Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Northern Iowa vary significantly by field of study, with technology and business programs generally delivering higher earnings than education and liberal arts fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 46 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale at UNI.
#149 nationally
$39K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Northern Iowa.
This group represents UNI's strongest earning potential, led by Computer Science at $80,228 and Chemical Engineering Technology ranking #7 nationally. These programs demonstrate the university's technical capabilities, though Computer Science lags behind elite institutions in national rankings.
Engineering Technology shows particular strength with top state performance and impressive value scores. Best suited for students prioritizing post-graduation earning potential and technical skill development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #149 |
These rankings reflect actual labor market outcomes rather than program reputation or institutional prestige. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, providing reliable income measurements across career establishment. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for inclusion, ensuring statistical reliability while reflecting UNI's program portfolio. Value scores combine earnings outcomes with debt levels to assess return on investment, helping students evaluate programs based on financial sustainability rather than absolute earnings alone. Rankings position programs within their specific fields nationally and within Iowa, showing both competitive context and regional opportunities. Note that program outcomes vary based on individual career choices, geographic location, and continued education decisions beyond the bachelor's degree.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 46 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #8 | $77,548 | — | 58 |
| Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.Small sample | #3 | $71,643 | — | 19 |
Business programs at UNI show consistent performance across multiple specializations, with Accounting Technology leading at $71,359 and strong value scores throughout. Information Resources Management achieves #25 national ranking, while Business Administration maintains solid outcomes with large enrollment.
Digital Marketing and Banking programs demonstrate UNI's strength in contemporary business education. These programs balance earning potential with practical career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #26 | $79,033★ | — | 50 |
| Construction Management, General. | #24 | $76,875 | — | 37 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #95 | $71,359 | — | 84 |
| Real Estate. | #12 | $62,765 | — | 38 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #115 | $62,693 | $19,500 | 137 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #97 | $61,468 | $13,275 | 174 |
| Digital Marketing. | #84 | $58,874 | $14,696 | 92 |
UNI's health programs excel in specialized areas, with Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology ranking #5 nationally despite moderate earnings of $53,086. This program demonstrates exceptional value with a 96.7 value score and strong professional preparation.
The focused approach in health education reflects institutional commitment to preparing graduates for licensed professional practice in specialized healthcare fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #4 | $53,086★ | — | 50 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #93 | $38,242 | — | 24 |
Biology represents UNI's science offerings with moderate earnings of $49,536 and solid value performance. While not reaching the earning levels of technology fields, this program provides foundation for graduate study and health professions.
The program serves students seeking scientific education and preparation for advanced study or research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability.Small sample | #33 | $75,808★ | — | 17 |
| Biology, General. | #148 | $49,536 | $20,240 | 90 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #74 | $47,014 | — | 10 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #230 | $45,688 | — | 19 |
Psychology leads this group with 118 graduates earning $43,640, while Criminology shows solid performance at $46,343. These programs prepare students for diverse career paths in social services, criminal justice, and graduate study.
Forensic Social Work demonstrates UNI's specialized offerings with good value performance despite moderate earnings. Programs serve students interested in human services and social impact careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #107 | $69,146★ | — | 37 |
| Public Administration, Other.Small sample | #28 | $51,393 | — | 11 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #244 | $49,866 | — | 29 |
| Criminology. | #34 | $46,343 | $15,261 | 50 |
| Psychology, General. | #217 | $43,640 | $24,628 | 118 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #223 | $43,465 | — | 10 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #98 | $41,868 | $12,705 | 72 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #168 | $21,052 | — | 11 |
Communication programs at UNI show mixed outcomes, with general Communication and Media Studies achieving moderate earnings while Digital Communication faces challenges with lower returns. These programs reflect evolving media landscape demands and varying career preparation effectiveness.
Students should carefully consider specialization choices within communications fields based on career goals and market conditions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #57 | $48,546★ | — | 33 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #162 | $45,629 | $17,300 | 56 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.Small sample | #11 | $44,174 | — | 15 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #49 | $38,717 | $22,438 | 56 |
General Studies represents UNI's most flexible program option but shows the lowest earnings at $35,027, creating affordability challenges despite low debt requirements. This program serves students seeking broad education or those undecided on career direction.
The low value score reflects limited labor market returns, suggesting students should have clear post-graduation plans when choosing this path.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #124 | $46,139★ | — | 14 |
| Commercial Photography. | #67 | $45,719 | — | 36 |
| American History (United States). | #164 | $45,192 | — | 37 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #232 | $40,457 | $23,575 | 27 |
| General Studies. | #176 | $35,027 | $14,300 | 76 |
| Acting. | #50 | $34,270 | — | 20 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #194 | $33,793 | — | 23 |
| Brass Instruments. | #112 | $33,150 | — | 26 |
| Buddhist Studies.Small sample | — | $26,353 | — | 6 |
Education programs show UNI's historical strength and mission focus, with Adult and Continuing Education leading enrollment at 380 graduates and ranking #1 in Iowa. Agricultural Teacher Education demonstrates specialized preparation for rural education needs.
While earnings remain moderate ($42,000-$44,000 range), these programs deliver strong value scores and serve critical workforce needs. Best suited for students committed to educational careers and public service.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #65 | $43,846★ | $21,295 | 164 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #50 | $42,919 | $20,313 | 380 |
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | #2 | $39,369 | — | 29 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration.Small sample | #152 | $43,748 | — | 15 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #135 | $44,149★ | $20,300 | 65 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture.Small sample | #31 | $44,135 | — | 13 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #23 | $41,853 | — | 48 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences.Small sample | — | $39,909 | — | 6 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #53 | $39,572 | $18,699 | 45 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
