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University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University are both public institutions — University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA and Iowa State University in Ames, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Cedar Falls, IA · Public
Acceptance rate: 92.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,529
Tuition: $21,712/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.9%
Top programs: Education, Business and marketing, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Cedar Falls, IA with published program strength in Education and Business and marketing.
Ames, IA · Public
Acceptance rate: 88.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 25,367
Tuition: $28,881/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.3%
Top programs: Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Ames, IA with published program strength in Engineering and Business and marketing.
| Factor | University of Northern Iowa | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 92.7% | 88.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1020–1280 |
| 1120–1360 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–26 | 21–28 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,529 | 25,367 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,712/year | $28,881/year |
| Average net price after aid | $15,901 | $18,589 |
| Graduation rate | 67.9% | 75.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $55,177 | $63,386 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Cedar Falls, IA | Ames, IA |
| Largest program areas | Education, Business and marketing, Communication | Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture |
Iowa State University is more selective (88.7% vs 92.7% acceptance rate). University of Northern Iowa has a lower average net price after grant aid ($15,901 vs $18,589). Iowa State University reports the higher graduation rate (75.3% vs 67.9%). Iowa State University is the larger undergraduate campus (25,367 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 92.7%; Iowa State University is around 88.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Northern Iowa tuition is $21,712/year. Iowa State University is $28,881/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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