College comparison

Northern Illinois University vs University of Northern Iowa

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
Acceptance rateNorthern Illinois University is more selective	70%	93%
SAT (25–75)	—	1020–1280
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	11,301	7,529
Avg net price	$13,391	$15,901
Median earnings (10 yr)Northern Illinois University reports higher median earnings	$57,808	$55,177
Graduation rate	49%	68%
Median debt	$22,162	$19,691
Economic mobility	1.6%	1.1%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Northern Illinois University or University of Northern Iowa harder to get into?

Northern Illinois University is more selective: Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate is approximately 70% and University of Northern Iowa's is approximately 93% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University vs University of Northern Iowa?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at Northern Illinois University and 1020–1280 at University of Northern Iowa. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.