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Public, 4-year

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa · www.uni.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

92.7%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$21,712

In-state $9,936

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

7,711

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

43.4%

4-year; 6-year rate 63.8%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is renowned for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on undergraduate programs. Established in 1876, UNI has evolved into a vibrant institution that fosters a close-knit academic community. The university’s motto, “Education for a Changing World,” reflects its dedication to preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce through innovative teaching methods and a diverse curriculum. UNI is particularly recognized for its programs in education, business, and the arts, which are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

UNI boasts a rich campus culture characterized by strong student engagement and a wide array of extracurricular activities. The university hosts numerous organizations, clubs, and sports teams that encourage student participation and foster leadership skills. Athletic programs, particularly in NCAA Division I sports, provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents and build school spirit. Additionally, the campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational centers, enhancing the overall student experience. With a focus on community and collaboration, UNI prepares its graduates to be not only skilled professionals but also socially responsible citizens, contributing positively to their communities and the world at large.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa has demonstrated significant trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over recent years. The increase in tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students has been notable, rising from $7,685 in 2014 to $9,728 in 2024, which represents a 26.6% increase. For out-of-state students, the tuition has escalated from $17,181 to $21,272, marking a 23.5% rise. This steady increase in tuition poses challenges for affordability, especially amidst a backdrop of rising living costs and student debt concerns that have been widely reported in educational news.

Simultaneously, student enrollment has seen a concerning decline. The total number of undergraduate students dropped from 10,655 in 2013 to 7,735 in 2023, reflecting a reduction of approximately 27.6%. This trend may be attributed to several factors, including increased competition among institutions, demographic shifts, and affordability issues stemming from rising tuition costs.

Graduation rates have shown fluctuations, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaking at 43.4% in 2022 before slightly declining to 40.6% in 2023. The 150% graduation rate also experienced a dip, indicating potential challenges for students in completing their degrees within a reasonable timeframe.

Retention rates, meanwhile, remained relatively stable, hovering around 80% to 85% over the years, with 82.6% reported in 2023. This suggests that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are more likely to stay, which indicates a positive student experience for the retained cohort.

Overall, the University of Northern Iowa's data highlights critical issues related to affordability, enrollment challenges, and student success metrics. Addressing these factors will be crucial for the institution's future sustainability and attractiveness to prospective students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Des Moines, about 90 mi
Nearest international airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 90 mi
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Also known as
UNI Panthers Northern Iowa
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Mark Nook (President)
Phone
3192732311
City
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Address
1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0005

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
92.0%
Women
93.2%

In 2020: men 76.5%, women 80.6%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of Northern Iowa

The admission data for the University of Northern Iowa highlights significant trends over the years regarding acceptance rates and enrollment figures. The overall acceptance rates for male applicants have fluctuated between approximately 73.4% and 94.1%, while female applicants' acceptance rates have shown a similar range, peaking at 95.5% in 2023. This suggests a consistently competitive admission environment, particularly in the earlier years, which could reflect broader trends in higher education where universities aim to maintain selectivity.
Enrollment figures have also varied, with a notable increase in the number of students admitted in recent years. For example, in 2023, despite a lower number of total admissions compared to previous years, the acceptance rate reached an impressive 94.1%. This could indicate a strategic shift towards attracting a diverse student body or responding to changing demographics and market demands.
The number of denied applicants has fluctuated, indicating that the university continues to receive a substantial number of applications. The high number of deferred admissions, particularly in earlier years, suggests that the institution may be taking a more cautious approach in selecting candidates, possibly due to uncertainty in institutional capacity or a strategic enrollment management plan.
Overall, the data reflects a dynamic admissions landscape at the University of Northern Iowa, which aligns with national trends of increasing selectivity and the need to adapt to changing student populations. The university's ability to maintain high acceptance rates while managing enrollment effectively is commendable and positions it well for future challenges in the higher education sector.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 2% submitted SAT, 43% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1020–1280Peer median 1080
ACT composite19–26
SAT Reading
520–650
600700800
SAT Math
500–630
600700800
ACT composite
19–26
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admission Test Scores at the University of Northern Iowa

The data from the University of Northern Iowa over the years reveals significant trends in SAT and ACT scores among admitted students. The SAT reading and math scores have shown a general improvement, with the 25th percentile starting score for the SAT reading rising from 490 in 2007 to 530 in 2023, while the 75th percentile scores increased from 621 to 680. This upward trajectory indicates an enhancement in the academic caliber of incoming students, reflecting broader educational trends where higher test scores are becoming a norm among college applicants.

