University of Northern Iowa admits 94.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 19 out of 20 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UNI in the Open Access category, indicating highly accessible admission for students meeting basic qualifications. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows UNI is more accessible than typical four-year institutions, admitting nearly 10 percentage points more of its applicant pool. This open access approach aligns with UNI's mission as a public university serving Iowa residents and regional students seeking quality higher education. Despite the high acceptance rate, UNI maintains meaningful academic standards through its admitted student profile rather than through restrictive admission quotas. The university's accessible admission policy means that students with a range of academic backgrounds can gain entry, though success depends on academic preparation and program choice. For prospective students, UNI represents a viable option for those seeking a four-year degree with reasonable admission odds. Students should focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than admission strategy, as meeting basic requirements typically results in acceptance. This accessibility makes UNI particularly attractive for first-generation college students, career changers, and those seeking affordable public higher education in the Midwest.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Northern Iowa typically score between 860 and 1,210 on the SAT, with a median of 1,120. The middle 50% SAT Math range spans 400 to 630, while SAT Verbal scores range from 460 to 580. On the ACT, admitted students score between 20 and 26, with a median of 23. These test scores rank at the 91st percentile nationally, indicating UNI enrolls academically strong students despite its accessible admission rate. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1,090 and ACT of 22, UNI students score 30 points higher on the SAT and 1 point higher on the ACT. This 30-point SAT advantage demonstrates that open access does not compromise academic quality in the enrolled student body. The test score ranges indicate most admitted students perform well above national averages on standardized tests. Students scoring below the 25th percentile (860 SAT, 20 ACT) represent one quarter of enrolled students, showing that lower scores do not preclude admission or success. Students whose scores fall within the middle 50% ranges can expect to be academically competitive with their peers. The combination of high test scores and accessible admission suggests UNI attracts academically motivated students who value affordability and program quality over admission exclusivity. Prospective students should view these ranges as indicators of the academic environment they will encounter rather than minimum requirements for admission.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Northern Iowa enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students and 22.5% first-generation students, indicating moderate economic diversity within the student body. While these shares fall below many public universities that serve higher proportions of lower-income students, they demonstrate UNI does enroll students from diverse economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. Transfer students comprise 35.0% of the student body, reflecting UNI's role in serving students who begin their college careers at community colleges or other institutions. This substantial transfer population indicates the university's commitment to providing pathways for students with varied educational journeys. The combination of moderate Pell enrollment and high transfer share suggests UNI serves both traditional college-age students and those taking non-traditional paths to their bachelor's degree. Geographic diversity data shows UNI primarily serves Iowa residents while attracting students from neighboring Midwest states seeking quality public higher education. First-generation students should note that nearly one in four enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional familiarity with first-gen challenges. Students from lower-income families should consider the 23.8% Pell share when assessing social and economic fit within the campus community. Transfer applicants should view the 35% transfer enrollment as evidence of institutional commitment to supporting students transitioning from other colleges.
Given UNI's 94.4% acceptance rate, most applicants who meet basic qualifications will receive admission. However, students seeking alternatives for comparison or different opportunities may consider these options.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of Northern Iowa retains 84.6% of freshmen for their sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and academic support. The university graduates 68.9% of students within six years, significantly exceeding the peer median of 49.3% by nearly 20 percentage points. This substantial completion advantage demonstrates UNI's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 61.6%, creating a 7.3 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. While this gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students, the 61.6% Pell completion rate still exceeds many institutions' overall graduation rates. The difference between retention and completion rates suggests some students face obstacles in later years rather than during the critical first-year transition. Students who gain admission to UNI can expect strong institutional support for academic success, evidenced by retention rates well above peer institutions. The university's track record of supporting transfer students to completion, given the 35% transfer population, demonstrates institutional experience with diverse student pathways. Lower-income students should weigh the 7.3 percentage point Pell gap when considering institutional support, though the 61.6% completion rate for Pell students remains solid. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of institutional commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds and entry points.
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