University of Northern Iowa SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With an 87% acceptance rate, Northern Iowa rewards students who are academically steady, so your first target is a GPA near 3.5 with consistent coursework. If you submit scores, the ACT is the more common path here; aim toward 25 to sit above the middle range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Northern Iowa facts and stats
University of Northern Iowa enrolls 7,716 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Northern Iowa has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 68% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Cedar Falls, IA
How do your scores compare at Northern Iowa?
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Key University of Northern Iowa application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Northern Iowa is test-optional, so use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes and superscoring opportunities.
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What you'll actually pay
Northern Iowa is a public university in the Missouri Valley Conference, with in-state tuition of $8,564 and out-of-state tuition of $20,340. About 30% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 15.
Out-of-state tuition at Northern Iowa is $20,340, while in-state tuition is $8,564. Room and board adds $9,986 to the annual cost. About 30% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $10,890, and the average merit award is $4,783. Graduates leave with an average debt of $23,031.
Student life at University of Northern Iowa
40% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 2% of men join fraternities, and 4% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IAACT: 18–24
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
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