Iowa State University is a reputable public research university in Ames, Iowa. It is a large university with around 28,000 undergraduate students. The admissions are fairly open, with an acceptance rate of around 89.1%. The most popular majors include Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is about 74%, and Iowa State graduates have a median starting salary of around INR 6,50,000 (around $8,500 per year).
University of Northern Iowa is a well-established public university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It is a mid-sized school with approximately 10,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are quite open, with an acceptance rate of nearly 94%. Typical majors are Education, Business, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Humanities. The six-year graduation rate is near 70%, and UNI graduates receive a median starting salary of near INR 5,80,000 (approximately $7,600 per year).
| Iowa State University | University of Northern Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 449 QS World University 2026 # 200 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 405 Forbes 2019 |
| Programs | UG Programs -128 PG Programs -56 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -109 PG Programs -19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89.1 % | 94.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-100 IELTS-6 PTE-48 SAT-1160 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-5.5 SAT-1080 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 26136 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28644 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 10808 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 19480 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 19633 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20512 Per Year |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.9/10 Read 2 reviews | 8.5/10 Read 2 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7.5/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 100/120 | GMAT - 500/800IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 52/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -38640 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -21375 |
| application dates | Nov 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Mar 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake) Jun 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) | Feb 15, 2025 (Fafsa Priority Deadline For 2025 Intake) Feb 15, 2025 (Uni Scholarship Priority Deadline) |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6/6PTE - 48/90TOEFL - 71/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 52/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -26136 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19480 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6/6PTE - 48/90TOEFL - 71/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 52/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -26136 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19480 |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Iowa State University | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1858 | 1876 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 56% Male, 44% Female | 42.6% Male, 57.4% Female |
| Hostel | #Housing & Food - $10808 | #Off campus (with family) - $2950 #On campus - $8781 #Off campus (not with family) - $8781 |
| Weather |
Iowa State University vs University of Northern Iowa
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) are highly respected public institutions in Iowa, although ISU enjoys greater national and international reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, ISU ranks 449th, whereas UNI is not ranked in the QS rankings. Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, ISU falls within the 401–500 band, whereas UNI is unranked. In the U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, ISU ranks 380, while UNI is not ranked. ISU is especially well-regarded in engineering, agriculture, computer science, and business, while UNI has strong education, social sciences, and business programs, with a strong regional emphasis.
General Information
Iowa State University, which was established in 1858 in Ames, Iowa, is a large public research university with an enrollment of approximately 27,000 undergraduate students. It provides a great diversity of academic programs and has extensive research contributions in STEM disciplines, agriculture, and business.
The University of Northern Iowa, founded in 1876 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a smaller public university with around 10,000 undergraduate students. UNI is known for its emphasis on teacher education, liberal arts, and business programs, offering a more personal campus experience with close regional connections.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Iowa State University also has a relatively high 89.1% acceptance rate, which is available to the majority of applicants with selective programs in high-competition majors such as engineering and business.
The University of Northern Iowa is even more open with an acceptance rate of 94%, which corresponds with its mandate to provide broad access to higher education in the region. The admissions are selective in emphasizing academic ability and college-readiness for classes.
Research Impact & Facilities
ISU is an R1 research university with high research activity in agriculture, engineering, computer science, and business. It has many specialized research centers, laboratories, and industry partnerships.
UNI, although not an R1, focuses on applied research and regional collaboration, particularly in education, social sciences, and community development. Its research addresses regional workforce demand.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both institutions offer low tuition costs, especially for residents. ISU and UNI have scholarships, grants, and need-based assistance available to aid both domestic and foreign students. The smaller campus of UNI usually means lower overall cost of living.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Iowa State University alumni enjoy bright career opportunities in engineering, business, agriculture, and technology with a major network of alumni and national career resources.
University of Northern Iowa alumni are particularly well-situated for education, public service, business, and social sciences, typically seeking regional career opportunities within Iowa and the surrounding states.
