At $14,609/yr net price, University of Northern Iowa graduates earn $55,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,177/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,609 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,177/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,691 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,170/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,136/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,872/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,058/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,396/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $71,643 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $68,666 | $27,038 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $18,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $19,829 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,399 | $22,770 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $22,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,657 | |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,151 | $29,955 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at University of Northern Iowa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Northern Iowa delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with graduates earning a median of $55,177 annually while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $19,691. Your net cost of $14,609 per year creates a reasonable payback period for most programs.
The standout financial opportunities come from UNI's technical and business programs. Electromechanical instrumentation leads earnings at $71,643, while construction management graduates earn $63,997 with debt of just $18,000. Business administration and educational administration both clear $64,000 annually, making these programs strong bets for career earnings.
The main financial risk is UNI's 69% graduation rate, meaning nearly one in three students leave without a degree but often with debt. Your chances improve significantly if you can maintain the academic performance needed to stay enrolled, as evidenced by the strong 85% retention rate.
UNI works best financially if you're targeting practical, career-focused programs rather than liberal arts fields that may struggle in Iowa's job market. The school's location in Cedar Falls limits you primarily to regional employment opportunities, which can cap earning potential compared to graduates who move to major metropolitan areas.
With only 24% of students receiving need-based aid, merit scholarships become important for reducing costs. UNI's relatively low sticker price means you're less likely to accumulate crushing debt even without significant aid, making it a safer choice than higher-cost alternatives for middle-income families who don't qualify for substantial need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Northern Iowa worth the cost?
UNI offers solid value with a low net price of $14,609 annually and manageable debt levels around $19,691. Graduates earn $55,177 after 10 years, which provides decent returns for most students, though outcomes vary significantly by major.
What are the best paying majors at University of Northern Iowa?
Electromechanical technology programs lead with $71,643 in early career earnings, followed by educational administration at $68,666. Business and construction management also perform well, while many liberal arts programs show weaker financial returns.
How much debt do University of Northern Iowa graduates have?
The median debt load is $19,691, which is below the national average. With the school's affordable tuition and strong financial aid, most students can graduate without excessive borrowing.
Does University of Northern Iowa have good job placement rates?
The 68.9% graduation rate is concerning and suggests retention issues. While technical and business programs show strong earning potential, the lower-than-average completion rate indicates academic or financial challenges for many students.