UNI vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 3,603 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 17.9% lower than at Bethel University ($9,986 vs. $12,170).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.7% higher at Bethel University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $22,514 more per year; $44,226 vs. $21,712).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 358.4% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($26,886 vs. $5,865).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Bethel University than at UNI (25 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both UNI and Bethel University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at UNI average a 3.61 high school GPA, 0.01 higher than at Bethel University (3.6).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $3,775 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($20,625 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($213 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation (80% vs. 72%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.