Valpo vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Valpo based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

Valpo vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo or UNI? 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 Valpo ($16,437 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 26.7% lower than at Valparaiso University ($9,986 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 387.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $38,514 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.1% higher at Valpo than at University of Northern Iowa (about $26,738 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 540.2% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($37,548 vs. $5,865).

Valpo vs. UNI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 20 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at UNI (3.61).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Valpo (89.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 31.1% at UNI.

Valpo vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo and UNI? 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Northern Iowa's (67%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $47,700), 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 Valpo graduates ($20,625 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.