University of Iowa vs University of Northern Iowa

Q: How do graduation rates compare between University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa?

University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 73% compared to 66% at University of Northern Iowa.

Q: Which school has higher earnings, University of Iowa or University of Northern Iowa?

University of Iowa graduates earn more, with median 5-year earnings of $52,696 compared to $47,222 at University of Northern Iowa.

University of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data

Metric	University of Iowa	University of Northern Iowa	Winner
Acceptance Rate	85%	94%	University of Iowa
Graduation Rate	73%	66%	University of Iowa
Avg Earnings (5yr)	$52,696	$47,222	University of Iowa
Median Debt	$22,500	$19,691	University of Northern Iowa
Tuition (In-State)	$10,964	$9,728	University of Northern Iowa
Retention Rate	89%	85%	University of Iowa
Financial Aid	42%	44%	University of Northern Iowa

Comparison Analysis

Graduates of the University of Iowa earn more than those of the University of Northern Iowa. Iowa graduates earn $52,696, while Northern Iowa graduates earn $47,222. The University of Iowa has a higher graduation rate, with 73.4% of students graduating, compared to Northern Iowa's 66.3%. Iowa also has a lower acceptance rate, accepting 84.7% of applicants, while Northern Iowa accepts 94.4%.

The University of Iowa has a higher tuition cost than the University of Northern Iowa. Iowa's tuition is $10,964, while Northern Iowa's tuition is $9,728.

When considering the value proposition, the University of Iowa appears to offer a better return on investment due to higher earnings and a higher graduation rate, despite the higher tuition cost. Students may consider their chances of acceptance and their desired location when making their decision.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major	University of Iowa Earnings	University of Northern Iowa Earnings	Difference
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$31,998	$32,709	2% favor University of Northern Iowa
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$31,998	$43,199	35% favor University of Northern Iowa
Finance and Financial Management Services	$59,965	$52,759	14% favor University of Iowa
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$45,015	$42,790	5% favor University of Iowa
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$116,611	$51,690	126% favor University of Iowa
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$46,264	$51,690	12% favor University of Northern Iowa
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$42,790	—
Psychology, General	$33,057	$32,673	1% favor University of Iowa
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$42,790	—
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$42,790	—

Quick Facts

University of Iowa

Type Public

Location Iowa City, IA

Setting City

Students 21,691

University of Northern Iowa

Type Public

Location Cedar Falls, IA

Setting City

Students 7,599

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, University of Iowa or University of Northern Iowa?

University of Iowa has median earnings of $52,696 and tuition of $10,964. University of Northern Iowa has median earnings of $47,222 and tuition of $9,728. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

How do graduation rates compare between University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa?

Which school has higher earnings, University of Iowa or University of Northern Iowa?

Explore Further

University of Iowa ROI Analysis

University of Northern Iowa ROI Analysis