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#3 Best Public Universities in Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

 4 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

8,945
University of Northern Iowa overview
Location Cedar Falls, Iowa
Online uni.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small City
University of Northern Iowa overview
Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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The University of Northern Iowa, situated in Cedar Falls, is a public university that is recognized for its comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including notable majors in education, business, and the performing arts. The campus, characterized by its blend of classic and modern architectural designs, offers a variety of residential facilities, accommodating a significant portion of the student body in on-campus housing. Founded in 1876 as Iowa State Normal School, it has evolved into an institution that promotes rigorous academic standards with a moderately selective admissions process. Located approximately 110 miles from Des Moines, the university provides a serene, yet vibrant atmosphere, largely due to its active student involvement in various organizations and academic endeavors. The University of Northern Iowa's athletic teams, known as the Panthers, compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference, with its wrestling program gaining particular recognition.

In the most recent statistical year 4,594 prospective students applied, and 4,362 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 1,436 enrolled in the school.  7,375 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,570 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $8,111 plus fees of $1,300. UNI is ranked 414 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

6/10

Overall

7/10

Academics

5/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

5/10

Value

UNI is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for University of Northern Iowa within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Challenging
University of Northern Iowa overview
SAT 1020/1330
ACT 20/26
GPA 3.61

Applications Accepted

94.9% 
University of Northern Iowa overview
Applications Due -
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $40

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Iowa Resident Tuition

$8,111
In State Costs for University of Northern Iowa
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$800
Other Fees$1,300
Room and Board $9,343
Budget for Other Expenses$2,434
Total One Year Cost$21,988

Out of State Resident Tuition

$19,265
Out of State Costs for University of Northern Iowa
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$800
Other Fees$1,300
Room and Board $9,343
Budget for Other Expenses$2,434
Total One Year Cost$33,142

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,700 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

67% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by University of Northern Iowa students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 22%
Education 17%
Social Sciences 8%
Communication 6%
Biology 5%

View All 87 Majors

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Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of Northern Iowa.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=154095 IPEDS survey data for University of Northern Iowa.

Current students may use the University of Northern Iowa GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024