rockhurst-university) | Kansas City, MO | 75% | $67,102 | $25,884 | $18,250 | 0.27x |
| 23 | [Newman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/newman-university) | Wichita, KS | 53% | $55,041 | $19,971 | $20,801 | 0.38x |
| 24 | [University of Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mary) | Bismarck, ND | 67% | $60,909 | $17,770 | $24,000 | 0.39x |
| 25 | [Valley City State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valley-city-state-university) | Valley City, ND | 51% | $52,725 | $11,890 | $20,369 | 0.39x |
| 26 | [Drake University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/drake-university) | Des Moines, IA | 76% | $71,901 | $29,127 | $23,000 | 0.32x |
| 27 | [College of Saint Benedict](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-saint-benedict) | Saint Joseph, MN | 80% | $63,260 | $26,640 | $26,944 | 0.43x |
| 28 | [Coe College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coe-college) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 62% | $57,125 | $18,745 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 29 | [Kansas State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kansas-state-university) | Manhattan, KS | 71% | $57,262 | $19,406 | $21,250 | 0.37x |
| 30 | [Emporia State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emporia-state-university) | Emporia, KS | 55% | $47,601 | $16,261 | $19,500 | 0.41x |
| 31 | [The College of Saint Scholastica](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-saint-scholastica) | Duluth, MN | 66% | $65,934 | $27,846 | $20,000 | 0.3x |
| 32 | [Dickinson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dickinson-state-university) | Dickinson, ND | 47% | $50,720 | $14,092 | $18,442 | 0.36x |
| 33 | [North Dakota State College of Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-dakota-state-college-of-science) | Wahpeton, ND | 52% | $50,513 | $11,261 | $12,000 | 0.24x |
| 34 | [Barton County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/barton-county-community-college) | Great Bend, KS | 38% | $40,428 | $9,905 | $9,501 | 0.24x |
| 35 | [Hamline University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hamline-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 59% | $61,106 | $20,744 | $23,770 | 0.39x |
| 36 | [Upper Iowa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/upper-iowa-university) | Fayette, IA | 38% | $52,766 | $20,942 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 37 | [Mitchell Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mitchell-technical-college) | Mitchell, SD | 74% | $50,743 | $13,460 | $12,000 | 0.24x |
| 38 | [Luther College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/luther-college) | Decorah, IA | 73% | $59,850 | $23,097 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 39 | [St Catherine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-catherine-university) | Saint Paul, MN | 63% | $59,282 | $19,764 | $24,181 | 0.41x |
| 40 | [North Iowa Area Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-iowa-area-community-college) | Mason City, IA | 58% | $43,462 | $10,010 | $9,500 | 0.22x |
| 41 | [Maryville University of Saint Louis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maryville-university-of-saint-louis) | Saint Louis, MO | 69% | $62,105 | $22,066 | $22,000 | 0.35x |
| 42 | [Saint Louis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-louis-university) | Saint Louis, MO | 80% | $70,783 | $24,398 | $25,000 | 0.35x |
| 43 | [Dunwoody College of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dunwoody-college-of-technology) | Minneapolis, MN | 65% | $61,511 | $26,939 | $16,000 | 0.26x |
| 44 | [Kirkwood Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kirkwood-community-college) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 42% | $41,016 | $9,705 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 45 | [Lake Region State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-region-state-college) | Devils Lake, ND | 51% | $49,502 | $13,577 | $10,293 | 0.21x |
| 46 | [Northwest Missouri State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-missouri-state-university) | Maryville, MO | 56% | $47,885 | $16,244 | $21,500 | 0.45x |
| 47 | [Southeast Missouri State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeast-missouri-state-university) | Cape Girardeau, MO | 57% | $44,030 | $15,882 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 48 | [Jefferson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jefferson-college) | Hillsboro, MO | 35% | $40,782 | $7,378 | $9,285 | 0.23x |
| 49 | [Creighton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/creighton-university) | Omaha, NE | 82% | $73,911 | $31,568 | $25,000 | 0.34x |
| 50 | [Mount Mercy University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-mercy-university) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 57% | $60,787 | $20,168 | $23,699 | 0.39x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Plains." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-plains

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.