by our College Data Analytics TeamIs UNI worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UNI is ranked #1,083 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C. Within Iowa, it ranks #18 of 48 for value.
Among the majors UNI offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Marketing | #2 of 11 |
| International Marketing | #2 of 11 |
| Retail and Sales | #2 of 17 |
| General Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations | #2 of 17 |
| Other Finance and Financial Management Services | #3 of 36 |
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor | #3 of 5 |
| Teacher Education | #3 of 5 |
| Teaching English or French | #3 of 5 |
| Accounting / Finance | #4 of 21 |
| Investments and Securities | #4 of 21 |
Below is the detailed UNI value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
University of Northern Iowa is ranked #5 out of #51 in Iowa for quality and #18 out of #48 for Iowa value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the UNI financial aid page to be sure.
University of Northern Iowa is ranked #1,083 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
University of Northern Iowa is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UNI costs about $17,814. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $71,255 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $22,277 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $15,901 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $17,814 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,255 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UNI net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UNI degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $89,108 | — | — |
| All Students | $71,255 | #1,083 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $63,604 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $89,108 | — | — |
| All Students | $71,255 | #18 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $63,604 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UNI shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,170 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,136 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,872 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,058 |
| Over $110K | $16,396 |
About 70% of UNI undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $7,415 per year. Get more details on the UNI financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the UNI net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.