University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa offers continuing and distance education in the form of four bachelor's degrees and over two dozen master's degrees and certificates. Learners who already possess an associate degree can earn a bachelor's in elementary education in just two years. Master's programs at UNI lead to in-demand careers in instructional technology, principalship, and public policy. Additionally, some programs feature a hybrid learning option. UNI provides valuable resources to both students and faculty. Learners can access IT support during office hours, as well as support guides that discuss online learning best practices and how to use the online student portal. Each program also boasts a highly trained and knowledgeable advisor who works with learners one-on-one. New programs start in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per-credit tuition rate plus a small technology fee for each course. Additionally, learners at this top online college in Iowa who take at least six credits per semester may qualify for a merit-based scholarship or need-based grant.
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Admissions Breakdown
Acceptance Rate Insight
84% of students
were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools
with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but
are still accessible to many students who apply.
Retention Rate Insight
88% of full-time
students stayed to continue their studies the following academic
year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall
2020.
Graduation Rate Insight
72% of students
graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their
studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are
not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners.
Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.
Application Considerations
Test scores: | Required | High school transcript: | Required |
High school rank: | Recommended | Letter of recommendation: | Not required or recommended |
High school GPA: | Required | Open admission: | No |
Completion of college prep program: | Required | Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL): |
Transfer Credit Policy
Dual enrollment: Yes
Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes
Credit for qualified life experience*:
ⓘ
*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials,
or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a
portfolio to earn credit.
Learning Environment
30k
Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
52%
Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
16:1
Student to faculty ratio
Degrees Awarded by Program
Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.
# | Programs | BA | MA | Doc |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
2 | Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
3 | Biological And Biomedical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
4 | Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
5 | Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
6 | Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
7 | Education | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
8 | Engineering | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
9 | English Language And Literature/Letters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
10 | Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
11 | Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
12 | Health Professions And Related Programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
13 | History | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
14 | History | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
15 | Legal Professions And Studies | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ |
16 | Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
17 | Library Science | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ |
18 | Mathematics And Statistics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
19 | Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
20 | Natural Resources And Conservation | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
21 | Parks, Recreation, Leisure, And Fitness Studies | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
22 | Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, And Kinesiology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
23 | Philosophy And Religious Studies | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
24 | Physical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
25 | Psychology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
26 | Public Administration And Social Service Professions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
27 | Social Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
28 | Visual And Performing Arts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |