HomeUniversitiesUniversity of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Public UniversityUnited States

University of Northern Iowa

United States

Apply Now University Website

34,360/yr

Avg. tuition

12,356/yr

Living (Bachelors)

12,356/yr

Living (Masters)

26+programs

Courses

About

Founded in 1876, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a public university in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It is one of Iowa's three public universities, along with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. UNI offers 90+ majors across five colleges.

What is the acceptance rate of the University of Northern Iowa?

The University of Northern Iowa has an enrollment of 10,000+ students, an acceptance rate of 86%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.

The UNI Panthers compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference. The men's basketball team has won two national championships (1944 and 1950), and the women's basketball team has won one national championship (1990). The average annual tuition and other fees for the University of Northern Iowa international undergraduates are $21,272, and for international graduates, it is $22,834.

UNI is a great choice for students looking for a high-quality education in a supportive environment. The University of Northern Iowa is consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the Midwest. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Northern Iowa #2 in the "Top Public Schools Regional University (Midwest)" category.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of Northern Iowa

  • Acclaim: The University of Northern Iowa is a well-respected university with a strong academic reputation. It is ranked #89 among public national universities by U.S. News & World Report. UNI also has highly ranked programs, including its teacher education program, which is ranked #1 in Iowa.
  • Perfectly Sized: The University of Northern Iowa is a medium-sized university with a student body of 9,000+ students, offering the benefits of a small college, such as close relationships with professors and individualized attention, while also providing the resources and opportunities of a larger university.
  • Student-Focused: The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing students with an all-round experience, via varied resources and programs designed to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid.
  • Strong Alumni Network: The University of Northern Iowa has a strong alumni network of 100,000+ graduates, serving as a valuable resource for students after graduation, providing job opportunities, networking connections, and financial support.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

85%

Application Fee

$75 - $95

How to Apply at University of Northern Iowa

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of Northern Iowa for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Submit your application: You will need to create a university account, known as a CatID.
  • Two ways to apply: Apply with your self-reported ACT or SAT scores, or as test-optional (with no test scores).
  • ‌Pay a $40 application fee.
  • Share your unofficial transcript: You can choose to upload your unofficial transcript directly within the application or by emailing it to UNI.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of Northern Iowa for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Submit a completed online application form.
  • Pay a non-refundable application fee of $75.
  • Submit all post-secondary educational transcripts.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit standardized exam scores (if required).
  • Submit a copy of the personal data page of your passport.
  • Submit a completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of Northern Iowa for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Submit a c completed online application form.
  • Pay a non-refundable application fee of $75.
  • Submit all post-secondary educational transcripts.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit standardized exam scores (if required).
  • Submit a copy of the personal data page of your passport.
  • Submit a completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form.

Documents Required to Apply to University of Northern Iowa

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to the University of Northern Iowa as an international undergraduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Unofficial Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to the University of Northern Iowa as an international graduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Educational Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Passport Copy.
  • Financial Documents.

If required:

  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Research Proposal.
  • Writing Sample.
  • Resume or CV.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Documents needed to apply to the University of Northern Iowa as an international master's or PhD applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Educational Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Passport Copy.
  • Financial Documents.

If required:

  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Research Proposal.
  • Writing Sample.
  • Resume or CV.

Exams Accepted By University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa accepts the following English proficiency tests and scores from international students:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • DET: 105
  • PTE: 52

Campus Life

Campus locations
Iowa

Transportation in the city

Cedar Falls, Iowa has varied transportation options available to its residents and visitors, including:

  • Public Bus Service: Met Transit provides bus service throughout Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Routes connect to major destinations in both cities, including the University of Northern Iowa, the Waterloo Regional Airport, and the Cedar Falls Medical Center. Met Transit also offers paratransit services for people with disabilities.
  • Taxi Service: Several taxi companies operate in Cedar Falls, including Dolly's Taxi and Transport, Cedar Valley Taxi, and Yellow Cab. Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft can be a convenient and affordable way to get around town, especially for short trips.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails: Cedar Falls has a network of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting major destinations in the city, offering a great way to get around town without using a car.
  • Personal Vehicle: Cedar Falls is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around by car. However, parking can be limited in some areas, especially downtown.

Services offered by the university

The University of Northern Iowa offers varied services to students, including:

  • Academic Advising: The University of Northern Iowa offers academic advising and support to all students, by helping them choose classes, plan their degree programs, and stay on track to graduate. UNI also offers tutoring, writing help, and math assistance.
  • Financial Aid: The University of Northern Iowa offers financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These options help students afford the cost of college.
  • Recreation: The University of Northern Iowa offers several recreation facilities, including a gym, pool, and tennis courts. These facilities are available for use by students, faculty, and staff.
  • Student Activities: The University of Northern Iowa offers varied student activities, including clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. These activities provide students with opportunities to get involved on campus and make friends.

Some specific examples of services offered by the University of Northern Iowa:

  • The Counseling Center provides clinical mental health services, outreach programming, and a training program to support the mental health, safety, and well-being of the campus community.
  • The Disability Services Office provides accommodations and support to students with disabilities, assisting them to succeed in their classes and participate in campus activities.
  • The Veterans Resource Center provides support and services to veterans and their families, helping them adjust to college life and transition back to civilian life.

