UNI vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Stephens College 8:1.

UNI vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Stephens College? 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 Stephens College ($16,437 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 25.3% lower than at Stephens College ($9,986 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 184.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $18,364 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.3% higher at Stephens College than at University of Northern Iowa (about $6,588 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 298% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($23,341 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or Stephens College? 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 Stephens College and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 50 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming UNI students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

UNI vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Stephens College? 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 Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $37,400), 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 Stephens College graduates ($20,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 63%)

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.