Skip to content

Maharishi International University vs University of Northern Iowa

Maharishi International University is a private university in Fairfield, 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 96% at Maharishi International University. Maharishi International University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,956 a year against $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa. About 68% of students graduate at University of Northern Iowa, compared with 34% at Maharishi International University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Northern Iowa alumni earn a median of about $55,177, against $27,981 for Maharishi International University.

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, IA · Private

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Fairfield, IA
Cedar Falls, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
922
7,529
Acceptance rate
96%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–26
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,956
$15,901
Full cost / yr
$27,892
$22,278
In-state tuition
$16,530
$9,936
Out-of-state tuition
$16,530
$21,712
Application fee
$20
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,269
$10,863
$30k - $48k
$16,585
$11,751
$48k - $75k
$14,066
$14,099
$75k - $110k
$18,954
$17,740
Over $110k
Not reported
$18,706
Outcomes
Graduation rate
34%
68%
Freshman retention
61%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,468
$47,222
Median earnings (10 yr)
$27,981
$55,177
Median debt at graduation
$24,781
$19,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
27%
First-generation students
34%
22%
International students
1%
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 Maharishi International University 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 96% at Maharishi International University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Maharishi International University or University of Northern Iowa?
Maharishi International University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,956 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa. 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 Maharishi International University and University of Northern Iowa?
Before aid, University of Northern Iowa costs about $22,278 a year and Maharishi International University about $27,892. 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, Maharishi International University or University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,863 there, against about $14,269 at Maharishi International University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Maharishi International University or University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 7,529 undergraduates against 922 at Maharishi International University.
Does Maharishi International University or University of Northern Iowa have a better graduation rate?
University of Northern Iowa has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 34% at Maharishi International University.
Do graduates of Maharishi International University or University of Northern Iowa earn more?
University of Northern Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,177 ten years after enrolling, against about $27,981 for Maharishi International University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Maharishi International University and University of Northern Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
Maharishi International University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Northern Iowa is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school