Incoming class includes 1,709 freshmen, UNI’s largest total since 2017

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa has enrolled 1,709 freshmen for the current academic year, the institution’s highest total in nearly a decade and a 10.3% jump from last year. In total, UNI welcomed 9,366 students, marking the institution’s highest student population since 2020. 

UNI’s total of 3,426 new students also represents the school’s best figure since 2017. UNI’s freshman class is comprised of 1,449 students from the state of Iowa, equating to nearly 85% of the school’s incoming freshmen. The institution also enjoyed a 5.6% rise in new transfer students compared to a year ago. UNI’s overall enrollment has increased 4.7% dating back to 2022. 

“We are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning students to the University of Northern Iowa,” President Mark Nook said. “Our number of incoming freshmen from the state of Iowa has increased over three percent compared to 2025 which has contributed significantly to our largest overall freshman class in nine years. By offering programs of study that prospective students value and that align with workforce needs, even more students from across the state and the Midwest are taking advantage of the exceptional quality and value of a UNI education.” 

Nook noted that health-related programs, elementary education, accounting, applied engineering and construction management have all enjoyed significant enrollment growth. In addition, academic areas like biology and marketing have also contributed to the increase in UNI’s student population, along with social work, computer science, financial management and numerous other programs. 

Tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year at the University of Northern Iowa are $10,505 for new undergraduate students from the state of Iowa, as well as new undergrads from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. UNI attracted 300 new students from those six states, including 235 freshmen. 

One in eight UNI students now graduates in three years, while the institution’s four-year graduation rate stands more than 25 percentage points above similar universities. 

“Our Neighboring State Rate makes UNI an even more attractive destination for families across our region,” Nook continued. “Whether it’s in our classrooms, our residence halls or anywhere else on campus, our faculty and staff continually strive to find innovative ways to engage with students and serve them no matter where they call home. We are exceedingly proud that our current class of Panthers represents all 99 of Iowa’s counties, 46 U.S. states and 52 countries from around the world.”  

UNI continues to be a destination of choice for community college students seeking a bachelor’s degree with 68.0% of new transfer students coming from one of Iowa’s community colleges. Enrollment in UNI’s partnership with all of Iowa’s community colleges, known as UNI@IACC (a program that continues to offer four-year degrees to place-bound and rural students), has more than doubled over the past four years. This year’s total of 595 students represents a 10.4% increase compared to last fall. 

UNI students are also increasingly choosing to live on campus. A total of 3,510 students have moved in for the 2026-27 academic year, the highest number of resident students since 2018 when 3,558 individuals lived on campus. Those numbers mean that 37.5% of UNI’s entire student body lives on campus, the highest percentage dating back to the 1998-99 academic year.