The University of Northern Iowa hosted UNI Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 5 at the statehouse in Des Moines. This annual event showcases UNI’s impact on the entire state of Iowa through its programs, services, students and alumni. Faculty, staff and students were present to share their love for UNI.

“Our students, faculty and staff serve as engaging ambassadors with our Iowa legislators and take pride in showcasing the many ways that the University of Northern Iowa is positively impacting our state," said UNI President Mark Nook. "UNI Day at the Capitol is also another opportunity for our UNI student government leaders to advocate for the needs of their fellow students. It was my pleasure to once again join UNI students, faculty and staff in advocating for UNI at the capitol." 

Although UNI’s impact stretches internationally, nowhere is this impact more evident than the state of Iowa. In part, this is because year after year, UNI grads choose to remain in the state of Iowa after graduation. Over 90% of UNI undergraduates come from across the state, representing all 99 counties, and 82% of them choose to stay in Iowa to live and work. Even students that come from out of state fall in love with Iowa while at UNI, with nearly half of undergraduates from out of state choosing to stay in Iowa after graduation.

UNI’s impact on the state is especially evident through its teacher education program. UNI-educated teachers are employed in all 99 counties and 99% of Iowa school districts. One of the reasons UNI’s teacher education program stands out is the amount of classroom experience students receive, totaling more than 725 hours by the end of student teaching. When teachers are well trained, they are more likely to stay in the teaching profession. UNI is requesting a $2.5 million increase to its teacher education program to help the university continue to build up Iowa’s educator workforce with well-trained teachers.

Another way UNI shows its impact is the way it prioritizes keeping a four-year degree accessible to all Iowans. Through the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, UNI has allowed Iowans with an associate degree to earn a bachelor’s without leaving their hometown. This initiative has been incredibly successful, boasting 423 students in its second year. UNI is requesting $500,000 to replace the one-time funded federal dollars that were used to launch UNI@IACC.

UNI’s affordability is key to its accessibility. As Iowa’s only public comprehensive university, UNI focuses on providing access to a transformative educational experience to a predominantly low- to moderate-income student profile, as nearly 30% of our undergraduates receive the federal Pell Grant. UNI is asking the Iowa Legislature to provide an increase of $5.8 million in state funding to support access and affordability for UNI students and to hold down student debt. This investment will help Iowa families by holding UNI’s tuition flat for the 2024-25 academic year and provide more tuition differentiation from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.