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Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region

148 Schools Ranked
$43,395 Average Earnings
$25,414 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which business program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 148 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

1,684 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$28,036 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Fort Hays State University the most popular school in the Plains States Region for business students working on their degree. Located in Hays, Kansas, the fairly large public school handed out 1,684 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. During the early years of their career, FHSU graduates make an average of $43,454 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
2,407 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Capella University is a great place for business students. This large private for-profit school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 2,407 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $36,349 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Capella University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,758 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capella University

#3

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
1,933 Total Awards
$54,053 Average Earnings
$29,741 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Bellevue University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,933 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,741 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Bellevue University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,053 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bellevue University

#4

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
1,292 Total Awards
$46,849 Average Earnings
$24,858 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Park University is a great place for business students. Located in Parkville, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,292 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,858 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Park University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,849 during the early years of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Park University Report

#5

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
1,111 Total Awards
$40,927 Average Earnings
$31,707 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Columbia College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1,111 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri accumulate an average of $31,707 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Columbia College Missouri, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,927 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Columbia College Report

#6

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
1,719 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Columbia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #6 on the list. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,719 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Mizzou accumulate an average of $21,797 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $398, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mizzou graduates make an average of $46,901 annually. Around 39% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
589 Total Awards
$42,370 Average Earnings
$24,533 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, North Hennepin Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. North Hennepin Community College is a public institution located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 589 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,533 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, North Hennepin Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,370 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full North Hennepin Community College Report

#9

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
624 Total Awards
$35,791 Average Earnings
$10,096 Avg Student Debt

Central Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Central Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Grand Island, Nebraska. It awarded 624 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Central Community College accumulate an average of $10,096 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Central Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,791 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Central Community College

#10

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
742 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,781 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Grantham University is located in Lenexa, Kansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 742 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $28,781 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Grantham University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,745 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

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#11

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
606 Total Awards
$45,288 Average Earnings
$34,092 Avg Student Debt

Upper Iowa University ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. UIU is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Fayette, Iowa. It awarded 606 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,092 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UIU graduates make an average of $45,288 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Upper Iowa University Report

#12

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
647 Total Awards
$47,827 Average Earnings
$31,302 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Metro State is a medium-sized public school situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It awarded 647 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,302 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Metro State graduates make an average of $47,827 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read full report on Metropolitan State University

#13

University of Missouri - St Louis

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

University of Missouri - St Louis ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large public school handed out 724 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMSL accumulate an average of $27,595 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 $120. 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, 46% were women.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Report

#14

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
2,761 Total Awards
$50,430 Average Earnings
$23,563 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Iowa did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Iowa is a large public school situated in Iowa City, Iowa. It awarded 2,761 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Iowa accumulate an average of $23,563 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $379, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Iowa graduates make an average of $50,430 annually. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota
280 Total Awards
$43,896 Average Earnings
$25,667 Avg Student Debt

Bemidji State University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Bemidji, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 280 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bemidji State University accumulate an average of $25,667 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Bemidji State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,896 during the early years of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bemidji State University Report

#16

Northwest Missouri State University

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

Northwest Missouri State University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Located in Maryville, Missouri, the medium-sized public school handed out 434 degrees 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.After graduating from Northwest, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,439 during the early years of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
180 Total Awards
$39,912 Average Earnings
$20,379 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the small public school handed out 180 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,379 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Southeast Tech graduates make an average of $39,912 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

313 Total Awards
$40,896 Average Earnings
$25,798 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Moorhead came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Moorhead, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 313 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MSU Moorhead accumulate an average of $25,798 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MSU Moorhead, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,896 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Minnesota State University - Moorhead

#19

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, Nebraska
195 Total Awards
$38,034 Average Earnings
$17,221 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Southeast Community College Area did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the medium-sized public school handed out 195 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,221 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $150 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Southeast Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,034 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Wichita State University

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

Wichita State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the fairly large public school awarded 696 diplomas to qualifed students 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. During the early years of their career, WSU graduates make an average of $45,743 annually. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wichita State University

#21

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
210 Total Awards
$41,929 Average Earnings
$20,674 Avg Student Debt

Normandale Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, and it awarded 210 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,674 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Normandale Community College graduates make an average of $41,929 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Normandale Community College Report

#22

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
1,468 Total Awards
$45,255 Average Earnings
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

Kansas State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. K -State is located in Manhattan, Kansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,468 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,965 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $273.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. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Kansas State University

#24

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
136 Total Awards
$43,464 Average Earnings
$23,645 Avg Student Debt

Anoka-Ramsey Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region list. Coon Rapids, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 136 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,645 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,464 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Anoka-Ramsey Community College

#25

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
519 Total Awards
$59,828 Average Earnings
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

Maryville University of Saint Louis came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Maryville U is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 519 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,584 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $452, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Maryville U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,828 during the early years of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

View Most Popular Online Business Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN
27 Southwestern College Winfield, KS
28 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
29 Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO
30 Waldorf University Forest City, IA

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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