University of Northern Iowa campus

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UNI Demographics & Diversity

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  • Cedar Falls, IA
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 26%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at UNI are mostly White with a small Foreign Resident population. The school has very low racial diversity. 17% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of University of Northern Iowa students
Race Percent of Students
White
83%
Black
3%
Hispanic
3%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
International
4%
Race Unknown
3%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 46%

There are 75% more female students than male students enrolled at University of Northern Iowa with a gender ratio of 64% women to 36% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, UNI has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for University of Northern Iowa students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
36%
Women
64%
Enrollment by gender for University of Northern Iowa students
Gender Number of Students
Men
3,374
Women
5,904

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Extremely Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 11%

UNI draws 89 percent of students from Iowa, 10 percent from other states, and 1 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Iowa, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for University of Northern Iowa students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
89%
Out of State
10%
Foreign
1%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$56,117 per year

26% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

9,278
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 9.6%
Part-time undergraduates 8.7%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to University of Northern Iowa often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=154095.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026