Academic Comparison between UNI and Illinois State

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

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 (1,130) than Illinois State (1,110).
  • Illinois State has higher submitted ACT score (22) 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

University of Northern Iowavs.Illinois State University
Cedar Falls, IowaLocationNormal, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$9,728
Out-Of-State$21,272
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,121
Out-Of-State$23,479
74%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$7,433Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,441
94.40 %Acceptance Rates89.01 %
33.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.31 %
1,130SAT Score1,110
22ACT Score24
63 %Graduation Rate66 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate-
83 %Retention Rate80 %
8,945Student Population20,683
461Number of Faculties915
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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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