Public Colleges in the Great Plains States
More than half of all college freshmen are enrolled at a college within 100 miles of their permanent home. Only a small fraction venture further than 500 miles from home for college.
But knowing which colleges are in your region is important for several reasons. First, because of their location, these colleges provide you a good opportunity to visit the campus. Even if you move far away for college, seeing what is available nearby will help you decide which type of college fits you best. Also, colleges nearby may have state-funded merit aid programs that extend across state lines. So you may be able to pay in-state tuition for a college that is located across state lines.
These are the public colleges and universities located in the Great Plains states: Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Tuition listed is in-state tuition for one full academic year, based on 2007 data.
Great Plains States Public Colleges
| College | City | State | Full-time undergrads | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | Iowa City | IA | 21,091 | $6,293 |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls | IA | 9,997 | $6,190 |
| Iowa State University | Ames | IA | 19,760 | $6,161 |
| University of Kansas | Lawrence | KS | 19,474 | $6,600 |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan | KS | 16,537 | $6,235 |
| Washburn University | Topeka | KS | 4,824 | $5,636 |
| Wichita State University | Wichita | KS | 8,929 | $4,804 |
| Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg | KS | 5,632 | $4,060 |
| Emporia State University | Emporia | KS | 4,149 | $3,926 |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays | KS | 5,463 | $2,685 |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | ND | 9,962 | $6,060 |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo | ND | 9,466 | $5,985 |
| Valley City State University | Valley City | ND | 776 | $5,846 |
| Mayville State University | Mayville | ND | 630 | $5,438 |
| Minot State University | Minot | ND | 2,611 | $4,774 |
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson | ND | 1,931 | $4,773 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln | NE | 14,837 | $6,216 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha | NE | 9,682 | $5,390 |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney | NE | 4,972 | $5,098 |
| Peru State College | Peru | NE | 1,380 | $4,428 |
| Chadron State College | Chadron | NE | 1,893 | $4,340 |
| Wayne State College | Wayne | NE | 2,570 | $4,322 |
| Black Hills State University | Spearfish | SD | 2,802 | $5,803 |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion | SD | 5,183 | $5,752 |
| Dakota State University | Madison | SD | 2,091 | $5,381 |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings | SD | 8,617 | $5,373 |
| Northern State University | Aberdeen | SD | 1,977 | $5,280 |