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Colleges / IA / Cedar Falls
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University of Northern Iowa

Public Cedar Falls, IA · Urban · Plains · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
68%
Graduation Rate
$55,177
Earnings (10yr)
$15,901
Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Over 7,500 students call the University of Northern Iowa home, making it a vibrant community with a high acceptance rate of 93%. This accessibility allows a diverse range of students to pursue their educational goals in a supportive environment.

The university's graduates earn an average of $55,177 a decade after completing their degrees, highlighting the economic potential of a degree from UNI. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s commitment to education and support for first-generation college students suggests a focus on helping students from varied backgrounds achieve financial stability.

Attending UNI costs an average net price of $15,901, with median debt for graduates at $19,691. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Education, Business, Health Professions, Psychology, and Communications. With a solid graduation rate of 68%, UNI serves as a stepping stone for many toward successful careers.

Rankings

How University Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation68%Earnings 10yr$55KNet Price$16KRetention82%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate27%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$11K$0-30K$12K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$19K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%350.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3196.7%MOBILITY112.19%

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,936
In-State Tuition
$21,712
Out-of-State
$15,901
Avg Net Price
$19,691
Median Debt
27%
Pell Grant Rate
46%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$10,863
Family Income $0–$30K
$11,751
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,099
Family Income $48K–$75K
$18,706
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$47,222
6 Years After Entry
$50,478
8 Years
$55,177
10 Years
0.36x
Debt-to-Earnings
77%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$47,222 6yr $50,478 8yr $55,177 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

112.19%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3196.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
350.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$88,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.76
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.157%
Inventor Rate
12
Total Patents
23
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 93%
Retention Rate 82%
SAT Average 1122
ACT Midpoint 23
SAT Range 1020–1280
ACT Range 19–26
Full-Time Faculty 70%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,542
Diversity Index 0.30
First-Gen Students 22%

Top Programs

Education 28%
Business & Marketing 20%
Health Professions 5%
Psychology 5%
Communications 5%
Social Sciences 4%
Biology & Biomedical 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%