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University of Northern Iowa

1227 West 27th Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0005, USA

University of Northern Iowa award
University of Northern Iowa award
US ranking
position: 271
Tuition & fees per year: $10,201
Acceptance rate: 94.00%
Median alumni salary: $43,293
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1085 SAT, 23 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does University of Northern Iowa offer in terms of athletics?

The University of Northern Iowa provides a diverse and competitive athletics program, participating primarily in NCAA Division I. Its athletic teams, known as the Panthers, compete in the Missouri Valley Conference for most sports, which offers a strong level of competition and exposure for student-athletes. Football is a particularly notable program, competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and often recognized for its competitive performance. The university fields teams in a variety of men's and women's sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, and wrestling, among others.

The school places emphasis on fostering both athletic and academic development, encouraging students to excel on the field while maintaining solid academic progress. Facilities supporting athletics are well-maintained and designed to accommodate both training and competition at a high level. Students interested in athletics can find opportunities to participate at the varsity level or through club and intramural sports, promoting a culture of physical activity and school spirit throughout campus.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Northern Iowa?

The University of Northern Iowa offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are the St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, Panther eSports, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Dance Marathon, and the Accounting Club. These groups provide students with opportunities for community engagement, academic support, and extracurricular involvement.

Who studies at University of Northern Iowa?

The student population at University of Northern Iowa is predominantly composed of in-state residents, making up 91% of the total enrollment, which places the university in the top 20% nationally for this category. Out-of-state students represent only 9%, a notably low figure falling within the bottom 25% when compared to other institutions. International representation is limited, with students from foreign countries accounting for about 1%, reflecting an average level in this aspect.

Freshmen enrollment numbers stand at 1,552, indicating a solid but not overwhelming intake typical among similar-sized universities. Transfer students contribute an additional 821 entrants, leading to a total new student body of 2,373 per academic cycle. These figures suggest moderate turnover and a balanced influx of new attendees each year.

The age profile of students reveals a broad yet youthful demographic, especially among undergraduates. Most are between 18 and 21 years old, with 2,318 aged 18-19 and 3,131 aged 20-21. Graduate students tend to be older, particularly concentrated in the 22-49 age range, highlighting the university's appeal to both traditional students and those pursuing education later in life.

Racial and ethnic diversity at University of Northern Iowa shows a predominance of white students, numbering 4,960, which ranks the institution in the top 30% nationally for this group. Hispanic and African American students number 375 and 201 respectively, placing these groups in the average range but still below the midpoint for diversity among peers. Other ethnicities, including Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races, together comprise smaller segments of the student body, each falling within average percentiles.

How does student life look like at University of Northern Iowa?

Student life at University of Northern Iowa offers a variety of cultural and entertainment options that enrich the campus experience. Students can engage in campus theatre productions, participate in the campus band and chorus, and enjoy programs through the campus radio and television stations. The university supports a vibrant campus newspaper, providing a platform for student journalism and campus information.

Health and well-being resources are accessible, including a health clinic and psychological counseling services, which contribute to a supportive environment for students' physical and mental health. Additionally, the university maintains an office dedicated to veterans' affairs, reflecting a commitment to serve students who have military backgrounds.

Despite the relatively moderate size of the campus community and staff, the university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 18, which is considered high and suggests students generally have access to faculty members. With over 9,200 enrolled students, including more than 1,500 who are full-time degree seekers, the campus fosters a diverse and active student body.

Athletically, the university participates in NCAA competitions, which can enhance school spirit and community involvement among students through various sports and events.

What libraries are available to students at University of Northern Iowa?

The University of Northern Iowa offers students access to two libraries, including its primary facility, Rod Library. The overall number of libraries and additional library resources fall within average ranges compared to similar institutions, placing the university in the top half nationally for these categories.

Rod Library provides both physical and digital collections, supported by trained staff and established hours of operation. The library offers 97 hours of weekly service and includes study rooms to accommodate student needs, although it does not provide all-day access.

The university's holdings include a collection of approximately 744,000 books, ranking in the top 40% of comparable institutions. Subscriptions to periodicals number over 20,000, also positioning the university above average in this area. For electronic resources, the university maintains about 593,000 e-books and over 100,000 digital subscriptions, though digital access levels fall slightly below the median compared to peers. Additionally, there are 273 databases available, which is close to the median range nationally.

Students benefit from access to shared collections, expanding research options beyond the university's own holdings. The combination of physical facilities and digital access ensures that a variety of academic materials are available to support diverse fields of study.

University of Northern Iowa Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

9283

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1538

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

385 full time, 180 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Northern Iowa Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Rod Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Northern Iowa Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Northern Iowa Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Northern Iowa Location & Map