University of Northern Iowa proposes in-state tuition for students from neighboring states
University of Northern Iowa proposes in-state tuition for students from neighboring states
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa is taking a bold step to benefit students across the Midwest with a plan to offer in-state tuition to students in all six states bordering Iowa.
This initiative, pending approval by the Iowa Legislature, aims to help students from neighboring states access affordable, high-quality education while enhancing workforce-ready skills and addressing job shortages in Iowa.
UNI remains the most affordable public institution in Iowa and has long been recognized for helping first-generation college students achieve their educational and professional goals. It is consistently ranked No. 2 on U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest, underscoring UNI’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.
In 2024, the David W. Wilson College of Business continued its long streak of being named a Best Business School by the Princeton Review for more than a decade. The Wilson College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, a distinction that can be boasted by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide.
UNI continues to be widely recognized for its esteemed reputation in teacher education. More than 10,000 educators can trace their roots back to UNI as the institution ranks in the top 1% of teacher education programs nationwide in terms of size and quality.
In addition to these signature programs, UNI launched its standalone Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2024 to help supply the Midwest with more health care professionals. UNI also boasts three new engineering programs: a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering Technology.
By drawing in students from neighboring states and providing them with a high-quality education at an affordable cost, UNI plays a pivotal role in attracting young professionals who will choose to build their careers and lives in our region.
The University of Northern Iowa will welcome its 150th class of students in August 2025 as the institution celebrates its sesquicentennial over the next two years. The Iowa State Normal School was established in 1876 and has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of students and the workforce in Iowa and the Midwest.
FAQs
- Does this plan need approval from the Iowa Board of Regents?
This plan has been approved by the Iowa Board of Regents. UNI is currently waiting for the necessary appropriations for the proposal to be approved by the Iowa Legislature. It is anticipated that the Board of Regents will set tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year this June.
- What is the likelihood that this will be approved?
This initiative was included in Governor Reynolds’ budget proposal at the beginning of the 2025 legislative session. Ultimately, the Iowa Legislature will determine whether UNI's $3 million appropriation request is approved.
- When will this offer begin?
If the Iowa Legislature approves UNI's appropriation request, incoming students from the six states bordering Iowa could receive an in-state tuition rate beginning in Fall 2025.
- Would this apply to both undergrad and graduate students?
This proposal would only apply to undergraduate students.
- UNI currently offers Advantage Awards, which is an automatic admission scholarship of $5,000-$7,000 per year, renewable for four years. How does this proposal impact those scholarships?
The $5,000 Advantage Award for students from contiguous neighboring states would no longer be awarded. Instead, those students would receive the even larger financial benefit of paying the in-state tuition rate. Academic scholarships of varying levels will still be awarded for out-of-state students based on academic merit. Current students who have received additional scholarship awards on top of the $5,000 base Advantage Award will still be awarded the additional amount. Students in non-contiguous states will still be able to receive the $5,000 Advantage Award, plus additional merit awards.
- What if I’m from a non-contiguous state?
Students in non-contiguous states will still be able to receive the $5,000 Advantage Award plus additional merit awards.
