About University of Northern Iowa

Founded in 1876, University of Northern Iowa. is a Public college. Located in Iowa, which is a city setting in Iowa, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 10,104 full time undergraduate students, and 1,801 full time graduate students.

The University of Northern Iowa Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 566 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Northern Iowa include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate82%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range885-1220
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at UNI are considered Less Selective, with ,78% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 38 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

84% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 48% were in the top quarter, and 19% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Northern Iowa.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
26%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
70%
“I feel extremely safe”
7%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
39%
“We bought the gear”
54%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
51%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
31%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
44%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
56%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
31%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
51%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
82%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
26%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
70%
“I feel extremely safe”
7%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
39%
“We bought the gear”
54%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
51%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
31%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
44%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
56%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
31%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
51%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
82%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

University of Northern Iowa REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    176 Students rated on-campus housing 4.1 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    135 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    187 Students rated campus food 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    194 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    195 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    193 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    194 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    194 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of Northern Iowa?

66 Students rated University of Northern Iowa

Sofia - 12/26/2023

I think that the University of Northern Iowa is a great college to attend and I've enjoyed my time here. It's a medium-sized school, which means that you get smaller class sizes while still getting the opportunity to meet new people all of the time. It feels like the best of both worlds between small and large colleges. Additionally, the campus is very pretty and feels quite safe.

Katie - 12/29/2022

University of Northern Iowa is an amazing school. They have a nice campus. It not huge but it still is big enough that you don't feel like you're stuck on a small campus. The academics are very good and the faculty really cares. The dining services have a wide variety with plenty of healthy options. The sports and extracurricular activities offer a wide variety of things to spend your time doing.

Theo - 07/28/2022

The University of Northern Iowa is a great choice for people looking to go into teaching. The classes are a good size and the professors are always willing to meet after class and just talk about the class or life in general. The school is filled with introverts, which is an extrovert's dream. The campus is walkable and very safe, but it is designed for wind flow as it was built only to be used in the summer. So bring warm clothes for the winter and the wind!

Gracie - 12/28/2020

Since starting at UNI, I absolutely love it. It really is the best of both worlds; the classes and campus aren't overwhelmingly large and so theres a strong sense of community but theres always something going on either on or around campus to keep you busy. The professors are amazing about helping when you reach out and the school itself offers various opportunities for extra help when it's needed.

University of Northern Iowa FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Northern Iowa?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Northern Iowa is 82%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If it feels right, then choose it, if you walk onto a campus and get a weird feeling, don't push it, just try a different campus. Each college can be better or worse for a specific college, do not go somewhere because your father did, or your greatgrandfather founded it, although it might be good financial aid. Find a place that specializes in what you would like to do, or has a broad program, like UNI. I love UNI because the theater teachers are well known, teach in multiple different countries and we have experiences that have changed my life and given me oppertunites I only wished for. Get involved, the more involved you are, the more fun college will be, if you sit in your dorm all day, of course you won't make friends, go out, meet new people, and try new things. You will be suprised where life will take you, like me, if I didn't come here, I would have never met my fiance. So go out and visit, and go with your gut, because you never know what you will find!

    Read all  189 answers
  3. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about being at UNI is the amount of pride shown by all students who attend here and the staff who works here as well. Everyone has a strong sense of community and would do anything to help a fellow student or coworker out. There is never a day when I don't see students showing school spirit and pride.

    Read all  41 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It is very cold in the winter time.

    Read all  37 answers
  5. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The kind of person that should attend the University of Northern Iowa should be anyone that wants to be in a very relaxed enviornment. Someone who truely values their education and is pushing themselves to move forward in life and enrich the lives of others as well as their own life.

    Read all  34 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known more about opportunities for scholarships. However, when I applied for one scholarship, the committee for that scholarship recommended me for another scholarship that I had not applied for. I ended up receiving both scholarships, so I am very grateful to the faculty at this university.

    Read all  33 answers
  7. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    I love my school. It is very friendly, and I feel there is always something going on. The professors are always willing to help me when I have a problem with what is going on in class.

    Read all  32 answers
  8. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are school oriented, but they also know how to relax and have fun when all the homework is finished.

    Read all  30 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone that just wants to party and not study. They will not make it through if they only party.

    Read all  30 answers
  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    UNI is the size of a small private school with the backing and resources of a large public institution (and the price tag). The professors and faculty/staff are what make UNI shine, I know first hand that from the RAs to Academic Advisors to almost every Professor, their goal for you to succeed. Whether that is offering suggestions or providing opportunities (or even being woken up at 3 am to read your final paper as you silently freak out in the corner) the resources staff offers is truly invaluable.

