Principia College vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

Principia College vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or UNI? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Northern Iowa than Principia College ($16,437 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 28.2% lower than at Principia College ($9,986 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 249% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $24,744 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.7% higher at Principia College than at University of Northern Iowa (about $12,968 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Principia College than at University of Northern Iowa (90% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 418.4% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($30,402 vs. $5,865).

Principia College vs. UNI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or UNI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNI and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is the same as at UNI (1150).
• Incoming UNI students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and UNI? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.