University of Northern Iowa brand mark

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, United States Founded 1876 World Rank #4295

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: UNI
Founded: 1876
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #4295
Rank in United States: #456
Motto: Discover Where You Belong
Colours: Purple and gold
Mascot: TC Panther and TK Panther
View of the University of Northern Iowa campus
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Established in 1876, the University of Northern Iowa is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cedar Falls (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Iowa.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of Northern Iowa (UNI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 148-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

UNI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Northern Iowa's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Address: 1227 W 27th Street
Postal Code: 50614-0005
Phone: +1 (319) 273 2311
Fax: +1 (319) 273 3509
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academic statistics for University of Northern Iowa — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 7,529
Student Enrollment: 9
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Iowa Board of Regents (IBR) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

How University of Northern Iowa structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.

Unit 4 items
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Education
  • College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences
  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Programs Offered

Browse University of Northern Iowa's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.

116 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 69 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Apparel and Textiles
Family & Consumer Science
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry

Showing 10 of 69.

Master's Degree 40 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Master's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership

Showing 10 of 40.

Doctorate 7 programmes

Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Doctorate in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Doctorate in Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
General Engineering
Doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Sport and Exercise Science
Doctorate in Special Education and Teaching
Special Education
Doctorate in Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Education & Teaching

How to apply to University of Northern Iowa

Five steps that capture how most applications to University of Northern Iowa flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Northern Iowa runs 116 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Before applying to University of Northern Iowa, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Northern Iowa's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (uni.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (319) 273 2311. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Northern Iowa

A short Q&A covering University of Northern Iowa's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

When did University of Northern Iowa open?

University of Northern Iowa traces its founding to 1876 (approximately 150 years ago).

Where is University of Northern Iowa located?

University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, United States.

Is University of Northern Iowa public or private?

University of Northern Iowa operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at University of Northern Iowa?

Student enrolment at University of Northern Iowa is around 9,000-9,999.

What is University of Northern Iowa's ranking?

It ranks #4295 globally and #456 in United States.

What is University of Northern Iowa's academic structure?

University of Northern Iowa is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.

Is University of Northern Iowa accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.

What is University of Northern Iowa's official website?

The institution's website is uni.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

If University of Northern Iowa's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.

Faculties at nearby universities

Religious and cultural amenities cluster around University of Northern Iowa's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Education & Teaching programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.

Universities Compared with University of Northern Iowa

When students choose University of Northern Iowa, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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