UNI vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

UNI vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than UNI ($12,778 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 30.2% lower than at Worcester State University ($9,986 vs. $14,307).
• Worcester State University is 18.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $1,850 more per year; $11,786.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.5% higher at UNI than at Worcester State University (about $3,846 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Northern Iowa than at Worcester State University (83% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester State University students is 61.4% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($9,464 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is the same as at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Worcester State University (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

UNI vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Worcester 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $625 lower median loan debt than UNI graduates ($20,000 vs. $20,625).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNI graduates ($206 vs. $213).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 66%)

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.