The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) offers a comprehensive educational experience at an affordable cost. As a public university, UNI strives to make higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UNI’s tuition rates, fees, and financial aid options to help you plan your financial future.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Undergraduate tuition at UNI varies depending on your residency status and the number of credit hours you take each semester.
Residency Status | Tuition per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Iowa Resident | $274 |
Non-Iowa Resident | $565 |
In addition to tuition, students are required to pay a variety of fees, including:
- Student fees: $270 per semester
- Technology fee: $30 per semester
- Health insurance fee: $1,365 per year (optional)
Example:
For an Iowa resident taking 15 credit hours per semester, the total tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year would be:
Tuition: $274 x 15 x 2 = $8,220
Fees: $270 x 3 + $30 x 3 = $1,080
Total: $9,300
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Graduate tuition at UNI also varies depending on your residency status and the program you enroll in. Here are some examples of graduate tuition rates for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Program | Iowa Resident | Non-Iowa Resident |
---|---|---|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $605 per credit hour | $995 per credit hour |
Master of Arts in Education (MAE) | $390 per credit hour | $640 per credit hour |
Doctor of Education (EdD) | $515 per credit hour | $845 per credit hour |
Graduate students may also be required to pay additional fees, such as program fees, lab fees, and dissertation fees.
Example:
For an Iowa resident pursuing an MBA and taking 9 credit hours per semester, the total tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year would be:
Tuition: $605 x 9 x 2 = $10,890
Fees: (Varies depending on program and course selection)
Total: $10,890+
Financial Aid Options
UNI offers a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the cost of tuition and fees. These options include:
- Scholarships: UNI awards over $20 million in scholarships each year to incoming and current students.
- Grants: Grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. UNI offers a variety of grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Iowa Tuition Grant.
- Loans: Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. UNI offers a variety of loans, including federal student loans and private student loans.
Planning for College Costs
Planning for college costs is an important part of the college application process. Here are some tips to help you plan:
- Estimate your total costs. Use the information provided in this article to estimate your total tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Explore financial aid options. Research the different types of financial aid available to you and apply for as many scholarships, grants, and loans as possible.
- Create a budget. Once you have an estimate of your costs and financial aid, create a budget to track your income and expenses.
- Make a plan. Decide how you will pay for the remaining costs after financial aid. This may involve working part-time, taking out student loans, or applying for payment plans.
Conclusion
The University of Northern Iowa offers an affordable education with flexible financing options to meet the needs of all students. By understanding the tuition and fee structure, exploring financial aid options, and planning ahead, you can make your dream of a UNI education a reality.