UNI vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Carroll University 14:1.

UNI vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Carroll University? 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 Carroll University ($16,437 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 30.1% lower than at Carroll University ($9,986 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 291.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $28,954 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.1% higher at Carroll University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $17,178 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 337.1% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($25,634 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or Carroll University? 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 Carroll University and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll University (1160) is 10 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Carroll University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

UNI vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Carroll University? 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).

• University of Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $6,375 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($20,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 72%)

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.