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How to Get Into University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

University of Northern Iowa Admissions Statistics

93%
Acceptance Rate
520-650
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
500-630
SAT Math (mid 50%)
19-26
ACT (mid 50%)
7,529
Undergrads
68%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into University of Northern Iowa

The bar here is clear

University of Northern Iowa admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1020-1280 combined SAT or 19-26 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where University of Northern Iowa fits.

University of Northern Iowa Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Regular Decision (RD) Rolling

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $40
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

University of Northern Iowa Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $22,278
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $9,936 / $21,712
Room & board (on campus) $9,986
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $15,901

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $10,863
$30-48k $11,751
$48-75k $14,099
$75-110k $17,740
$110k+ $18,706
27%
Students receiving Pell Grants
46%
Students taking federal loans
82%
Freshman retention rate
18:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use University of Northern Iowa's Official Net Price Calculator →

More University of Northern Iowa Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for University of Northern Iowa:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at University of Northern Iowa, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into University of Northern Iowa, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon University of Northern Iowa's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships University of Northern Iowa students actually win

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