Student life at University of Northern Iowa

  • Clubs and Organisations: The University of Northern Iowa offers 200+ student clubs for students of all interests, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and social fraternities and sororities.
  • Thriving Arts Scene: The University of Northern Iowa has a strong music, theatre, and dance program. Students can also participate in the student-run radio station, KULT, or the student-run TV station, UNI-TV.
  • Fantastic Athletics: The University of Northern Iowa is a member of the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference. The Panthers compete in 17 sports, and their fans are some of the most passionate in the country.
  • Beautiful Campus: The University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, a charming town with a lot to offer. The campus itself is also beautiful, with rolling hills, lush green lawns, and varied architectural styles.
  • Outdoor Recreation: The University of Northern Iowa is located in the Cedar Valley, which is home to many state parks and recreation areas. Students can go hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming in the area.

On campus accomodation at University of Northern Iowa

  • Suite-Style Dorms offer a mix of traditional and suite-style rooms. Suites offer access to a private bathroom, while traditional rooms share a bathroom with other students in the hallway.
  • Apartment-Style Housing offers fully furnished units with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Apartments also have a kitchen and living room area.
  • Individual Guest Housing is available to visiting faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others. Guest housing can be short-term or long-term, and room types vary depending on availability.

All on-campus accommodation at the University of Northern Iowa includes the following amenities:

  • Fully furnished bedroom.
  • Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
  • Access to campus recreation facilities.
  • Resident Assistant (RA) support.
  • Laundry facilities.
  • Wireless internet.
  • Cable TV.

Cost: The cost of a suite-style dorm with a shared bathroom ranges from \$9,140 to \$10,280 per year. The cost of apartment-style housing with a private bathroom ranges from \$6,379 to \$8,420 per year.

Faculty

University Faculty Stats

Some facts about the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI):

  • There are 509+ faculty members at UNI, with 78% of them being full-time.
  • The student-to-faculty ratio at UNI is around 16:1.
  • Of the full-time faculty members, 94.9% are tenured and 99% are on the tenure track.
  • The average faculty member at UNI has 15 years of experience.
  • The most common fields of study for UNI faculty members are education, business, and health sciences.
  • UNI faculty members have been awarded $50 million in external funding in the past five years.

Career Opportunities

Internship opportunities at University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa offers varied internship and part-time job opportunities for students. Internships are a great way to gain real-world experience in your field of study, while part-time jobs can help you earn money to pay for tuition and other expenses.

Here are some internship opportunities available at the University of Northern Iowa:

  • Education internships are available in education fields, including teaching, counselling, and administration.
  • Engineering internships are available in engineering fields, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
  • Health Internships are available in a variety of health fields, including nursing, medicine, and public health.
  • Humanities and social sciences internships are available in humanities and social sciences fields, including English, history, and political science.

Here are some part-time job opportunities available at the University of Northern Iowa:

  • Desk assistants provide customer service to students, faculty, and staff.
  • Resident assistants live in residence halls and provide support to students.
  • Teaching assistants help professors with grading papers, leading discussion sections, and preparing for class.
  • Research assistants help professors with their research projects.
  • Tutors provide academic help to students.

Placement of University of Northern Iowa

Placement: The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has a high job placement rate for its graduates. In 2022, 96% of UNI graduates were employed within six months of graduation.

Hiring Companies: Here are some of the top employers for the University of Northern Iowa graduates:

  • State of Iowa
  • Principal Financial Group
  • Wells Fargo
  • MercyOne Health
  • John Deere
  • Hy-Vee
  • Alliant Energy
  • UnitedHealth Group
  • Principal Global Investors
  • Bankers Trust

Salaries: The average starting salary for the University of Northern Iowa graduates is $52,812. The average salary for UNI graduates in the following fields is:

  • Business: $57,000
  • Education: $53,000
  • Health: $60,000
  • Engineering: $65,000
  • Computer science: $68,000

Popular Courses · 26

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the University of Northern Iowa?
The average living expenses for masters at the University of Northern Iowa is USD 12356.
What factors should be considered when choosing the University of Northern Iowa
When choosing the University of Northern Iowa for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Ashiraj 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at University of Northern Iowa 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does University of Northern Iowa provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at University of Northern Iowa by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the University of Northern Iowa website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the University of Northern Iowa a good university?
Yes. Established in 1876, University of Northern Iowa is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at University of Northern Iowa include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at University of Northern Iowa?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at University of Northern Iowa are: 1. Technology in University of Northern Iowa 2. Health Education in University of Northern Iowa 3. Science Education in University of Northern Iowa 4. Special Education in University of Northern Iowa 5. Art Education in University of Northern Iowa 6. History in University of Northern Iowa 7. Psychology in University of Northern Iowa 8. Accounting in University of Northern Iowa 9. Spanish in University of Northern Iowa 10. Counseling in University of Northern Iowa
What is the University of Northern Iowa GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for University of Northern Iowa will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official University of Northern Iowa’s website to know more

Last updated August 14, 2026

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University of Northern Iowa: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at UNI