    Read all  29 answers
  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    the cold weather, but other than that I love UNI!

    Read all  28 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best known for its Education majors and Business education. Also we are known for upsetting the number 1 team in the nation last year in the NCAA tournament!

    Read all  26 answers
  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    That it is just the right size, they have an amazing theater program, and there are tons of ways to get invovled, and the people are nice, and willing to help with whatever. The eating place is open for those with allergies (like me) and assist well.

    Read all  26 answers
  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I don't think there are any stereotypes of the student body as a whole at the University of Northern Iowa. Although, I would say we are known for our school spirit! The Interlude Dance has been a huge factor in making our student section known nation wide. Also, we have a large enough campus that you can be who you would like and still be able to find a group to belong to. We don't have many fraternity or sorority groups, but they are a close knit group. We also have a lot of exchange students and that makes for a interesting and diverse student population.

    Read all  6 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    UNI is a great school to go to! It is a very compact campus and is truly a home away from home! It's the perfect size for a college campus! Being a state school, we have plenty of resources for students to use also. Currently the NISG (Northern Iowa Student Government) is doing a trial of bringing the NY Times to campus. For a while, we get free copies of the New York Times newspaper in the Maucker Union on a first come first serve basis. NISG is going to try to extend it for the rest of the semester and perhaps even next year and after. UNI is a respectable school to graduate from, and if you want to be a teacher this is by far your best bet! It is a great school to go to for an education major. Also, there is a ton of school spirit here. Everyone loves the Panthers in Cedar Falls! Many of the people here are also Iowa or Iowa State fans too, which is okay. You can still bring in your old team favorite and still be a Panthers fan! The biggest recent controversy on campus has been the rise in tuition prices that all of the state schools are now feeling. UNI is being most affected by the state cutbacks as compared to the other state schools of Iowa since we have a greater percentage of funds coming from the state. Besides tuition, one of the biggest complaints is the food in the dining centers. Usually, the food is good and there is a wide variety from pasta to ice cream to subs to pizza, and more! However, on the weekends the food selections aren't as good.

    Read all  4 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics at UNI are challenging but definitely doable. All of the professors that I've had have been very clear that they are willing to help if we need the help. Also, all professors have office hours, and most are flexible and allow you to schedule an appointment at other times if you can't make the set times. You can use these times to talk about homework, classes, or just go in and talk. They are willing to help if you make the time to go in and talk to them. Many of the classes I've taken have been in classes of less than 50, and so class participation is encouraged and sometimes required. There are also university tutors, where the university hires students to help their peers in virtually every subject free of charge. The classes here are also guiding you to do what you need to after college. Many of the Liberal Arts classes are set up just for learning, but once you get into the classes needed for your major they are geared toward practicality and what you are going to use in your job.

    Read all  2 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    UNI has many student organizations that appeal to a diverse population of students. There are many service related organizations, which I believe seem to be very popular. For example, one group has "Volunteer Tuesdays" in which every Tuesday of the month students volunteer somewhere in the community. These events seem to be so popular that they often fill spots a month before. One of my favorite groups that I have been involved in is Colleges Against Cancer, which plans Relay for Life. It was a very positive experience that allowed students to show their passions. Many students also attend athletic events, especially since they are free for UNI students, which is rare. Athletic events have such a great atmosphere and sense of team spirit. I have meet my closest friends in my dorm my freshman year. The dorms have a great sense of community and allow you to meet many people. They usually have many activities for students to get involved in both during the week and on the weekends.

    Read all  1 answers
  18. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    Because it was not too close, nor too far away from my hometown. Some of the bars are 18+ but it is not a huge party school. The teacher to student ratio is great and the campus is not too big

    Read all  1 answers
  19. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    There are SO many food options! There are all different types of foods, but they get a little old after a few years.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

57%

female

43%

male

10,104

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,801

Total Grad Students

8%

Out-Of-State

91%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

259

Student Organizations

4

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

35%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
3%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
82%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

82% of students attending University of Northern Iowa receive some sort of financial aid. 29% were awarded federal grants. While 58% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$18,851

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$900

Books and Supplies

$8,629

Room and Board

28,380

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,714
$30 - $48K
$13,155
$48 - $75K
$14,339
$75 - $110K
$17,009
$110K & UP
$17,811

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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