University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa · Public · 92.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
The University of Northern Iowa scores 69 (Fair Value) — a solid midpoint result for an Iowa public regional. Median 6-year earnings of $39,600, a 10.1-year payback period, and a 67.9% completion rate paint the picture of an adequate regional university where outcomes vary dramatically by program. In-state tuition of $9,936 and net price of $15,901 are modest. The best programs are in applied technical and business fields: Industrial Production Technologies (30 graduates, $69,122 year-one, B+ grade), Construction Management (49 graduates, $68,698 year-one, B+ grade), and Computer Science (30 graduates, $65,960 year-one, B grade) all produce well-above-median earnings. Teacher Education — UNI's identity program — is the high-volume but financially weak anchor: Teacher Education itself (413 graduates) earns $42,790 year-one but carries a C grade (debt-to-earnings 0.609) and a weak four-year ceiling of $45,885. Fine and Studio Arts and Drama/Theatre both carry F grades (debt-to-earnings above 1.0). UNI is best understood as a specialized institution for education and specific technical programs, with a liberal arts core that serves non-education students adequately but not exceptionally.
University of Northern Iowa
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,936/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,712/yr |
| Average net price | $15,901/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $63,604 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,177 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,691 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $209 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 67.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,529 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Northern Iowa is $9,936/year ($21,712/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,901/year, or roughly $63,604 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,863/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,706/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,691 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $209 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,177 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,863 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,751 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,099 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,740 |
| $110,001+ | $18,706 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $10,863 net price per year — about $43,452 over four years. At a 10.1-year payback for the median outcome, the financial position is adequate for completers. Construction management and computer science students at this price point have excellent outcomes. Teacher education students face a longer payback given Iowa's salary structure. The 67.9% completion rate means roughly one-third of students do not finish.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $14,099 per year; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $17,740. These figures remain low for a four-year degree. Middle-income families in Iowa choosing between UNI and Iowa State should compare program-specific outcomes — UNI wins in education and construction management; Iowa State wins in engineering and agriculture.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110,000 pay $18,706 per year — about $74,824 over four years. At this cost, the 10.1-year payback period is manageable for most program tracks. High-income families choosing UNI are almost certainly Iowa residents prioritizing the education pipeline or specific applied programs. The value case is strongest in technical and business tracks.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Northern Iowa with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $45,885 | C |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $50,144 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,172 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $74,838 | B |
| Psychology | $53,829 | C |
| Social Work | $50,629 | C |
| Biology | $62,391 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $51,712 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $54,629 | C |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,509 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Construction Management
Construction Management (49 graduates) earns $68,698 year-one and $85,688 year-four with a B+ ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.335). This program produces some of UNI's strongest financial outcomes. Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota construction markets provide direct placement for graduates. Median debt of $23,000 against year-one earnings above $68,000 is a clean ratio. Students who want construction project management as a career track will find UNI's program well-positioned.
Computer Science
Computer Science (30 graduates) earns $65,960 year-one and $89,305 year-four with a B ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.397). Year-one earnings are lower than at research universities, reflecting the regional labor market, but the four-year trajectory is solid. Median debt of $26,200 is moderate relative to earnings. UNI CS graduates primarily enter Midwest technology employers — manufacturing software, agtech, financial services — rather than the national tech market.
Accounting
Accounting earns $61,088 year-one and $82,641 year-four with a B ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.352). The Scorecard reports 0 graduates in this CIP code, which is likely a data reporting artifact — UNI has a functioning accounting program. Year-one earnings above $60,000 are consistent with CPA pipeline employment in Iowa's public accounting and corporate sectors. Median debt of $21,525 is modest.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (413 graduates) is UNI's largest program and its institutional identity. Year-one earnings of $42,790 and a four-year ceiling of $45,885 produce a C ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.609). Teacher salaries in Iowa are modest, and the ceiling is real — $45,885 after four years reflects the state salary schedule. Median debt of $26,059 against these earnings is a meaningful burden. UNI education graduates are well-prepared for Iowa classrooms, but the financial case requires students to weigh intrinsic career satisfaction against a longer payback horizon.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 77.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 500-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-26 |
| Enrollment | 7,529 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 27.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,542 |
A 92.7% admission rate makes UNI accessible. ACT 19-26 mid-range is below the Iowa state average. Net price ranges from $10,863 (lowest bracket) to $18,706 (highest) — modest and consistent across income levels. Low-income students in education or technical programs can expect reasonable financial outcomes. The main consideration is whether UNI's program mix matches the student's goals — education seekers fit well, while STEM students will find more resource depth at Iowa State.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNI's Scorecard peer group includes Iowa State, University of Iowa, Ferris State University, Central Washington University, and UT Tyler. Among Iowa public universities, UNI occupies the teacher education niche — it produces more Iowa teachers than any other institution. Iowa State dominates engineering and agriculture; U Iowa dominates pre-professional programs. UNI's 69 ROI score is reasonable for a regional teacher-prep school with strong applied technical programs. The 10.1-year payback reflects the mixed program portfolio rather than any single weak program.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Iowa (this school) | 69 | $15,901 | $55,177 |
| Iowa State University | 79 | $18,589 | $63,386 |
| University of Iowa | 76 | $22,531 | $64,762 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | 72 | $13,323 | $57,053 |
| Ferris State University | 68 | $8,624 | $54,735 |
| Central Washington University | 68 | $18,476 | $61,580 |
Who Thrives Here
UNI admits 92.7% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 500-630 Math and 520-650 Reading (ACT 19-26). At 7,529 students, it is a mid-sized Iowa regional with Cedar Falls roots. Pell rate of 27.4% reflects a mostly working-class to middle-income student body. UNI's historic strength in teacher education draws a large education-focused applicant pool; the business, technology, and construction programs are secondary pipelines. Students entering the trades or construction management find a strong practical curriculum and regional employer relationships in the Iowa-Illinois corridor.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Northern Iowa offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,901 per year leads to $63,604 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,177 a decade out. The payback period of 10.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $19,691 against $55,177 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.