Academic Comparison between Illinois State and UNI

Illinois State University and University of Northern Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Illinois State is located in Normal, IL and UNI is located in Cedar Falls, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Illinois State has more expensive tuition & fees ($23,479) than UNI ($21,272).
  • It is harder to admit to Illinois State than UNI.
  • UNI has a higher submitted SAT score (1,110) than Illinois State (1,110).
  • Illinois State has higher submitted ACT score (24) than UNI (22).
  • Illinois State has more students with 20,683 students while UNI has 8,945 students.
  • UNI has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 915 faculties while UNI has 461 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois State Universityvs.University of Northern Iowa
Normal, IllinoisLocationCedar Falls, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$14,121
Out-Of-State$23,479
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,728
Out-Of-State$21,272
86%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$10,441Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,433
89.00 %Acceptance Rates94.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)33.00 %
1,110SAT Score1,130
24ACT Score22
66 %Graduation Rate63 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
80 %Retention Rate83 %
20,683Student Population8,945
915Number of Faculties461
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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