Schools Like Northern Iowa (2025)

If University Of Northern Iowa Is a Reach

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.

Geographic Alternatives

Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.

Students wanting to remain in Iowa should consider Upper Iowa University (93.3% acceptance, $52,766 median earnings) just 40 miles away with nearly identical outcomes and similar program focus. Cornell College (80.7% acceptance, $53,460 earnings) is 67 miles away, offering comparable earnings with a liberal arts environment. Coe College (70.7% acceptance, $57,125 earnings) sits 55 miles away with slightly higher earnings and similar academic profile.

Upper Iowa University• IA

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Same state (40 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus

Accept Rate93%

Earnings$52,766

Rank

Similarly Selective Peers

Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.

University of Dubuque (86.9% acceptance, $51,190 earnings) offers similar accessibility with comparable test scores and outcomes 90 miles away. University of Iowa (84.7% acceptance, $64,762 earnings) provides significantly higher earnings potential with moderately more selective admission 76 miles from UNI. Grand View University (98.4% acceptance, $52,824 earnings) offers even more accessible admission with similar outcomes 85 miles away.

University Of Dubuque• IA

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Similar admission rate (7.5 percentage points difference) and similar test scores (1 point difference) with similar program focus; located 90 miles away

Accept Rate87%

Earnings$51,190

Peer Institutions

Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber

Western Connecticut State University• CT

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Similar quality tier (#428 ranked)

Accept Rate81%

Earnings$59,115

Rank#428

Georgia Gwinnett College

Schools Similar to University Of Northern Iowa: Questions & Comparisons

University Of Dubuque is more selective with a 87% acceptance rate, compared to 94% for University Of Northern Iowa. Both schools offer strong outcomes, making them good options depending on your profile.

University Of Northern Iowa's peer institutions include University Of Dubuque, University Of Iowa, Grand View University. These schools have similar selectivity, student profiles, and academic outcomes.

Use Azimuth's alternatives tool to find schools with similar outcomes but lower net prices than University Of Northern Iowa's $13,872.

Colleges near University Of Northern Iowa in IA include Upper Iowa University, Cornell College, Coe College.

Back to University Of Northern Iowa Overview