On the other hand, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has remained relatively low, hovering around 1-3%. This trend could suggest a growing preference for the ACT among prospective students, as evidenced by the more substantial number of ACT submissions relative to SAT submissions in several years. The ACT composite scores depict a similar pattern, with a steady increase in both the lower and upper percentiles, indicating that students are improving their performance on this standardized test as well.

Moreover, the fluctuating number of submissions across the years points to changing dynamics in college admissions processes, possibly influenced by test-optional policies that many universities have adopted in recent years. The emphasis on holistic admissions may be encouraging students to focus on other aspects of their applications, such as personal statements and extracurricular activities, rather than on standardized test scores alone.

Overall, these trends reflect the evolving landscape of college admissions and the increasing importance of academic performance as measured by standardized tests, while also acknowledging the shifting preferences of students regarding which tests to submit.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

5,360 applicants in 2025, 92.7% admitted

4,971 admitted 389 not admitted Yield 31.1%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1,96516 international (0.8%)
Master's46545 international (9.7%)
Doctoral310 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Elementary Education and Teaching
299
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other
112
Psychology, General
97
Business Administration and Management, General
95
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
79
Social Work
62
Finance, General
60
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General
56
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
49
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
41

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist · Master's53 (2% international)
  • Social Work · Master's38 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's31 (45% international)
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other · Master's28 (29% international)
  • Mathematics, General · Master's24 (0% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's23 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of Northern Iowa

The graduation data from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various disciplines. The data indicates that the fields of Business and Health Sciences are particularly significant in terms of graduation numbers. For instance, in the General Finance program, there were 54 graduates, with 1 being an international student. This highlights the attractiveness of finance as a career path, likely reflecting its strong job market presence and potential for growth.

Similarly, in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 52 students graduated, which underscores the growing demand for professionals in healthcare-related fields. Notably, the Speech-Language Pathology program produced 43 master's graduates, including 1 international student, suggesting a robust interest in this specialized area of health and education.

Contrastingly, several programs, particularly within the fields of Humanities and Liberal Arts, recorded no graduates. This may point to a broader trend where students are increasingly favoring degrees that promise more direct career opportunities and financial stability, such as those in Business and Health Sciences.

Interestingly, the lack of international students in many programs could also reflect changing dynamics in global education, where barriers and geopolitical factors may deter students from pursuing studies in certain fields. Overall, the data illustrates a clear preference for practical, career-oriented degrees, which aligns with broader educational trends emphasizing employability in today’s competitive job market. This insight could be valuable for universities as they consider program offerings and marketing strategies to attract both domestic and international students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Educationhas 685 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$65,733
Educational/Instructional Technology.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$48,051
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.$48,051
Elementary Education and Teaching.$44,402-$58,933
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.$44,402-$58,933
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$44,402-$58,933
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.$44,402-$58,933
Art Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Business and Innovation/Entrepreneurship Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Foreign Language Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Music Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.$46,571-$58,792
Reading Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Social Science Teacher Education.$46,571-$58,792
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.$42,709
Education, Other.-
Businesshas 493 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$58,668
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.$58,668
Organizational Leadership.$58,668
Finance, General.$58,372
Financial Planning and Services.$58,372
Investments and Securities.$58,372
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.$51,406
Management Information Systems, General.$66,763
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.$59,798
International Marketing.$46,739
Digital Marketing.$46,739
Real Estate.$64,646
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.$57,659
Construction Management, General.$72,653
Health professionshas 182 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.$59,889
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.$59,889
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$50,503
Public Health Education and Promotion.$42,003
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.$42,003
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 136 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.$38,711
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$37,128-$54,313
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$37,128-$54,313
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$37,128-$54,313
Communication has 120 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$42,476
Mass Communication/Media Studies.$42,476
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.$43,411
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.$43,411
Public Relations/Image Management.$48,001
Psychology has 118 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$37,382
Social Psychology.-
Clinical Psychology.-
School Psychology.-
Educational Psychology.-
Public administrationhas 110 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Administration.-
Public Policy Analysis, General.-
Social Work.$42,826-$54,081
Biologyhas 91 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$39,564
Biomedical Sciences, General.$39,564
Biochemistry.-
Ecology.-
Social sciencehas 83 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Anthropology, General.-
Criminology.$46,550
Applied Economics.$59,725
Geography.-
Geographic Information Science and Cartography.-
Political Science and Government, General.$43,712
Political Science and Government, Other.$43,712
Sociology, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 80 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Interior Design.$44,983
Graphic Design.$44,983
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.$26,323
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.$26,323
Acting.$26,323
Fine/Studio Arts, General.$22,977
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.$22,977
Music, General.-
Music Performance, General.-
Music Theory and Composition.-
Conducting.-
Keyboard Instruments.-
Jazz/Jazz Studies.-
Music Technology.-
Liberal arts has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$40,998
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$40,998
Mathmatics and statistics has 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.$48,747-$57,573
Statistics, Other.-
Human science has 49 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.-
Family and Community Services.$38,275
Apparel and Textiles, General.-
History has 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.$42,358
Computer and information sciencehas 35 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer Science.$59,817
Engineering technologieshas 35 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.-
Industrial Technology/Technician.$80,016
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.$80,016
Natural resources has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Science.-
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General.-
Homeland security has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$45,483
English has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.$34,758
Libraryhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Library and Information Science.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Gerontology.-
Business Analytics.$65,405
Philosophy has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.-
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Physical scienceshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Communications technologies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Graphic Communications, General.-
Foreign languages has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Cultural has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Women's Studies.-

