2026 Best Value Value Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Leading the list is Truman State University, our #1 best value for value in the The Plains States Region. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Value graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $39,764 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Missouri Kansas City, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,741. Early-career value graduates make about $60,324. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Wichita State University, which ranked #3. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $49,278. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $56,395. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

5

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $51,260. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

6

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #6 for value in value this year. Set in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $53,109. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

7

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Value graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $57,375 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

8

Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO

Maryville University Of Saint Louis placed #8 among the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Value graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Maryville University Of Saint Louis generally make around $67,909. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Maryville University Of Saint Louis admits about 95% of applicants.

9

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University earned the #9 position for value in value this year. Set in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,852. Early-career value graduates make about $61,548. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt.