University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, United States • Founded 1876 • World Rank #4295
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
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.
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.
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
Showing 10 of 69.
Master's Degree 40 programmes
Showing 10 of 40.
Doctorate 7 programmes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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