2026 Best Value Value Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Value graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $114,606. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

2

Midwest Institute
Earth City, MO

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Midwest Institute, which ranked #2. Midwest Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Earth City. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,950. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Midwest Institute generally make around $31,586. That is a strong return on a $15,950 median debt. Midwest Institute admits about 87% of applicants.

3

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

A rank of #3 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Value graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $53,900. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Value graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.