University of Northern Iowa is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa) is 100%. This means that all applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are University of Northern Iowa Admissions?
- Not Competitive: Applicants with satisfactory academics can easily secure admission.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

However, a 100% acceptance rate or open admission policy does not guarantee admission. Every institution has minimum eligibility criteria. If you meet these conditions, then you can be certain of admission. Additionally, to secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies.
University of Northern Iowa Admission Requirements
UNI Panthers Northern Iowa GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UNI Panthers Northern Iowa is 3.61. UNI Panthers Northern Iowa is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.21 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into UNI Panthers Northern Iowa Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Northern Iowa considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
University of Northern Iowa Average SAT Score: 1121
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Northern Iowa is 1121 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of Northern Iowa SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1121 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Northern Iowa allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1020, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UNI Panthers Northern Iowa. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
University of Northern Iowa SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 570 | 490 | 650 |
SAT Reading | 605 | 530 | 680 |
SAT Composite | 1121 | 1020 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1020 then you are below most of the admitted students at UNI Panthers Northern Iowa and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa) are good but the admission staff at UNI Panthers Northern Iowa tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UNI Panthers Northern Iowa is 23.
University of Northern Iowa ACT Competitiveness

This score makes University of Northern Iowa slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 23 on the ACT.
University of Northern Iowa ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into University of Northern Iowa with a 26 ACT?
With a 26 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Northern Iowa are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of Northern Iowa. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23.UNI Panthers Northern Iowa Profile
Name: University of Northern Iowa (UNI Panthers Northern Iowa)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from UNI Panthers Northern Iowa Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Northern Iowa is USD: 20969. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Northern Iowa is USD: 14414
How can I get a scholarship?
26.01% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UNI Panthers Northern Iowa and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Northern Iowa, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UNI Panthers Northern Iowa as your choice in the form.
How much a UNI Panthers Northern Iowa Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the UNI Panthers Northern Iowa graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 55177. An average UNI Panthers Northern Iowa graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Northern Iowa. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of Northern Iowa, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Northern Iowa. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of Northern Iowa, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Northern Iowa. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Northern Iowa Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55177 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20969 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Northern Iowa is 94.95 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.31, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at University of Northern Iowa with a 3.31 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to University of Northern Iowa if my GPA is below 3.21
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: Admission to University of Northern Iowa is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1121 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1020-1330
Question: Is it possible to transfer to University of Northern Iowa from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to University of Northern Iowa each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: The campus culture at University of Northern Iowa is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into University of Northern Iowa?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Northern Iowa.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.