Students

9,278 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 81.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (7,711)

White
6,396 · 82.9%
Hispanic
476 · 6.2%
Black
265 · 3.4%
Two or more races
222 · 2.9%
Asian
136 · 1.8%
Unknown
99 · 1.3%
International
97 · 1.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.4%
18–19
30.2%
20–21
40.4%
22–24
19.7%
25 and over
9.1%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.9%
22–24
19.1%
25–29
19.5%
30–34
12.1%
35 and over
47.5%

Data insights

Student Demographics at the University of Northern Iowa in 2023

The student composition at the University of Northern Iowa for 2023 showcases a diverse body, particularly among undergraduates. The freshman class, comprising 1,436 students, exhibits a notable gender imbalance with approximately 36.1% male and 63.9% female students. This trend of higher female enrollment continues among the upperclassmen, where 38% of the 5,407 students are male and 62% are female. Such figures reflect a growing trend in higher education where female students are increasingly outnumbering their male counterparts.

Interestingly, the transfer students present a slightly more balanced gender ratio with 43.8% males and 56.2% females. The graduate student population, while smaller at 1,210, shows a significant disparity with only 23.5% being male and a prominent 76.5% female representation. This could indicate a shift in graduate education where more women are pursuing advanced degrees.

The data also indicates an emphasis on diversity within the student body, particularly among the white demographic, which constitutes a majority across all categories. However, the statistics for different ethnic groups within the student body are not fully disclosed, leaving room for further analysis on how the university is addressing inclusivity and representation.

Overall, the University of Northern Iowa appears to be fostering a supportive environment for female students while also accommodating a diverse student population. As institutions continue to evolve, understanding these dynamics can help in shaping policies that promote equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender or background.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at University of Northern Iowa

The age composition of students at the University of Northern Iowa reveals a significant trend towards younger demographics, particularly among undergraduate students. The largest group, those aged 18-19, comprises 777 male undergraduates and a striking 1541 female undergraduates, indicating a strong female presence in this age bracket. This trend continues into the 20-21 age group, where we see 1195 males and 1975 females, which highlights an increasing female majority in higher education.

Interestingly, as we move into the 22-24 age group, while the number of male undergraduates begins to decline (843), the number of female undergraduates remains robust at 1032. This pattern suggests that women are not only enrolling in higher numbers but may also be persisting through their undergraduate studies more successfully than their male counterparts.

The data also indicates a gradual decline in the number of students as age increases, especially notable in the 25-29 age group and beyond, where enrollment numbers drop significantly. This shift may reflect the typical life stages of students, where older individuals often balance education with career and family responsibilities.

Moreover, the representation of graduate students shows a different dynamic, with a noticeable number of females (194) in the 25-29 bracket, suggesting that many individuals return to education later in life, likely seeking advanced degrees to enhance their career prospects.

Overall, the data from the University of Northern Iowa illustrates a growing trend of female students in higher education, particularly among younger demographics, which aligns with national trends showing increased female enrollment in universities across the United States. This shift is crucial for educational institutions to recognize as they develop programs and support systems tailored to meet the needs of their diverse student populations.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.3%

97 in 2025 · 4.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 4.7%2017: 4.0%2018: 3.3%2019: 2.9%2020: 2.6%2021: 2.1%2022: 1.5%2023: 1.0%2024: 1.3%2025: 1.3%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students6.4%

101 in 2025 · 7.5% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 7.5%2017: 8.0%2018: 9.1%2019: 11.1%2020: 8.9%2021: 13.1%2022: 8.3%2023: 5.0%2024: 5.6%2025: 6.4%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the University of Northern Iowa

The data reveals significant trends in the enrollment of international students at the University of Northern Iowa over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduate students increased notably, peaking at 4.80% in 2015. However, this figure has seen a steady decline in recent years, dropping to just 1.03% in 2023. This decline may reflect broader trends in higher education, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global travel and education.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students initially showed a more stable presence, reaching a high of 13.14% in 2021. Yet, similar to the undergraduate numbers, this statistic has also decreased to 5.04% by 2023. The fluctuations in these percentages could suggest challenges faced by universities in attracting and retaining international talent, possibly due to changing immigration policies or competition from other institutions worldwide.

