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University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA·Public·7,599 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 7,599 students.

94%
Accept
7,599
Students
$14,609
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$49,700
Earnings
10 yr
$16,486
Debt

About This School

University of Northern Iowa is a public institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa with approximately 7,599 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Northern Iowa has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,609 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $49,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a public university in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. UNI offers more than 90 majors across five colleges. The fall 2025 total enrollment was 9,204 students.

The numbers tell a mostly solid story here — at just $14,609/year after aid and a median debt of only $16,486 at graduation, UNI is one of the more affordable public university options you'll find. The 85% freshman retention rate suggests students who enroll generally feel good about staying, and with 90+ majors across a mid-sized campus of under 10,000 students, there's real academic variety without feeling lost in a massive university. The one honest concern: a 69% graduation rate means roughly 3 in 10 students don't finish in six years, so it's worth asking what support systems are in place for your specific major before committing.

Founded
1876
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Education26%
Business & Marketing20%
Psychology5%
Health Professions5%
Communications5%
Social Sciences4%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Chuck GrassleyRobert James WallerPhyllis SomervilleNick NurseJane ElliottHasina JalalMona Van DuynRoger JepsenJoey Woody

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120
Reading 75th %ile580
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,728
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,272
Avg Net Price
$14,609
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$16,486

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,486
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,486
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White84%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,599 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Northern Iowa

1227 W 27th St

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0005

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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