UNI vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

UNI vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or CNU? 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 CNU ($16,437 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 19.9% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($9,986 vs. $12,460).
• Christopher Newport University is 69.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $6,892 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.6% higher at CNU than at University of Northern Iowa (about $9,466 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Northern Iowa than at Christopher Newport University (83% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 78.9% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($10,494 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or CNU? 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 CNU and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 30 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming CNU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at UNI (3.61).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 18% at CNU.

UNI vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and CNU? 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 Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $600 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $4,375 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($20,625 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($213 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 72%)

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.