UNI vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Lindenwood University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 6,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UNI vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University ($16,437 vs. $20,901).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 14.6% lower than at Lindenwood University ($9,986 vs. $11,700).
• Lindenwood University is 117.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $11,664 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at UNI than at Lindenwood University (about $112 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lindenwood University than at University of Northern Iowa (99% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lindenwood University students is 149.4% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($14,626 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 20 points higher than at Lindenwood University (1130).
• Incoming Lindenwood 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; Lindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Lindenwood University (3.42).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

UNI vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Lindenwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $44,100), 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 Lindenwood University graduates ($20,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 58%)

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.