Benedictine University vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedictine University in Lisle, IL with University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Benedictine University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 2,917 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedictine University is located in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedictine University 15:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

Benedictine University vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine University or UNI? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Northern Iowa than Benedictine University ($16,437 vs. $23,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 8% lower than at Benedictine University ($9,986 vs. $10,850).
• Benedictine University is 261.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $26,004 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.5% higher at Benedictine University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $14,228 more per year; $35,940.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedictine University than at University of Northern Iowa (99% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedictine University students is 290.6% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($22,911 vs. $5,865).

Benedictine University vs. UNI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine University or UNI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNI and Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Benedictine University (1170) is 20 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Benedictine University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 1050/1280; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 19/28; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than UNI (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 31.1% at UNI.

Benedictine University vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine University and UNI? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Benedictine University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $1,675 lower median loan debt than Benedictine University graduates ($20,625 vs. $22,300).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedictine University graduates ($213 vs. $230).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.