Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa State University vs University of Northern Iowa
Compare average net price ($18,589 at Iowa State University; $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa), ROI score (8.52 vs 8.68), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($63,386 vs $55,177), and admissions selectivity (88.7% acceptance at Iowa State University; 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Iowa State University | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.52 | 8.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,589 | $15,901 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $74,356 | $63,604 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,787 | $9,936 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,881 | $21,712 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $63,386 ✓ | $55,177 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 92.7% |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% ✓ | 67.9% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% ✓ | 81.7% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $19,691 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 25,367 | 7,529 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1204 | 1122 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Iowa State University | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,582 ✓ | $10,863 |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,506 ✓ | $11,751 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,463 | $14,099 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,605 | $17,740 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $22,496 | $18,706 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Iowa State University | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.3% | 14.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.2% | 8.6% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2.8% | 5.1% |
| Psychology, General | 2.7% | 4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 1% | 4.9% |
| Marketing | 3.5% | 2.1% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.6% | 2.9% |
| Biology, General | 2.7% | 2.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Northern Iowa reports the lower average net price by $2,688 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $10,752 difference over four years ($63,604 vs $74,356).
Iowa State University reports $8,209 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($63,386 vs $55,177). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 87.6% at Iowa State University and 81.7% at University of Northern Iowa. Median federal debt among completers is $22,869 vs $19,691, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Iowa State University vs University of Northern Iowa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Northern Iowa is cheaper — average net price $15,901 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $2,688 adds up to about $10,752 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $55,177 at University of Northern Iowa. The gap in the federal data is $8,209. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Iowa State University is more selective at 88.7% acceptance vs 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.