UIU vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA with North Central University in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Upper Iowa University is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (3,941 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Upper Iowa University 25:1; North Central University 14:1.

UIU vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIU or North Central 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 Upper Iowa University than North Central University ($20,426 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 0.7% lower than at Upper Iowa University ($10,054 vs. $10,121).
• North Central University is 65.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIU (about $12,745 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.4% higher at North Central University than at Upper Iowa University (about $12,745 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central University than at Upper Iowa University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 33.2% larger than aid received by Upper Iowa University students ($18,112 vs. $13,596).

UIU vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIU or North Central 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 North Central University and UIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is 20 points higher than at North Central University (1050).
• Incoming North Central University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at UIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 970/1160; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 14/21; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIU - Test optional; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at UIU (3.34).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than UIU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.9% at UIU vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

UIU vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIU and North Central 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).

• Upper Iowa University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Upper Iowa University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,100 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Upper Iowa University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UIU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 50%)

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.