Find Nursing Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

35 Schools Ranked
$5,464 Avg Tuition & Fees*

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 35 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones offered the best basic certificate programs for nursing students. To come up with a school's ranking, we analyzed numerous factors related to post-graduation wages, the quality of education offered by the school, average accumulated student debt, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Lake Area Technical Institute to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a basic certificate in the Plains States Region .

If you want to attend LATI, expect to pay an average of $6,718 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LATI does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 44% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lake Area Technical Institute

#2

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
$5,907 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Century College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in the Plains States Region .

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,907 to cover tuition and fees at Century College. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

One thing to take note of is that Century College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Century College Report

$7,692 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 35 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, North Central Kansas Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at North Central Kansas Technical College is $7,692. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

North Central Kansas Technical 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 19% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on North Central Kansas Technical College

#4

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, Minnesota
$6,075 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 35 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Anoka Technical College landed the # 4 spot on the list.

If you want to attend Anoka Technical College, expect to pay an average of $6,075 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

One thing to take note of is that Anoka Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. 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 More…

$5,971 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend North Iowa Area Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $5,971 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Iowa Area Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,547.

Since North Iowa Area Community College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Full North Iowa Area Community College Report

$3,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Kansas City Kansas Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #6 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $3,300 in tuition and fees if they attend Kansas City Kansas Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,510.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Kansas City Kansas Community College. In 2019-2020 about 43% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$4,802 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Western Iowa Tech Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $4,802 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,826.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Western Iowa Tech Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Western Iowa Tech Community College Report

#8

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
$2,688 Average Tuition & Fees

Johnson County Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Students from Kansas who attend JCCC full time pay an average of $2,688 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,352.

One thing to take note of is that JCCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Johnson County Community College

#9

Flint Hills Technical College

Emporia, Kansas
$7,032 Average Tuition & Fees

Flint Hills Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate nursing programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $7,032 to cover tuition and fees at Flint Hills Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Online courses are available at Flint Hills Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Flint Hills Technical College Report

#10

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
$6,052 Average Tuition & Fees

Northland Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #10 on the list.

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.

One thing to take note of is that Northland Community and Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 48% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northland Community and Technical College Report

#11

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, Minnesota
$6,208 Average Tuition & Fees

Dakota County Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #11 on the list.

If you want to attend DCTC, expect to pay an average of $6,208 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Online courses are available at DCTC, 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 80% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
$5,809 Average Tuition & Fees

Inver Hills Community College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate nursing programs.

If you want to attend IHCC, expect to pay an average of $5,809 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since IHCC does offer online classes for certain majors. 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 More…

$6,286 Average Tuition & Fees

Minnesota West Community and Technical College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate nursing programs.

Students from Minnesota who attend Minnesota West full time pay an average of $6,286 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,936.

Minnesota West 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. During the 2019-2020 year, about 49% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Des Moines Area Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

Online courses are available at DMACC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#15

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas
$3,540 Average Tuition & Fees

Hutchinson Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $3,540 in tuition and fees if they attend Hutchinson Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,470.

Hutchinson 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
$6,000 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Iowa Central Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Iowa Central Community College is $6,000. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,650.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Iowa Central Community College. In fact, around 33% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Iowa Central Community College

$5,963 Average Tuition & Fees

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology ranked #17 on this year’s Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WSU Tech is $5,963. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,875.

Some students may be able to take online classes at WSU Tech. 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…

$4,000 Average Tuition & Fees

Neosho County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #18 on the list.

Neosho County Community College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $4,000. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Neosho County Community College. In 2019-2020 about 42% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Neosho County Community College Report

#19

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
$6,041 Average Tuition & Fees

Saint Paul College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate nursing programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $6,041 to cover tuition and fees at Saint Paul College. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Saint Paul College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Saint Paul College

#20

Manhattan Area Technical College

Manhattan, Kansas
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Manhattan Area Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate.

If you want to attend MATC, expect to pay an average of $7,650 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

MATC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 19% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#21

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, Southeastern Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate.

Full-time students from Iowa pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Southeastern Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,240.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southeastern Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southeastern Community College

#22

Dodge City Community College

Dodge City, Kansas
$4,470 Average Tuition & Fees

Dodge City Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Dodge City Community College is $4,470. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,830.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Dodge City Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Dodge City Community College Report

#23

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
$5,741 Average Tuition & Fees

Hennepin Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #23 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,741 to cover tuition and fees at Hennepin Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Hennepin Technical College. In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Hennepin Technical College Report

$3,648 Average Tuition & Fees

Seward County Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Students from Kansas who attend SCCC full time pay an average of $3,648 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,832.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SCCC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 23% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Seward County Community College Report

#25

Garden City Community College

Garden City, Kansas
$3,450 Average Tuition & Fees

Garden City Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate nursing programs.

In-state students pay an average of $3,450 in tuition and fees if they attend Garden City Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,020.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Garden City Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 67% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Garden City Community College Report

View Best Basic Certificate Nursing Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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.

Featured Schools

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free matching tool for schools matches students with nursing schools across the U.S.