About University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa builds teachers and business leaders for the Midwest. This school of 7,599 students sits in Cedar Falls, a college town where education comes first. UNI graduates include NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and basketball standout Ali Farokhmanesh. The school accepts 95% of applicants with an average ACT of 23, making it accessible to students who work hard but may not have perfect test scores. Teacher education programs here have trained educators across Iowa for decades.
Students pay an average net price of $14,609 after financial aid, which makes UNI one of the more affordable options in Iowa. Graduates earn a median of $55,177 ten years after college with typical debt of $19,691. That means monthly loan payments of about $209, which is manageable on a teacher's or business graduate's salary. The 97.8% employment rate shows that UNI degrees lead to jobs.
Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education and social services. About 90% of students come from Iowa, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows the Panther basketball team. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names, not just their student ID numbers.
Students pay an average net price of $14,609 after financial aid, which makes UNI one of the more affordable options in Iowa. Graduates earn a median of $55,177 ten years after college with typical debt of $19,691. That means monthly loan payments of about $209, which is manageable on a teacher's or business graduate's salary. The 97.8% employment rate shows that UNI degrees lead to jobs.
Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education and social services. About 90% of students come from Iowa, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows the Panther basketball team. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names, not just their student ID numbers.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Northern Iowa built its reputation on teacher education, and the College of Education remains one of the strongest programs in Iowa. The business school also draws many students with solid career placement rates. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable even though this is a public university with 7,599 students. The 66% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work part-time or student-teach, which can extend time to degree. About 90% of students come from Iowa, creating a close community where professors know students by name. The school focuses on practical programs that prepare graduates for jobs in Iowa and the Midwest.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.9%
- Retention Rate
- 84.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,177
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $71,643 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $68,666 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,997 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,771 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,399 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,657 |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,151 |
Campus Life
Cedar Falls sits 100 miles from Minneapolis and feels like a classic college town with about 40,000 residents. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat since Iowa winters can drop below zero, but summers are warm enough for outdoor sports and activities. With housing capacity for 3,594 students out of 7,599 total enrollment, about 47% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel.
The campus centers around the Campanile bell tower, and students often gather on the nearby quad when weather permits. Since 90% of students come from Iowa, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do. Basketball games draw big crowds (the Panthers made the Sweet 16 in 2010), and the McLeod Center gets loud during Missouri Valley Conference matchups. Students also hang out at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center or explore Cedar Falls' downtown area, which sits right next to campus. The Hill area near campus offers student-friendly restaurants and bars. Greek life exists but isn't overwhelming, and many students join clubs related to their majors, especially in education and business.
The campus centers around the Campanile bell tower, and students often gather on the nearby quad when weather permits. Since 90% of students come from Iowa, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do. Basketball games draw big crowds (the Panthers made the Sweet 16 in 2010), and the McLeod Center gets loud during Missouri Valley Conference matchups. Students also hang out at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center or explore Cedar Falls' downtown area, which sits right next to campus. The Hill area near campus offers student-friendly restaurants and bars. Greek life exists but isn't overwhelming, and many students join clubs related to their majors, especially in education and business.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,594 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1876
Campus Safety (2023)
88 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 24 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–28°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 39.1"
Student Demographics
The University of Northern Iowa draws mostly Iowa residents who want quality education close to home without breaking the bank. With women making up nearly two-thirds of students, the campus reflects UNI's strength in education and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families who value affordable options. The heavily in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where students often know each other from across Iowa, building networks that last long after graduation.
- Men
- 37.7%
- Women
- 62.4%
- White
- 83.5%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 90.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.8%
Location
Cedar Falls sits in northeastern Iowa, about 115 miles northeast of Des Moines and 60 miles west of Dubuque. This college town of around 40,000 people doubles when students arrive each fall, creating a community where the university shapes much of the local culture. The area offers typical Midwest charm with tree-lined streets, local coffee shops, and easy access to outdoor activities along the Cedar River. With 90.08% of students coming from in-state, most already know Iowa's rolling farmland and small-town feel. The campus sits in a walkable downtown area where students can easily reach restaurants and shops. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare University of Northern Iowa with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0005
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,177
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,258
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $209/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,691
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Northern Iowa?
UNI accepts 94.95% of applicants with an average SAT of 1175. The school focuses on accessible education for Iowa residents, with 90.08% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Northern Iowa cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,609, making UNI one of Iowa's most affordable options. Students graduate with a median debt of just $19,691, well below national averages.
What is University of Northern Iowa known for academically?
UNI has built its reputation on teacher education programs and business school excellence. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in these signature programs.
What are the job prospects for University of Northern Iowa graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.8% employment rate with median earnings of $55,177 after 10 years. The school's strong ties to Iowa education and business sectors create reliable career pathways.
Where is University of Northern Iowa located and what's campus life like?
Cedar Falls provides a classic college town atmosphere for UNI's 7,599 students. The campus houses 3,594 students and maintains an 84.60% retention rate, indicating student satisfaction.
Does University of Northern Iowa compete in Division I athletics?
The Panthers compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Missouri Valley Conference with 13 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $4,376,004 in scholarships to 420 student-athletes.
