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Loras College vs University of Northern Iowa

Loras College is a private college in Dubuque, IA, and University of Northern Iowa is a public university in Cedar Falls, IA. University of Northern Iowa is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 100% at Loras College. University of Northern Iowa is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,901 a year against $20,716 at Loras College. About 69% of students graduate at Loras College, compared with 68% at University of Northern Iowa. Ten years after enrolling, Loras College alumni earn a median of about $58,289, against $55,177 for University of Northern Iowa.

Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dubuque, IA
Cedar Falls, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,083
7,529
Acceptance rate
100%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1145
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,716
$15,901
Full cost / yr
$50,537
$22,278
In-state tuition
$39,824
$9,936
Out-of-state tuition
$39,824
$21,712
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,479
$10,863
$30k - $48k
$17,033
$11,751
$48k - $75k
$15,624
$14,099
$75k - $110k
$20,233
$17,740
Over $110k
$23,039
$18,706
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
68%
Freshman retention
82%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,069
$47,222
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,289
$55,177
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$19,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
27%
First-generation students
17%
22%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Loras College or University of Northern Iowa harder to get into?
University of Northern Iowa is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at Loras College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Loras College or University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,901 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,716 at Loras College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Loras College and University of Northern Iowa?
Before aid, University of Northern Iowa costs about $22,278 a year and Loras College about $50,537. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Loras College or University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,863 there, against about $20,479 at Loras College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Loras College or University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 7,529 undergraduates against 1,083 at Loras College.
Does Loras College or University of Northern Iowa have a better graduation rate?
Loras College has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 68% at University of Northern Iowa.
Do graduates of Loras College or University of Northern Iowa earn more?
Loras College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,289 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,177 for University of Northern Iowa. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Loras College and University of Northern Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
Loras College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northern Iowa is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Loras College and University of Northern Iowa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1145 at Loras College and 1020–1280 at University of Northern Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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