UNI vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

UNI vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 Minnesota Rochester than UNI ($14,953 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 28.6% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($9,986 vs. $13,994).
• University of Minnesota Rochester is 51.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $5,080 more per year; $15,016.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.6% higher at UNI than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $6,696 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Northern Iowa than at University of Minnesota Rochester (83% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students is 139.7% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($14,057 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Rochester (1170) is 20 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Rochester students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than University of Minnesota-Rochester (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

UNI vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from University of Minnesota Rochester earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $440 lower median loan debt than UNI graduates ($20,185 vs. $20,625).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNI graduates ($208 vs. $213).
• More University of Minnesota-Rochester 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.