UNI vs. Southern Utah University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Utah University is larger than UNI based on total student enrollment (15,444 students vs. 9,278 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Southern Utah University is in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Southern Utah University 22:1.

UNI vs. Southern Utah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Southern Utah University? 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 Southern Utah University than UNI ($11,840 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Utah University are 7.5% lower than at University of Northern Iowa ($9,236 vs. $9,986).
• University of Northern Iowa is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $2,974 more per year; $9,936.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at UNI than at Southern Utah University (about $520 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $21,192.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at University of Northern Iowa (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Utah University students is 66.7% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($9,779 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Southern Utah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or Southern Utah University? 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 Southern Utah University and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 10 points higher than at Southern Utah University (1140).
• Incoming Southern Utah 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: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Southern Utah University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Southern Utah University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Southern Utah University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Southern Utah University (3.58).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Southern Utah University (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 13.7% at Southern Utah University.

UNI vs. Southern Utah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Southern Utah University? 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 Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have a $8,050 lower median loan debt than UNI graduates ($12,575 vs. $20,625).
• Among borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNI graduates ($130 vs. $213).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Utah University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 69%)

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.