What is Great Plains IDEA?

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) is a consortium of renowned public universities from across the United States, offering online, flexible, and affordable degree and certificate programs across a range of subjects in human sciences and agriculture.

Great Plains IDEA provides educational freedom, creating rewarding pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and community growth in an ever-changing society.

Why Great Plains IDEA?

Affordable Education

With Great Plains IDEA, there is one affordable common price per credit hour, and there are no out-of-state fees or distance delivery fees. This common price alleviates confusion around tuition, allowing you to confidently build a program that works with your schedule and goals.

Learn More About Costs

Reputable Programs

Our diverse academic offerings cater to students of all backgrounds, delivering high-quality online programming through a progressive and collaborative effort by our member universities. Being able to take classes from more than one university provides you greater access to a range of programs that suit your interests and career aspirations. Learn more about the Great Plains IDEA member universities, who are working together to shape the future of education.

Find Your Program of Interest

Flexible Learning

Great Plains IDEA offers all of our master’s and bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs entirely online, ensuring you are able to balance your education with your work and home responsibilities. With multiple universities offering courses, you can create a unique learning experience catered to your interests and goals.

Build Your Schedule with our Course Planner

Qualified Faculty

Our renowned faculty bring diverse real-world experiences and advanced knowledge of their field of study. They understand the unique needs of adult online learners and will work diligently with you throughout the way to help ensure your success.

Meet the Great Plains IDEA Faculty

Achieve Dream Career Outcomes

Through our diverse career-focused programs made available through our reputable member universities, you can take the first step toward your dream future. Selecting from our flexible online course options allows you to specialize in your field of interest, expand your knowledge and perspective, and build the hands-on skills you need to achieve your career goals.

Our degree and certificate programs are designed especially for adults who need to balance family, work, and school, just like you. Furthermore, we have your back with an extensive support system, including our campus coordinators, that help you transition your learning beyond the online classroom into a rewarding career.

Hear more about the benefits of pursuing an academic program with Great Plains IDEA.

Virtual Community

The Great Plains IDEA virtual community is tight-knit and supportive. Despite differences in location, our faculty are highly attentive to student needs and will be able to help you on your path toward success. Your peers will challenge you to achieve your goals and learn new perspectives that will help you take your career to the next level. See more about what our students are saying below about their Great Plains IDEA experience!

As a career switcher, returning student with over the 10-year gap, and non-native English-speaking learner, I was worried that I couldn't complete the Initial Teacher Certification program within a couple of years. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in each subject and support students to succeed compassionately in any possible way. The master's courses are well-designed and rewarding as I can see my learning progress instantly. Thanks to Great Plains IDEA, I am starting my new career being a high school FCS teacher this fall!
– – Akiko Mallow, Family and Consumer Sciences Education Master's Student,

See more testimonials »

Take the Next Step with Great Plains IDEA

Great Plains IDEA provides an enriching online academic experience, fostering career development through our master’s and bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs across human services and agriculture. Our entirely online programs instructed by leading faculty from universities across the country provides you the flexibility to achieve your goals at a convenient time and place. Are you ready to get started?

APPLY NOW CONTACT US