More selective than 18% of Iowa colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
1% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 46% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose University of Northern Iowa over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have University of Northern Iowa's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at University of Northern Iowa or have its file? Send it to us.
University of Northern Iowa SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, University of Northern Iowa is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 520 | 650 |
| SAT math | 500 | 630 |
| ACT composite | 19 | 26 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1020 | 1280 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
University of Northern Iowa admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 93% | 520–650 | 500–630 | 19–26 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 94% | 460–580 | 400–630 | 20–26 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is University of Northern Iowa compared with other Iowa colleges?
University of Northern Iowa has the 24th-lowest acceptance rate of 29 Iowa colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Central College | 86% | 66% | $23,377 |
| 21 | Simpson College | 86% | 63% | $21,936 |
| 22 | University of Dubuque | 89% | 40% | $23,386 |
| 23 | Iowa State University | 89% | 75% | $18,589 |
| 24 | University of Northern Iowa | 93% | 68% | $15,901 |
| 25 | Maharishi International University | 96% | 50% | $14,956 |
| 26 | Upper Iowa University | 96% | 34% | $20,942 |
| 27 | Grand View University | 99% | 54% | $21,774 |
| 28 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 100% | 66% | $26,924 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Iowa colleges →
Who enrolls at University of Northern Iowa
College Scorecard; IPEDS
University of Northern Iowa admissions questions
What is the University of Northern Iowa acceptance rate?
University of Northern Iowa accepts 93% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 4,638 of 4,913 applicants were admitted.
Does University of Northern Iowa require the SAT or ACT?
University of Northern Iowa considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 1% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 46% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for University of Northern Iowa?
The middle 50% of University of Northern Iowa enrolled first-year students scored 1020–1280 on the SAT and 19–26 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at University of Northern Iowa?
33% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (1,552 of 4,638).
Is University of Northern Iowa getting harder to get into?
University of Northern Iowa accepted 93% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 94% for Fall 2023.
Is University of Northern Iowa the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to University of Northern Iowa overview