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Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

114 Schools Ranked
$5,712 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,316 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which nursing program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 114 schools in the Plains States Region to see which undergraduate certificate programs were the most popular for nursing 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

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
131 Total Awards
$6,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,734 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Iowa Western Community College the most popular school in the Plains States Region for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. Iowa Western Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It awarded 131 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Iowa Western Community College full time pay an average of $6,330 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,480. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,734 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Online courses are available at Iowa Western Community College, 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 75% took at least some of their classes online.

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121 Total Awards
$4,802 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,541 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 114 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the medium-sized public school handed out 121 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,802 in tuition and fees if they attend Western Iowa Tech Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,826. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College accumulate an average of $12,541 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Western Iowa Tech Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 53% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College

#3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
116 Total Awards
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,041 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Southeast Technical College is a great place for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. Southeast Technical College is a small public school located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that handed out 116 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Southeast Tech is $7,650. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $20,041 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Southeast Tech does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 45% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

#4

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
110 Total Awards
$6,052 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,734 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Northland Community and Technical College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Plains States Region . This small public school is located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and it awarded 110 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $6,052 to cover tuition and fees at Northland Community and Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Northland Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $15,734 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Northland Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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 full report on Northland Community and Technical College

#5

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
103 Total Awards
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a great place for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a private for-profit institution located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 103 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Minnesota is $13,558. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,381 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Rasmussen University - Minnesota does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

#6

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, Nebraska
98 Total Awards
$3,192 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,570 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Community College Area ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it awarded 98 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,192 in tuition and fees if they attend Southeast Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $3,780. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,570 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Southeast 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 42% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#7

Butler Community College

El Dorado, Kansas
95 Total Awards
$4,176 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,484 Avg Student Debt

Butler Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #7 on the list. Butler CC is a medium-sized public school situated in El Dorado, Kansas. It awarded 95 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Butler CC is $4,176. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,976. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,484 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Butler CC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 35% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Butler Community College Report

95 Total Awards
$5,963 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,553 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate nursing programs. WSU Tech is a small public school situated in Wichita, Kansas. It awarded 95 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Students from Kansas who attend WSU Tech full time pay an average of $5,963 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,875. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from WSU Tech accumulate an average of $14,553 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

WSU Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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 full report on Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

#9

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
94 Total Awards
$5,308 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,474 Avg Student Debt

Kirkwood Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate nursing programs. Kirkwood Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It awarded 94 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Kirkwood Community College is $5,308. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,072. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Kirkwood Community College accumulate an average of $19,474 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Kirkwood Community College. In 2019-2020 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

92 Total Awards
$6,120 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,283 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Iowa Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Calmar, Iowa, the small public school handed out 92 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,120 in tuition and fees if they attend NICC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,840. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from NICC accumulate an average of $15,283 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NICC. In 2019-2020 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Northeast Iowa Community College

#11

Cloud County Community College

Concordia, Kansas
88 Total Awards
$3,480 Average Tuition & Fees

Cloud County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. This small public school is located in Concordia, Kansas, and it awarded 88 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Students from Kansas who attend Cloud County Community College full time pay an average of $3,480 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $3,570. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Cloud County Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri
87 Total Awards
$4,924 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,017 Avg Student Debt

Ozarks Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #12 on the list. OTC is located in Springfield, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 87 undergraduate certificates to qualified students.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $4,924 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend OTC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,028. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from OTC accumulate an average of $18,017 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at OTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri
84 Total Awards
$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,264 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, North Central Missouri College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. North Central Missouri College is a small public school located in Trenton, Missouri that handed out 84 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $5,910 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend NCMC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,020. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,264 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NCMC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#14

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
77 Total Awards
$5,874 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,211 Avg Student Debt

St Cloud Technical and Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 77 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

St Cloud Technical and Community College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,874. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from St Cloud Technical and Community College accumulate an average of $13,211 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since St Cloud Technical and Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full St Cloud Technical and Community College Report

#15

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
70 Total Awards
$3,210 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,103 Avg Student Debt

Central Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Central Community College is a public institution located in Grand Island, Nebraska. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 70 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $3,210 in tuition and fees if they attend Central Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,590. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Central Community College accumulate an average of $10,103 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Central Community College. In 2019-2020 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Central Community College

67 Total Awards
$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,612 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Alexandria Technical & Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 67 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,910 to cover tuition and fees at ATCC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $17,612 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Read More…

#16

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
67 Total Awards
$6,041 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,089 Avg Student Debt

Saint Paul College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Saint Paul College is a medium-sized public school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that handed out 67 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

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. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $17,089 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Online courses are available at Saint Paul 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, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Saint Paul College Report

#16

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
67 Total Awards
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,255 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #16 on the list. West Burlington, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out undergraduate certificates to 67 students in 2020-2021.

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. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Southeastern Community College accumulate an average of $15,255 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Southeastern Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 49% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Southeastern Community College Report

#16

Metropolitan Community College

Omaha, Nebraska
67 Total Awards
$3,195 Average Tuition & Fees

Metropolitan Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate nursing programs. Omaha, Nebraska is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out undergraduate certificates to 67 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MCC is $3,195. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,680. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

MCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Metropolitan Community College

#20

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly, Missouri
58 Total Awards
$6,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,314 Avg Student Debt

Moberly Area Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Moberly, Missouri, the small public school awarded 58 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $6,150 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MACC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,860. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $15,314 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

MACC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Moberly Area Community College Report

#21

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
55 Total Awards
$5,741 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,758 Avg Student Debt

Hennepin Technical College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Hennepin Technical College is a small public school located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota that handed out 55 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

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. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Hennepin Technical College accumulate an average of $16,758 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Online courses are available at Hennepin 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 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Hennepin Technical College Report

54 Total Awards
$5,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,935 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State Community and Technical College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 54 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at M State is $5,862. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,935 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

One thing to take note of is that M State does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 49% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#23

Pine Technical & Community College

Pine City, Minnesota
53 Total Awards
$4,489 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,068 Avg Student Debt

Pine Technical & Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Pine City, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 53 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pine Technical & Community College is $4,489. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,526. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Pine Technical & Community College accumulate an average of $12,068 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Pine Technical & Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 22% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Pine Technical & Community College

#24

Riverland Community College

Austin, Minnesota
52 Total Awards
$6,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,511 Avg Student Debt

Riverland Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. This small public school is located in Austin, Minnesota, and it awarded 52 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Riverland Community College, expect to pay an average of $6,060 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,511 in student loans. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Riverland Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Riverland Community College

#24

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
52 Total Awards
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,587 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Lake Area Technical Institute did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate. LATI is a public institution located in Watertown, South Dakota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 52 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at LATI is $6,718. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $14,587 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LATI. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lake Area Technical Institute Report

View Most Popular Nursing Undergraduate Certificate 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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