Quad

Admissions

Getting in, fall 2024

U. Northern Iowa admits about 9 in 10 applicants (93%). That puts it in the "Accessible" tier, more selective than 17% of the 1,547 colleges that report admissions.

Fall 2014: 77%Over time

Out of every 100 applicants…

Admitted & enrolled29 of 100 · 1,546 students
Admitted, went elsewhere64 of 100 · 3,425
Not admitted7 of 100 · 389

The funnel

Applied
5,360
Admitted
4,971
Enrolled
1,546

Men and women were admitted at similar rates (92% and 93%).

$40 to apply

Grants credit for AP exams

31%

Yield

31% of admitted students enroll, in the typical range nationally.

Yield rate vs. every college31%
31%
← 5%higher than 72% of 1,576100% →
Acceptance rate vs. every college93%
93%
← More selectivemore selective than 17% of 1,547Less selective →

Where you stand

How U. Northern Iowa reads a record

GPA, the high school record, and a college-prep program are required. Scores are optional. 2% of first-years sent an SAT and 43% an ACT. Most first-years were admitted without scores.

What they look at

High school GPA
Required
High school record
Required
Class rank
Not considered
College-prep program
Required
Recommendations
Not considered
Essay
Not considered
Legacy status
Not considered
Work experience
Not considered
Demonstration of competencies
Not considered
English proficiency test
Not considered
Other tests
Not considered

On the admissions map

PublicPrivateDot size = undergrads

↑ SAT midpoint (higher = higher scores)

Most selective zone80090010001100120013001400150016000%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%University of Northern Iowa
Acceptance rate → less selective

Test scores

What enrolled first-years scored

The typical enrolled first-year who sent scores is around 1150 on the SAT, 20 points below the median for colleges that report scores.

Test policy

Optional

Scores are considered if you send them. For students who entered in fall 2024.

Where would you land?

SAT total1020–1280median 1170
8001000120014001600
Reading & Writing520–650median 590
400500600700800
Math500–630median 580
400500600700800

Middle 50% of enrolled first-years who sent scores This college's median National median midpoint

Who submitted scores?

2%

submitted SAT

43%

submitted ACT

Read with care: fewer than half of enrolled students submitted either test, so these ranges may run high. Learn about admissions.

SAT midpoint vs. every college1150
1150
← 900higher than 44% of 9361535 →

Sources:IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey, 2023–24;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey (athletics, programs, services, religious affiliation), 2025–26About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)