University of Northern Iowa's published cost of attendance is $21,627 per year, consisting of $9,728 in-state tuition, $9,648 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $21,272.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,278 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,712 |
| Room and Board | $9,986 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,377 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,901 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,863 |
| $30–48k | $11,751 |
| $48–75k | $14,099 |
| $75–110k | $17,740 |
| $110k+ | $18,706 |
University of Northern Iowa's published cost of attendance is $21,627 per year, consisting of $9,728 in-state tuition, $9,648 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $21,272. However, the average student pays just $14,609 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,018 compared to the sticker price.
This net price falls $516 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar public institutions. The university's financial aid strategy demonstrates commitment to accessibility, with aid packages reducing costs substantially across all income levels. Net costs range from $10,170 for the lowest-income families to $16,396 for the highest-income tier, a spread of $6,226 that reflects progressive aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Northern Iowa graduates carry median debt of $19,691, ranking at the 71st percentile nationally and $1,414 above the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 reflects manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income of $55,177, suggesting sustainable repayment conditions for most graduates. This ratio falls within acceptable ranges for educational debt, indicating borrowing levels generally align with earning potential.
Parent PLUS debt averages $15,005 with monthly payments of $197, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate student debt and controlled parent borrowing creates reasonable family debt burdens.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Northern Iowa delivers solid return on investment through moderate earnings combined with controlled costs and debt levels. Graduates earn $55,177 ten years after enrollment, $5,061 above the peer median of $50,116, indicating above-average outcomes relative to similar institutions.
While earnings fall $4,091 below expectations when adjusting for student demographics, this modest gap is mitigated by strong cost management and affordability performance. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 reflects sustainable borrowing relative to income potential, supporting long-term financial health for graduates.
Net prices averaging $14,609 fall $516 below peer medians, creating favorable value positioning. Affordability ranking at the 78.1st percentile demonstrates exceptional performance in cost management relative to national benchmarks.
University of Northern Iowa enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate focus on serving lower-income populations compared to national public university averages. The $7,018 gap between sticker price and average net cost reflects meaningful financial aid distribution across the student body.
Net prices by income level reveal progressive aid allocation, with the lowest-income families receiving aid that reduces costs to $10,170 compared to $16,396 for highest-income families. This $6,226 differential demonstrates effective targeting of institutional resources toward students with greatest financial need.
The university's aid strategy supports its accessible mission while maintaining financial sustainability. Net prices remaining below peer medians across income levels indicate competitive positioning for regional recruitment.