The overall decline in total student enrollment at the university, from over 11,000 in 2004 to less than 8,000 in 2023, indicates a concerning trend for higher education institutions in the U.S. As universities strive to maintain diversity and global perspectives, it becomes imperative to address the factors contributing to these declines, ensuring that international students feel welcomed and supported throughout their academic journeys. The insights from this data could serve as a catalyst for reassessing recruitment strategies and enhancing the overall experience of international students at the University of Northern Iowa.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$31,698

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$21,712
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$9,936
Room and board
$9,986
Graduate tuition
$23,304
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 21% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 20%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$295M

Government grants and contracts
$137M46.5%
Tuition and fees
$52.6M17.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$50.0M17.0%
Gifts and private grants
$9.4M3.2%
Investment return
$8.6M2.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$2.1M0.7%
Other
$34.9M11.8%

Expenses$252M

Instruction
$90.6M35.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$67.0M26.5%
Academic support
$31.6M12.5%
Institutional support
$20.9M8.3%
Public service
$18.5M7.3%
Student services
$16.4M6.5%
Research
$3.9M1.5%
Scholarships
$1.8M0.7%
Other
$1.9M0.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$77,243peers $80,690
Professor
$91,112peers $98,841
Associate professor
$78,154peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$70,554peers $74,446
Instructor
$61,371peers $58,934

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Missouri Valley Conference

Missouri Valley Conference: football, basketball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)100145
Football105-
Basketball1628
Wrestling36-
Swimming and Diving (combined)-34
Soccer-28
Golf1211
Softball-22
Volleyball-17
Tennis-7
2024
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)102140
Football107-
Basketball1731
Wrestling34-
Soccer-29
Swimming and Diving (combined)-29
Softball-23
Golf119
Volleyball-20
Tennis-8
2023
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)108129
Football104-
Basketball1531
Wrestling35-
Swimming and Diving (combined)-33
Soccer-28
Softball-25
Golf129
Volleyball-19
Tennis-8

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the University of Northern Iowa:

  1. Grinnell College - Ranked 11th among liberal arts colleges, Grinnell College is known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.

  2. Iowa State University - This comprehensive university is ranked 115th and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

  3. University of Iowa - Ranked 93rd, the University of Iowa is renowned for its writing programs and is also a leader in health sciences and the arts.

  4. Drake University - With a ranking of 178, Drake University offers a diverse array of liberal arts and professional programs, emphasizing experiential learning.

  5. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Ranked 35th, this prestigious institution is known for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life, offering a comprehensive range of programs across various disciplines.

  6. Macalester College - This liberal arts college is ranked 27th and is recognized for its commitment to internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement.

These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and opportunities for collaboration and engagement in higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
323
Drug arrests
144
Stalking
82
Liquor arrests
55
Drug referrals
25
Rape
24

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Trends at the University of Northern Iowa

The data on crime rates at the University of Northern Iowa over the past decade reveals a concerning trend. From 2013 to 2017, there was a steady increase in the average number of offenses per 1,000 students, peaking in 2017 at 19.52 incidents. This spike could be indicative of various factors, including increased awareness of campus safety and reporting mechanisms, as well as potential rises in certain types of criminal behavior.

Interestingly, the years following 2017 saw fluctuations in the crime rate, with a notable decline in 2021 when the rate dropped to 14.12 incidents per 1,000 students. This decrease may be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant reduction in campus activities and population density. However, the numbers began to climb again in 2022 and 2023, reaching 17.91 incidents per 1,000 students in the latest data.

Particularly concerning are the categories of domestic violence, rape, and drug-related arrests, which are critical issues on college campuses nationwide. The fluctuations in the data may reflect broader societal issues, including changes in mental health and substance abuse patterns among students.

As universities grapple with these challenges, it is essential to promote safety awareness and provide resources for students. The ongoing efforts to address campus safety must be prioritized to ensure a secure environment for all students. For more details on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of University of Northern Iowa include Chuck Grassley (US Senator from Iowa since 1981), Robert James Waller (Author of The Bridges of Madison County) and Phyllis Somerville (Stage, film and television actress).

See all 24 notable alumni of University of Northern Iowa →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.