About

Public

University Type

$12,356

Average Living Expenses

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.

Courses

Cost of Studying at University of Northern Iowa

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$12,356

Average living expenses (Masters)

$12,356

Admissions at The University of Northern Iowa

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

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Alumni at University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa has an alumni count of 1,24,000+, all excelling in varied fields and professions. Some of the notable alumni of UNI are:

  • Bess Streeter Aldrich: Novelist and short story writer. Her best-known work is A Lantern in Her Hand (1928).
  • Bruce Charlesworth: Filmmaker and photographer. His films include The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia (2009) and Oxyana (2011).
  • LJ Fort: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker.
  • Ali Farokhmanesh: Former professional basketball player. Made a famous buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
  • Joann S. Lublin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has worked for The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She is a graduate of UNI's School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
  • Gil Gutknecht: Former U.S. Congressman from Minnesota. Served from 1993 to 2007.

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Kaarmugilan N
Kaarmugilan N

5 days ago

MSc in BI &LM in University of Western Australia OR MSc in Strategic Supply chain management in Uni of tech, sydney
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Which uni is better in terms of job opportunities for MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
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Resu Crafters

7 days ago

Hi all, any leads for watsapp groups of different uni please
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sreeja nukarapu
Sreeja Nukarapu

9 days ago

Guys , help me finalize the uni
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Mohammed Abdul Sattar Saqlain
Mohammed Abdul Sattar Saqlain

10 days ago

Does Anyone can give me a review about MARYVILLE UNI St Louis Can I proceed with it and also how is the visa acceptance
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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.

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