University of Northern Iowa (UNI) vs South Dakota University
When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and the University of South Dakota (USD) are two excellent options with distinct characteristics. UNI boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible choice, while USD has a slightly higher graduation rate. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including business, education, and nursing. However, UNI has a larger student body, providing a more vibrant campus life. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between UNI and USD. Explore the table to discover which university aligns better with your academic goals, preferred campus environment, and personal preferences.
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![]() University of Northern Iowa |
![]() University of South Dakota |
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Overview |
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Location | Cedar Falls, Iowa | Vermillion, South Dakota |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 81.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 85.8% | 87.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
|
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
|
SAT range | 980 - 1190 | 1050 - 1290 |
ACT range | 20 - 26 | 19 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 3.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 66.0% | 80.0% |
Total number of applicants | 4,772 | 4,272 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,094 | 3,717 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,553 | 1,233 |
Yield rate | 37.9% | 33.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$21,409
Out of state:
$32,109
|
In state:
$25,657
Out of state:
$29,167
|
Average net price | $15,231 | $18,974 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,780
Out of state:
$18,480
|
In state:
$7,773
Out of state:
$11,283
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,699
Meal plan:
$4,461
|
Room/dormitory:
$4,366
Meal plan:
$4,234
|
Available payment plans |
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|
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
76.0%
Average amount $6,227 |
84.0%
Average amount $5,196 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $5,115 |
60.0%
Average amount $5,102 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $7,770 |
14.0%
Average amount $9,890 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
7,967
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
6,987
Men 35.9% Women 64.1% |
Graduate students |
1,250
Men 25.9% Women 74.1% |
2,477
Men 37.2% Women 62.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 9.5% | 39.4% |
International students | 2.4% | 2.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 3,412 | 2,154 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin Missouri | South Dakota Iowa Nebraska Minnesota Wisconsin |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 68.9% | 60.1% |
Dropout rate | 9.5% | 14.2% |
Transferred out | 20.6% | 24.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
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