UNI vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Cloud State University is larger than UNI based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 9,278 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UNI vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than UNI ($14,735 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 5.8% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($9,986 vs. $10,596).
• Saint Cloud State University is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $309 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.9% higher at UNI than at Saint Cloud State University (about $11,467 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at University of Northern Iowa (84% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Cloud State University students is 20% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($7,036 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 10 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming UNI students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than UNI (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

UNI vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $1,875 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($20,625 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($213 vs. $232).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 67%)

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.