2026 Best Value Value Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best value for value in the The Plains States Region. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $54,076. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #2 makes University Of Minnesota Twin Cities one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,577. Value graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $56,395 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $49,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

4

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Value graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Value graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $53,088 early in their careers. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,818. Value graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.

6

University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota came in at #6 for value in value this year. Set in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of South Dakota earn a median of $51,566 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

7

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #7 spot for value value this year. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,081. Early-career value graduates make about $69,785. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants.

8

Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University earned the #8 position for value in value this year. Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kansas City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,966. Students borrow a median of $24,111 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Rockhurst University earn a median of $70,849 early in their careers. Set against $24,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

9

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University came in at #9 for value in value this year. Located in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Bellevue University generally make around $61,548. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt.