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University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

9,204 Students on Campus
Cedar Falls Location
170,081 Metro Population
9,204 Students on Campus
Cedar Falls Location
170,081 Metro Population

About This Campus

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, a pleasant community of 41,570 in the northeast part of the state. Travel time to Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, or Kansas City ranges from three to six hours.

Although UNI is noted for its outstanding teacher education programs, the curriculum also includes exceptional programs in business, humanities, arts and sciences and social and behavioral sciences. More than 90 majors are available to the nearly 10,000 students who attend this medium-sized university.

 

The attractive 900-acre residential campus has 50 major buildings and 10 residence halls are within easy walking distance of the classrooms. The UNI-Dome, a unique indoor stadium, and the McLeod Center, a multi-purpose arena, host sports and other special events, while the Wellness Center includes pools, courts, gyms, and an indoor track. The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center brings many internationally acclaimed artists to campus each season.

Voted #1 "Best College Food" in Iowa by niche.com

92% of classes have less than 50 students

UNI's College of Business has earned accreditation from the AACSB

Helpful Information

The University of Northern Iowa offers a welcoming, student-centered environment paired with strong academic programs. Our advisors provide excellent support for course selection and registration. Most classes are easily accessible, and our team is happy to work with academic departments on behalf of potential NSE advisees.

Living on campus is convenient, guaranteed, and gives students an authentic experience. UNI’s campus is walkable, with dining, recreation, and student services at your fingertips. Students enjoy a friendly atmosphere, active student organizations, and opportunities to engage in cultural and social events throughout the year.

Location Information

Located in the Cedar Valley, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro has a combined population of approximately 170,000. There are more than 110 miles of trails to explore, with parts of the trail accessible from the campus. The surrounding community offers live music, comedy clubs, two waterparks, festivals, and a welcoming environment for students and families.

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/23/2027 - Fall End Date: 12/17/2027

Spring Start Date: 01/19/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/14/2027

Summer Start Date: 05/18/2027 - Summer End Date: 08/07/2027

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Accounting
  • Communication Disorders
  • Early Childhood
  • Elementary Education
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
Limited Closed

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
  • Summer Exchange: Summer Only Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will accept on Home
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - No

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 07/08/2026
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Not Available
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Admission Fee
$40
Year
Away
Optional
Parking Fee
$70.2
Year
Away & Home
Optional
Housing Fee
$50
Year
Away
Optional
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Parking Fee is for a C permit and is the cheapest option for dorm students. The $50.00 Housing Deposit is actually the Housing Application Fee if a student chooses to live on campus.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 07/08/2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $2800
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

UNI Housing & Dining provides an all-inclusive campus living experience, engaging and supporting students from the day they move in to their new UNI home. Eat, sleep, study, relax, play. There's a space and place for everything. Live the UNI experience.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $2487
  • Campus Meal Plans
Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Direct Placement for Spring 2027

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

Direct placement is available for Spring 2027! Apply now and receive an immediate decision.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

Direct placement is not available for this payment plan during Spring 2027.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 27/28

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: