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 gives you a solid, low-risk financial return. At under $15,000 a year net and a median debt below $20,000, you graduate owing less than one year's typical earnings. The 68.9% grad rate and 84.6% retention mean most students who start actually finish, which is the single biggest factor in whether the degree pays off. You are not gambling on this school.
The clear winners are the technical and industrial majors. Electromechanical Instrumentation graduates out-earn every other program listed, and Construction Management pairs strong pay with the lowest debt on the list. Industrial Production and the two computing majors also clear the school median comfortably. If you come to UNI for one of these fields, the math works well.
The trade-off shows up in the tech-heavy majors: Computer Science and Management Information Systems carry the highest debt of the top programs, several thousand more than Construction Management, for similar or lower pay. You take on more to earn about the same. Note that all five top earners are technical or industrial. UNI is historically known for education and liberal arts, and those programs don't appear on the top-earnings list, so weaker returns there are a real risk if that's your path.
The regional context matters. These are Iowa manufacturing, construction, and industrial jobs, and the salaries reflect a Midwest market with a low cost of living, so the dollars stretch further than they would on a coast.
The net price barely moves across income levels: families under $30,000 pay about $10,000, and families over $110,000 pay roughly $16,000. That flat curve means UNI is an especially good deal for middle- and upper-income families, since you don't pay a steep premium for out-earning the aid cutoffs.
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.